How to Start Seeds Indoors

It's never too early to begin planning your garden, and chilly weather shouldn't put a damper on your grand intentions for your garden plot. With the proper equipment and a little extra space in your home, you can get a head start on your garden by starting your seeds indoors. Here are some tips on how to get started.

Containers: What you plant your seeds in isn't necessarily important, and there are many varieties on the market. Peat pots are popular, made from biodegradable materials that can be placed directly into the ground when planting time comes. Some even contain fertilizer that is released as the pot breaks down. Plastic trays containing multiple plant cups are also common, coming either with or without soil. Honestly, some of my best tomatoes were grown in Styrofoam cups, so don't get too caught up in containers for your seeds, but do be sure there are holes in the bottom to ensure proper drainage.

Soil: Fill your pots with soil meant for vegetables. This should be well-draining and include a lot of organic matter. You can buy this already mixed, or make your own by combining potting soil, peat moss and compost. Don't use soil from outside, since it may contain pests or bacteria.

Lighting: This is the most important detail when it comes to starting your seeds indoors. Without the proper lighting, your seeds won't thrive, and you'll end up transplanting spindly plants in the spring. Your plants need a cycle of light and dark for optimal growing, and a light with UV is best. You can purchase plant lights at any hardware store, or in the gardening section of your local department store. When setting up the light, be sure it is at least twelve inches above the pots.

Heat: Most seeds need heat in order to germinate. The best way to make sure they have enough is to invest in a heat pad made especially for seed starting. Plug it in and set your pots on top. Keep the heat on constantly until the seedlings break the surface of the soil. At this point, heat is usually no longer necessary. An exception to this is many varieties of hot peppers that are native to tropical climates. These may need heat all the way up to the time they are transplanted into your garden.

Watering: The best way to water your plants is from the bottom. Set your pots in a tray with ridges that will hold water. Fill the bottom of the tray with water, and your plants will soak up only what they need. This keeps you from over-watering the plants (or not watering enough!).

Hardening Off: When the weather begins to warm up a little, set your plants outside for a short amount of time each day in a spot that is out of the wind and direct sunlight. This allows your plants to get used to outdoor conditions a little at a time. By the time the weather calls for transplanting, your plants will be able to withstand the hot sun and weather changes.

Transplanting: Transplant your plants to their permanent spot in your garden according to the timeline for your specific zone. Make sure your garden plot is well fertilized, or add fertilizer to the hole when transplanting. Water your plants well after setting them out.

Growing your vegetables from seed to harvest is rewarding, and knowing what type of soil your plants are growing in, as well as what they are fed, is a benefit to starting your own seeds. Get a head start on your own garden--you'll find it well worth the time and effort that it requires!