Essential Supplies for Successful Seed Starting

Whether you're working indoors or on a sheltered patio, setting up a proper seed-starting station is the first step toward a thriving garden. Begin by covering your work surface with newspapers or a vinyl cloth to keep things tidy. Fill a wheelbarrow or large bucket with a packaged seed-starting mix—plan for at least 6 quarts per person—and moisten it until it's evenly damp but not soggy.

Must-Have Supplies

• Containers, seed trays, and peat pots
• Chopsticks or pencils for dibbling holes
• Trowel or scoop for handling mix
• High-quality seed-starting mix
• Extra seeds to share with fellow gardeners
• Water-filled spray bottle for gentle watering
• Wood markers or popsicle sticks for labeling
• Permanent marking pens and envelopes to store leftover seeds
• Extra containers or seed trays for succession planting

With these essentials on hand, you'll be ready to sow seeds efficiently and give your seedlings the best possible start.