How To Start Seeds Indoors

Starting seeds indoors allows you to get a head start in  your garden before your last frost date. This is the time to start thinking about what seeds you want to start planting before spring arrives. This is a beginners guide on how to start seeds indoors and what materials you will need.

What you will need to start seeds indoors

• Seeds– here’s a starter kit

• Seed starting tray

• Seed starting potting mix

• Grow light

• Heat mat

 

What is a last frost date?

Your last frost date is the last day you will have a freeze. Check your growing zone to see what your last frost date is. My grow zone is 9b, so basically the deep south. My last frost date is around March 30th so I usually like to start seeds in February.

If you were to plant something like a tomato or a cucumber outside before your last frost date, they would probably die. Spring crops don’t usually like temperatures below 50 degrees.

What seeds should I plant?

Some of my favorite seeds to plant are tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, and squash. You can plant any fruit or vegetable that likes warm temperatures. When you’re buying seeds, check the back of the package to see the planting instructions.

 

You may also like:

• What to grow in the garden for spring
• Top 5 easiest veggies to grow

How to start seeds indoors

 

• Put your seed starting potting mix into the tray until every compartment is filled.

• Take your pinky finger and poke holes in the compartments that you want to sew seeds.

• label your seeds, I usually use Popsicle sticks and permanent marker.

• Make the holes similar to the size of the seed you are planting, don’t sew the seeds too deep or they will not germinate.

• Cover the seeds with the soil and gently water until completely moist.

• Place tray on a seedling heat mat and cover with the lid to retain moisture.

• Once your seeds begin to sprout, place the tray under the grow lights.

• transfer the seedlings to bigger containers after a few weeks, or when you feel like they are growing out of the trays

• Before transferring the seedlings to the garden, leave them outside for a week so they can get used to the elements. This is called “hardening off”.

• Plant in your garden when you are no longer in danger of a frost.

• Happy gardening!