by Stephanie Manning

Created on: March 14, 2009   Last Updated: June 23, 2010

There are many advantages to starting seeds indoors. Whether you are growing vegetables or flowers, you know that regardless of what the package says, sowing outdoors is not always the best option. While corn, peas, potatoes and beans are fine being sown outdoors, other plants are better when started indoors. There are several reasons to follow.

Protection from Harsh Elements

Since most seeds need to be started 8-12 weeks prior to planting, there are to many things that can kill them long before they get started. Rough rain storms, frosts and high winds can ruin a batch of seeds in a matter of a day. Growing your seeds indoors will protect your seedlings and help insure a higher turnout then growing them outdoors. Here are several advantages of growing your seeds indoors.

Controlling the Amount of Light the Seeds Receive

When growing your seeds indoors, you have more control over what your plant receives. One important factor in growing plants and vegetables from seeds is the amount of lights they receive. Most seeds require light to germinate while others must have complete darkness. When growing your seeds indoors you can controls the amount of light they receive by placing them near a window, under grow lights or in a dark closet if need be. This is one of the best advantages of growing seeds indoors.

Since most seeds needs direct sun light as they begin to sprout, you can easily construct a grow light or leave on the light in that area. It's best to have close even light to insure that your seedling to get leggy. If they do, simply move the light closer, even within a few inches from the seedlings. Manually turn the lights on or off, or set up a controlled time to allow for the needed light.

Ability to Control the Temperature for Optimal Growth

Another great advantage of growing seeds indoors is that you can control the temperatures. This is one of the most important factors in growing seeds. If it's too cool or too warm, some seed won't germinate. Since most homes are kept between 69-75 degrees they usually provide optimal temperatures for seedlings. Not to mention the safety from any unexpected frost, which would kill them almost immediately.

Controlling the Moisture Content of the Soil

Water is another important factor in growing plants from seeds. When growing them indoors you can control the amount of water they get and monitor them more closely. Indoors, your seedling will be protected from the harsh rains that could easily cause root rot, broken stems, and the washing away of seeds. Don't forget those high winds either. Even mild winds can cause your seedlings to break leaving them to die. High winds are also notorious for blowing away seeds, leaving you with a few plants where you originally planted them, just to find out later that you have Coleus growing all around the yard.

Protecting the Seeds from Pests and Pest Damage

In addition to protecting your seeds from weather elements, another great advantage to growing them indoors is to protect them from rodents. Growing plants from seeds creates enough worry with warding off diseases. The last thing you want to have is your seeds been scratched up by birds, rats or other scavengers. Not to mention aphids and other insects attacking their fresh foliage.

Growing your seedlings indoors has many advantages as seen above. Don't feel that you have to devote an entire room to your seedlings. A nice area with a window, a shed, or a even a small greenhouse will provide the much needed protection for your seedlings to grow abundantly. As with any plant, 'protect them when they are small and you will love them when they are tall!'

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