Start Seeds Indoors for a Head Start on Spring

Northern gardeners: don’t wait for frost-free dates. Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks early for a month of extra blooms and harvest.

Critical Success Factors

• Sterile medium: Prevents damping-off fungus. Use commercial peat/vermiculite mix (labeled sterile) or oven-sterilize your own.
• Light: 14+ hrs/day. Sunny window + supplemental grow lights (not regular bulbs).
• Moisture: Bottom-water in trays. Keep damp, never soggy. Gravel trays reduce drying.
• Cover initially: Plastic wrap holds humidity. Remove at first sprout.
• Timing: Don’t start too early—leggy, root-bound seedlings transplant poorly.

Transplant Prep

At 2+ true leaf sets: feed weak soluble fertilizer. Harden off 1 week. Transplant once—outdoors, after frost.

Track & Learn

Keep a journal. Join forums. Experiment yearly. Experience is the best teacher.

Indoor seed-starting turns a short season into a long harvest. Your spring garden starts in January.