Seed Starting Guide: Here’s How to Start Your Plants Indoors

Interest in seed starting and hydroponics has grown in recent years, and for good reason. Starting seeds indoors gives you a jump on the growing season because you can plant long before the ground outside thaws. It also gives you complete control over water, light and soil—all crucial factors in the early growth stage of plants. Other benefits of seed starting include cost, variety, and health and wellness.

Choosing Your Seeds

When selecting seeds for germination, be sure to choose seeds that are right for your climate and soil. You’ll find this information on the seed packaging, along with detailed planting and care instructions. These include planting depth, spacing, watering requirements, when to sow, and number of days to germination. You should also choose plants that match your experience level, as some require more care and attention than others. Tomatoes, basil, marigolds, zinnias, and nasturtium are all good beginner choices.

Types of Seed Starters

You can start seeds in almost any container with drainage holes, but you're more likely to have success with equipment specifically designed for seed starting. This is especially true for those new to seed starting. Here’s a quick rundown of your options.

Growing Mediums: Soil vs. Hydroponics

You can choose to use soil or a hydroponic medium to grow your seedlings. Each has its own unique benefits:

Care & Maintenance Tips

There are many practical benefits to seed starting, but it can also be a lot of fun. If you have kids, consider assigning them a few seedlings to watch over and maintain. Browse our selection of seed starting supplies now to find what best suits your gardening needs.