by Amy Grennell

Created on: March 09, 2009   Last Updated: March 16, 2009

Get growing naturally: Start your seeds indoors

Giving your plants a headstart on the growing season is not only easy but gives you an advanced taste of Springtime in your home or garage.

There are some seeds that need to be started indoors and many that do not need to be. Make a list of everything you will be planting this year and then decide which ones need that head start. If you are an inexperienced gardener look at the back of the seed packet and read the directions. There should be information about germination and whether or not you need to start them inside. It also depends on what climate you are in.

A lot of flower and vegetable seeds can be broadcast directly into the garden. Most wildflowers fit into this category but others such as snapdragons, zinnias, petunias and marigolds can be planted inside since they need more light.

Herbs are another plant family that should be started indoors especially chamomile, basil and any perennial herbs. Other herbs like dill and cilantro can be directly planted into the soil.

Vegetables that should usually be started indoors include tomatoes, peppers and melons. These are heat loving plants that could use that extra start to the season indoors so they will mature on time in your garden.

When you are ready to start planting some seeds you need a seed-starting flat (can be found in the garden section in Spring at most stores) or a small plastic container that has drainage. Make sure the container is clean before adding a good seed starting soil mix.

You can also use soil from the garden but you aren't guaranteed it's free of disease or insects. Add enough soil so it's level at the top and not sunken so the air can flow around the seedling when it emerges.

Next, sow the seeds at the proper depth (as outlined on the seed packet). Add a light spray of water from a spray bottle or a small watering container. Don't ever over water because this will flood the seed and drown it.

Keep the seeds moist until they have sprouted and then keep the seedlings wet or moist but not overly so. Don't keep your containers in the windowsill during the germination period; cold air at night will affect germination. As soon as any baby seedlings begin to emerge remove any covering and give them light.

At this point the containers should be put into a place where they will get bright light, some sunlight if possible. Try to keep them about 70 degrees if possible and rotate them so they don't grow sideways toward the light.

Cool white light is fine for starting seedlings (or growing anything when you just want leaves, not flowers), but if you plan to grow your plants up until the blooming stage, you will want to add warm light.

Fluorescent tubes lights offer both kinds of light and are not terribly expensive so are popular to use for growing. You can hang them easily indoors or inside your garage as well.

Most seeds germinate better with some bottom heat especially if they are in a cooler location. You can get a bottom heated and domed container for seeds at gardening stores or online as well and use it more than one season. This is not essential indoors but if you are growing them in the garage they will need additional heating to stay warm. You can cover a heating pad with plastic or a towel and put it on the lowest setting under the seed containers a night also.

Once the seedlings are up an inch or two high, they can be transplanted into individual pots or spaced in the original container, until weather conditions are suitable for planting them outdoors (once your last frost date has passed).

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