Getting Back to the Basics - Prepping to Start Indoor Seeds:

Gathering Supplies – What and how much do you need?

With the indoor seed starting season just around the corner, and direct planting soon to follow. I wanted to share how to start seeds indoors, what supplies are needed, and how to easily find these.

Benefits of starting your seeds indoors include its cost-effective, you tend to produce healthier starts and it allows you the freedom and/or flexibility to increase the variety of seeds planted – since you’re the one choosing what to plant.

Supplies needed for indoor seedlings include,

·  Seed trays

There are several kind, we typically use plastic cell trays to get started. I’ve also used solo cups both big and small, re-purposed yogurt cups, and whatever else was handy. The important thing is knowing when to repot as the plants grow so that the roots have plenty of room and you don’t stunt their growth.

·   A good, seed-starting soil mix

I like to use an organic seed starting mix, but have also used this Miracle Gro one and had great success!

·  Heat Mats – Most think these are optional, but I'm telling you – Game Changer!

We purchased ours on Amazon - Amazon.com: HYDGOOHO Seedling Heat Mat, 10"x 20.75" Plant Heating Pad for Home Gardening Seed Starting, MET Certified Waterproof Durable Germination Station Heat Mat : Patio, Lawn & Garden

·  Grow Lights

This is vital as the plants will grow up towards the light – If starting seeds without grow lights, your plants will shoot up and be very leggy but also very weak and typically won't survive (Ask us how we know!? Lol)

We purchased our current grow lights from harbor freight and haven’t had any issues.

19 Watt, 2 ft. Linkable Two-Light Full Spectrum LED Plant Grow Light (harborfreight.com)

·  Shelving or Storage

We use a 5-tier wire shelf purchased from Sam’s Club – however a bookcase, wooden, or even plastic shelf will work just fine.

Seville Classics UltraDurable 5-Tier NSF Steel Shelving 48" x 24" x 72" H - Sam's Club (samsclub.com)

· And Lastly, Seeds!

Like every project/business decision – there are some upfront costs to purchase needed supplies and/or equipment. The idea is that over the years, you’ll reap the benefit with the savings you reap in starting your own seeds.