I’ve talked about it before, but the difference between gardening in Arizona and gardening here in Alabama has been surprisingly difficult to get used to. I thought it would be so much easier to have a thriving garden in Alabama, but so far that has not been the case. But, this year, I’m not messing around. I’ve done so much research on all the things – soil, sunlight, water, and starting seeds indoors.
Is it better to start seeds indoors?
Starting seeds indoors will allow you to get a jumpstart during the gardening season and can also be much more cost-effective than buying plants from your local garden center. With the right preparation, your seeds will be ready to plant in the garden, ensuring a plentiful growing season.
So, is it better to start seeds indoors? Yes, if you want to get a headstart on the season. If you want to learn how let me walk you through my process of how to start seeds indoors:
Determine the Right Timing
When you should start your seeds indoors depends on where you live. The goal is to have transfer-ready plants ready to be planted in your actual garden right after your last frost date. Since most seeds will need at least 6 weeks to sprout and mature, the best time to start your seeds indoors is 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Where I am in northern Alabama, our last frost date is typically around April 15, so I count 6 weeks back from there and start my seeds the last week of February or the first week of March.
To make things super easy for you, check out the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which tells you when your last frost date is, and other helpful gardening tips based on your planting zone.
What do I need to start seeds indoors
A lot of the indoor seed guides make everything so complicated! If this is your first time starting seeds indoors, keep it simple. Treat this year as an experimental year and add to your process as you get more comfortable in the years to come. Here are the basics you need to start seeds indoors:
- Seeds: Obviously. Decide which plants you’re hoping to start. This year I’m doing roma tomaotos, bell peppers, and a couple of flowers.
- Containers: Use recycled items if you can – I used old Chobani containers and an egg carton, and also have some of last year’ containers from the garden store. If you don’t have anything to reuse, you can get peat pots or seed trays. Whatever you choose, make sure they have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Seed-Starting Mix: Use a sterile, lightweight mix designed for seed germination, which provides the necessary nutrients and drainage. You can pick this up at Walmart, Home Depot, or a local nursery. When you get more experienced in starting seeds indoors, you can put together your own mix, but for now, just buy the premade stuff.
- Labels and Markers: Keep track of different plant varieties by labeling each container. Believe me, you won’t remember which plant is which, so make sure you label them to make transplanting into the proper area easier.
- Light Source: If you don’t have a space full of natural light for your seedlings to get started in, that’s ok! Grow lights are inexpensive and very effective at giving your seeds the light they need to sprout and thrive.
- Spray Bottle: Using a spray bottle to mist your seeds is the easiest way to water them the first week or so.
Sow those seeds
Ok, now for the good stuff. Put your seed starting mix into a bucket and add some water. You don’t want it to be muddy, but you also don’t want a bone-dry mix. Then, fill your containers with the mix, leaving about half an inch from the top.
Take a look at your plant seed’s packet to see how deep each seed should be planted. A general rule of thumb is to plant seeds at a depth twice their diameter. So, the larger the seed is, the deeper it goes.
Cover up the seeds and then use a spray bottle to mist them to give them some extra moisture.
Now what?
Now that your seeds are in their temporary homes, here are some extra things to look out for over the next few weeks:
- Temperature: Most seeds germinate best at temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. If your seeds are in a place that does not stay that warm, you could pick up a heat mat to help them stay at a consistent temperature.
- Humidity: Something to try with your seeds is to cover the container with a clear plastic dome or plastic wrap to retain moisture. Once the seedlings sprout, you can take it off.
- Lighting: These little babies need at least 12 hours of light each day! You can position grow lights a few inches above seedlings and adjust them as they grow.
Nurture the seedlings
Your seedlings need lots of love and care, but let’s be honest, they are kind of temperamental. So make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. If you can, it’s best to water from the bottom to encourage deep-root development.
You might want to get one of those little desk fans for your seedlings to ensure good airflow and reduce the risk of disease. Don’t blow it too fast, though – they don’t like that either.
Once your baby seedlings sprout and start growing their first true leaves, you can start feeding them a diluted, balanced fertilizer once per week to encourage them to keep them healthy and support growth.
Prepare for Transplanting
Moving from their warm, safe indoor space into the big, scary world is a major transition and should be done carefully. And, since only the strongest will survive, it’s a good idea to thin your containers first. This way, the strongest seedling won’t have to compete for valuable resources when it gets moved outside.
About a week before transplanting into your garden, slowly start exposing your seedlings to outdoor conditions. Start with a few hours in a sheltered location, increasing exposure daily to acclimate them to sunlight, wind, and fluctuating temperatures.
You Don’t Have To Be Perfect!
I’ll be honest – starting seeds is hard. Even if you follow this – or any other guide for starting seeds indoors perfectly, you may still have trouble. So many things can go wrong! It also requires a lot of time, observation, and trial and error, so it’s ok if some of your seedlings don’t make it!
Are you starting any seeds this year? I want to hear about them. Comment below!
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