Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Are you looking to start your own vegetable or herb garden but don't know where to begin? One of the first steps to growing your own produce is to start seeds indoors. Starting seeds indoors is a great way to get a head start on the growing season, and it's easier than you may think. In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know to successfully start your own seeds indoors.

What are some of the easiest seeds to start indoors?

Here's a list of some of the easiest seeds to start indoors:

1. Tomatoes - They are easy to grow, and the plants produce abundant fruit.
2. Basil - This herb is a staple in many dishes and grows quickly and easily from seed.
3. Cucumbers - These are fast-growing plants that thrive in warm, sunny conditions, and produce plenty of crisp, refreshing cucumbers.
4. Peppers - Bell peppers and chili peppers are easy to grow from seed, and they come in a variety of colors and flavors.
5. Lettuce - This leafy green is perfect for indoor gardening, as it prefers cooler temperatures and grows quickly.
6. Zucchini - These fast-growing plants produce abundant fruit and can be harvested within a few weeks of planting.
7. Beans - Bush beans and pole beans are easy to grow and produce a bountiful harvest.
8. Radishes - These crisp, spicy root vegetables are quick to grow and perfect for salads or snacking.
9. Spinach - This leafy green is high in nutrients and grows quickly from seed.
10. Herbs - Many herbs, including parsley, chives, and cilantro, are easy to grow from seed and add flavor to a variety of dishes.

What You'll Need

Before you get started, there are a few things you'll need to gather:

• Seed trays or containers
• Seed-starting soil mix
• Seeds
• Watering can or spray bottle
• Grow lights or a sunny window
• Heat mat (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose your seeds: The first step is to choose which seeds you want to start indoors. Consider what you want to grow and what will do well in your area.
2. Gather supplies: Gather all of the supplies listed above. Make sure your containers have drainage holes in the bottom.
3. Fill containers with soil: Fill your containers with seed-starting soil mix, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top.
4. Plant seeds: Follow the instructions on the seed packet for how deep to plant the seeds. Typically, small seeds should be planted shallowly, while larger seeds should be planted deeper.
5. Water seeds: Water your seeds gently with a watering can or spray bottle, being careful not to wash away the seeds. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
6. Provide light: Place your seed trays in a sunny window or under grow lights. Seeds need 12-16 hours of light per day, so if using a window, rotate your trays every few days to ensure even growth.
7. Add heat (optional): Some seeds benefit from a little extra warmth to encourage germination. A heat mat can be used to provide this extra warmth.
8. Monitor growth: Check your seeds daily for signs of growth. Once they sprout, you can remove the heat mat and thin out any overcrowded seedlings.
9. Transplant: When your seedlings have grown a few sets of leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into larger containers or outdoors.

Tips for Success:

• Use fresh, high-quality seeds for the best chance of success.
• Make sure your containers have drainage holes to prevent water from pooling in the soil.
• Keep the soil moist but not soggy to prevent root rot.
• Provide adequate light for your seeds to ensure healthy growth.
• Consider using a fan to gently blow on your seedlings to strengthen their stems.

Starting seeds indoors is a great way to get a jumpstart on the growing season and grow your own produce. With a little bit of knowledge and the right supplies, anyone can successfully start their own seeds indoors. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, and you'll be on your way to growing your own vegetables and herbs in no time. Happy planting!

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Continue to Content

How To Start Seeds Indoors

Yield: started plants

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Difficulty: easy

Estimated Cost: 0.00

Are you looking to start your own vegetable or herb garden but don’t know where to begin? One of the first steps to growing your own produce is to start seeds indoors. Starting seeds indoors is a great way to get a head start on the growing season, and it’s easier than you may think. We’ll go over everything you need to know to successfully start your own seeds indoors.

Print

Materials

• Seed trays or containers
• Seed-starting soil mix
• Seeds
• Watering can or spray bottle
• Grow lights or a sunny window
• Heat mat (optional)

Instructions

1. Choose your seeds: The first step is to choose which seeds you want to start indoors. Consider what you want to grow and what will do well in your area.
2. Gather supplies: Gather all of the supplies listed above. Make sure your containers have drainage holes in the bottom.
3. Fill containers with soil: Fill your containers with seed-starting soil mix, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top.
4. Plant seeds: Follow the instructions on the seed packet for how deep to plant the seeds. Typically, small seeds should be planted shallowly, while larger seeds should be planted deeper.
5. Water seeds: Water your seeds gently with a watering can or spray bottle, being careful not to wash away the seeds. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
6. Provide light: Place your seed trays in a sunny window or under grow lights. Seeds need 12-16 hours of light per day, so if using a window, rotate your trays every few days to ensure even growth.
7. Add heat (optional): Some seeds benefit from a little extra warmth to encourage germination. A heat mat can be used to provide this extra warmth.
8. Monitor growth: Check your seeds daily for signs of growth. Once they sprout, you can remove the heat mat and thin out any overcrowded seedlings.
9. Transplant: When your seedlings have grown a few sets of leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into larger containers or outdoors.

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  GooingTop LED Grow Light,6000K Full Spectrum Clip Plant Growing Lamp with White Red LEDs for Indoor Plants,5-Level Dimmable,Auto On Off Timing 4 8 12Hrs

Did you make this DIY project?

Did you make this DIY project? If you share it on social media tag us @lifeslittlesweets and hashtag it #lifeslittlesweets - Thank you in advance!

• First published: 4/24/2023

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Sara Maniez

Owner at Life's Little Sweets

Sara is an architectural designer turned work-at-home Mom. She lives in New Jersey by way of New England and New York, with her husband and 3 kids under 8. She loves design, being creative, and spending time with family and friends. She loves checking out local businesses and eats and being apart of the local farm to table community.

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