Starting Plants Indoors: Seed Starting

One of my main winter projects has been starting plants indoors. I want to have TONS of flowers and a nice size vegetable garden this summer. In order to get a jump start on it (and save a little money in the process) I have been growing different flowers from seed inside under grow lights.

I am pleased with the progress of my seed starting adventure. I mentioned in my gardening post that this is my first garden and I am super excited about it (Ask anyone, It’s all I talk about). So, if you are new to gardening you are in the right place! I am taking you along for the ride. We are going to learn together through my successes and my mistakes (hopefully with more success than mistakes).

Plants I'm Starting From Seed Indoors

I decided to start with pansies, lavender, basil, snapdragons, and marigolds. I have other plants I want to start from seed, but the recommendation on the back of the seed packet is for sowing directly outdoors.

Right now, I am about 4 weeks in. I think I am right on track for southern Indiana. Our last frost is usually mid-to-late April. Per seed packet recommendation, I started my seeds 8-10 weeks before that last frost date, which was late in February.

I have 2 different grow lights. It isn’t the most beautiful setup, but it works for me right now. I turn my grow lights on when I wake up in the morning (usually around 6 am) and turn them off when I go to bed at night (around 10 pm). They average a solid 14-16 hours of light each day. I keep the light about 2-3 inches above the top of the plant. So far, so good!

I have read that plants get leggy if the grow light isn’t strong enough. The grow lights I purchased are definitely NOT top-of-the-line, but they did have good reviews. I am slightly concerned about the “legginess,” but I guess we will see. Next year I will most likely invest in a more permanent setup.

Tips For Starting Plants Indoors

Use seed starting soil rather than garden soil or potting mix. Seed starting soil is much lighter and contains the nutrients seeds need to thrive.
Follow the recommended sowing method on the back of the seed packet. Some will recommend sowing indoors, while others will recommend sowing directly outdoors once temperatures are warm enough. Following the recommendations on the seed packet will improve your chances of success.
Place 2-3 seeds in each cell. Once the seeds have germinated, thin to one plant per cell.
Use a small oscillating fan in the room with your seeds. The slight breeze will mimic what occurs in nature and encourage a stronger plant.

Seed Starting Indoors

Moisten the seed starting soil. It should be wet, but not soggy.
Fill the seed starting trays with the pre-moistened soil. Tap the soil into the cells (lightly) to remove any air pockets.
Place 2-3 seeds in each cell. Depth should be based on seed packet recommendation.
Gently water the seeds in place.
Place the lid on the seed tray. If you don’t have a lit use any type of clear plastic that will create a dome of humidity.
Place under grow light 12-16 hours each day.
Remove lid once germinated.
After a week or so thin to 1 plant per cell.
Fertilize weekly once the plant has put on 2nd set of leaves.

Winter Sowing Outdoors

Use any empty, clear plastic bottle or jug. I used empty milk jugs.
Remove & discard cap.
Cut 4 drainage holes in the bottom.
Cut bottle or jug in half leaving only a 2 inch section connected.
Fill the bottom with pre-moistened soil.
Place seeds according to recommendation on seed packet.
Lightly water the seeds into place.
Seal jug up with clear box tape.
Set outside in sunny location.

Amazon Seed Starting Purchases

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Fiskar Micro-Tip Pruners: These are great for thinning seedlings.
Grow Lights: I purchsed 2 different types of grow lights. At this point I am pleased with both. Clip-On Grow Light & Hanging Grow Light.
Espoma Organic Fertilizer: I use this weekly once my plants have their second set of leaves.
Garden Sprayer: This is a great way to water without displacing seeds.
Burpee Self Watering Seed Starting Kit: I really enjoy this kit because it has everything you need to be successful. The lid is helpful for germination. The self-watering feature is nice because you don’t have to worry about watering quite so often.