by Jaimela King

Created on: September 16, 2009

Growing plants from seed is simple and rewarding but more importantly it saves money. It allows you to experiment with exotic varieties and unusual plants that are not normally found in your area garden center or nursery. Not only can you start popular annuals and perennials from seed in time for the next gardening season but you can also start fruit trees and shrubs from seeds.

There are way more varieties of seed available than there are seedlings available in your local nursery. Starting seeds indoor gives you a jump start on the spring summer gardening season. It also helps you to plan your garden ahead of time, by carefully selecting and starting the kinds of seeds that you want in your garden or container.

While many seeds can be sown directly in the garden, starting seeds indoors gives you more control over the growing process, You are better able to tend to and to care for fragile seedlings under more predictable conditions. This is particularly critical when the seeds are tiny and can easily be blown or washed away when planted outdoors. Many packaged seeds will include suggestions about planting either indoor or directly into the ground.

There are some basic equipment you will need for starting seeds indoors. Collect shallow boxes or other re-useable containers and place holes in the bottom for water drainage. Select a spot that provides sufficient sunlight or use florescentlights in dark areas. Use a sterile sowing medium, such as a mixture of sand, perlite, peat moss or vermiculite. If you don't wish to prepare your own growing medium, you can find prepared soil available for purchase.

When starting seeds indoor, ensure that the location you choose is well ventilated and where the temperature is well controlled. Most seeds need a temperature of 70 degrees F within the growing medium in order to germinate. The amount of light you will need for seeds to germinate depends upon the type of seeds that you sow. Many seeds will only require light after they germinate since they are covered with soil. Seeds that need darkness to germinate include poppy, pansy, larkspur and calendula. Those that need light include inpatients, coleus, petunias and gerbera.

You can start just about any plant from seeds so don't be afraid to experiment. Planting seeds is a wonderful and enjoyable learning experience for the whole family and the best part is that it saves you money. You will find that you have more plants than you need and lots to share or exchange with your friends, family and neighbors.

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