by CE Wynn

Created on: May 10, 2010

Starting seeds indoors can be a great way to get a head start on a season, save loads of money, and will also increase the varieties  of plants that are just not available from the local nursery.

There are several things to consider when starting seeds indoors and include:

  - the location;

  - containers;

  - type of soil;

  - watering technique; and

  - the hardening off process

* Location

Access to light be it natural or artificial is the most important thing to consider before planting seeds indoors. Natural light is ideal, in a warm room such as a sun room, or alternatively a sunny window sill will do just as well. If starting seeds in summer, make sure the location doesn't get to hot as this might dry the seeds out too quickly, or may even fry the poor seedlings that have emerged.

If natural light and warmth is not available, then it is possible to artificial provide these elements. Firstly, depending on the seeds being raised, artificial warmth may not even be required. For instance, some seeds such as those from the brassica family, although need some warmth don't need a lot. Tomato and chilli seeds on the other hand need quite a warm soil to germinate. Where additional warmth is required a propagation tray or mat, could do the trick.

All seeds need light, and were this is not available naturally, a fluorescent light can be purchased, similar to those seen in fish tank set ups. The types of fluorescent light can range from reasonably cheap to quite expensive, with different lights being good for varying stages of the plants development. Unless additional heat is needed, try to avoid lights that produce excessive amounts of heat, and if available choice a light that covers a wide spectrum of light that will provide the best of both red and blue rays.

* Containers

Before planting its also necessary to determine the container to be used, which will hold the seed at least temporarily until the final seedling is planted out into the garden. If the roots of the seedling are fragile, it would be worth looking at a container that can be planted into the garden, and will decompose over time. Jiffy pots are now available which are made of compressed peat moss, but egg cartons are also a great alternative and don't cost anything more then the eggs that were already purchased. As these containers are pores these containers will hold water, reducing the need for watering, but will also freely drain where there is an excessive amount

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