A Beginner's Guide to Seed Starting for Urban Gardeners
If you’re new to gardening, starting seeds indoors is one of the best ways to begin your growing journey! Not only is it more affordable than buying plants from the nursery, but it also gives you the power to grow a wider variety of plants that you won’t always find on store shelves. Plus, it's an exciting way to get a jump on the growing season! Let’s dive into why starting seeds indoors could be the secret sauce to your urban garden success.
Why Start Seeds Indoors?
Starting seeds indoors has some serious perks, especially for city dwellers with limited outdoor space and unpredictable weather. Here’s why you might want to kick off your gardening adventure indoors:
Control the environment: Indoors, you have full control over the temperature, light, and moisture. That means you can create the perfect conditions for your seeds to sprout, even if it’s still chilly outside.
Extend the growing season: Why wait for perfect weather? Starting seeds indoors lets you get a head start on the season by growing plants in early spring before outdoor conditions are ideal.
Maximize your space: By keeping plants indoors, you can grow more plants in a smaller area for longer. As your seedlings grow, you can rearrange them as needed without worrying about outdoor conditions.
Why Start Seeds Outdoors?
Not ready to bring gardening into your living room? Starting seeds outdoors works too! Here’s why some gardeners skip the indoor phase:
Natural sunlight and heat: When you plant outside, you don’t have to worry about supplemental lighting or temperature controls. Mother Nature handles that for you (most of the time).
Stronger plants: Seedlings that grow outside from the get-go are naturally more resilient. They're exposed to outdoor conditions from day one, which helps them grow strong.
No extra equipment needed: No need for grow lights, seed trays, or special indoor setups. Just soil, seeds, and the sun!
What You Can Grow Indoors
So, what’s best to start indoors? Some plants benefit from a head start before the weather warms up. Here are some superstar seeds that do better when started inside:
Tomatoes: Everyone loves fresh tomatoes, and starting them indoors means you’ll have juicy, homegrown ones earlier!
Peppers: Like tomatoes, peppers take a while to grow, so starting them indoors gives them the time they need to thrive.
Herbs: Basil and cilantro are easy to start indoors, so you can have fresh herbs ready to spice up your dishes.
Leafy greens: Kale, spinach, and lettuce do great when started indoors and transplanted outside.
What to Start Outdoors
Some plants prefer to skip the indoor phase altogether:
Root veggies: Carrots, radishes, and beets should be sown directly in the ground. Their delicate roots don’t like being disturbed.
Herbs with taproots: Plants like parsley and dill grow long taproots that make them harder to transplant. It’s best to start them outdoors where they’ll stay.
The exception to the rule is if you plan on keeping root veggies and herbs with taproots indoors. In that case, start your seeds in the container they will stay in until harvested. You will need to keep an eye on the moisture level of the top layer of soil where the seeds are to ensure they don’t dry out.
Seed Starting Timeline: When to Start?
Timing is everything with seed starting. The best time to start your seeds indoors depends on your local climate and the type of plants you want to grow. A general rule of thumb is to start most seeds 6-8 weeks before the first frost for fall/winter crops and 6-8 weeks before the last frost for spring crops. This varies considerably based on your growing zone. You can find your frost dates and planting schedule on a seed packet or use handy tools like the GrowVeg online calendar or the Planter: Garden Planner app. To learn more about your growing zone, click here.
Seed Starting Supplies & Setup
Ready to start? Here’s what you’ll need to get those seeds sprouting!
Seed Starting Checklist:
Seed trays, small pots, or reused non-toxic containers like egg cartons and produce containers. If you start seeds often, we recommend purchasing high-quality seed-starting trays. Epic Gardening has great trays that allow roots to get airflow, have a bottom hole for easy transplanting, and are made to last a very long time. Use our Epic code GTUY for a 5% discount.
Shallow saucer or container to place potted seed in
Seed-starting mix (or a light potting soil)
Watering can or a cup
Grow lights (optional but recommended)
Labels for your trays and a waterproof marker
Patience and diligence
Preparing Your Seed-Starting Setup
Choosing the Right Soil: A good seed-starting mix is key. It’s lighter and drains better than regular potting soil, giving seeds the best environment to
Pre-Moistening the Soil: Before planting, moisten the soil. You can do this by placing the trays in a shallow pan of water and letting the soil absorb it from the bottom up. This trick helps seeds germinate faster by ensuring they’re nestled into damp, cozy soil right from the get-go.
Filling the Trays: Once you have your seed-starting mix, fill your trays or small pots about three-quarters full. Gently tamp the soil down, but don’t pack it too tightly. The goal is to give your seeds a soft bed that allows water to drain. Place your potted container in a shallow tray, saucer, or whatever you are using to catch water. This also allows you to bottom water and feed your seedlings in the future.
Planting the Seeds
Now, the fun part—getting those seeds into the soil!
Planting Depth and Spacing: Each seed has its own preferred depth. As a general rule, plant seeds at a depth of 2-3 times their width. Tiny seeds like lettuce or basil can be sprinkled on the surface and lightly covered, while bigger seeds (think squash or beans) should be planted deeper.
Labeling Your Trays: Don’t skip this step! You’ll want to keep track of what you’ve planted and when. Use your waterproof markers or simple pieces of tape to label the plant type and date of planting.
Watering After Planting: After planting, give your seeds a drink. Use a mister to wet them to help secure them to the soil, and carefully bottom water to avoid disturbing the seeds. Continue to bottom water when you water in the future because it enhances root growth. (Bottom watering is filling your pot’s shallow tray with water and/or diluted fertilizer so the seedlings get the water where they need it, at the roots.)
Caring for Your Seedlings
You’ve planted your seeds—now what? The key to happy seedlings is giving them the right light, temperature, water, and nutrition.
1. Light and Temperature Requirements
Providing Adequate Light: Seedlings are light-hungry little creatures! If you’re growing on a windowsill, make sure they’re getting at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. If not, consider investing in grow lights. Keep the lights 2-3 inches above the seedlings, raising them as your plants grow.
Temperature for Germination: Seeds like warmth to germinate. For most, that sweet spot is around 65-75°F. If your home is a bit chilly, a seedling heat mat can help. It provides consistent warmth, especially important for heat-lovers like tomatoes and peppers.
Grow lights are an excellent option for low-light situations. They can also be used as supplemental lighting when you need to give your plants a few more hours of light.
2. Watering and Ventilation
Watering Schedule: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Waterlogged soil can lead to problems like root rot or fungal diseases. Bottom watering or gently misting the soil is best. Aim to water when the top layer starts to feel dry, but always ensure good drainage.
Air Circulation: Good airflow around your seedlings helps them grow stronger and prevents diseases like damping off (a common fungus that can kill seedlings). You can simulate natural wind by placing a small fan near the seedlings or gently brushing your hands over them a couple of times a day. This strengthens their stems and helps keep them healthy.
3. Fertilizing Seedlings
Once your seedlings develop their first true leaves (the second set of leaves, after the tiny seed leaves), they’ll need a little boost of nutrients to keep growing strong.
When and How to Fertilize: Start feeding your seedlings with a diluted liquid fertilizer—think something like fish emulsion or compost tea. Use it every 2-3 weeks to give them a gentle but steady supply of nutrients. Just be sure to dilute it to about half the recommended strength so you don’t overwhelm those baby roots.
Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors
You’ve nurtured your seedlings into strong little plants—way to go! Now it’s time to think about moving them to their permanent home in your garden or larger pots.
1. When to Transplant
Recognizing Ready-to-Transplant Seedlings: Your seedlings are ready for the big move when they have several sets of true leaves, a sturdy stem, and a strong root system. In general, they should be about 4-6 inches tall and look like mini versions of the full-grown plant.
Hardening Off: Before you send your seedlings out into the wild, they need to toughen up. This process is called hardening off, and it helps them adjust to outdoor conditions gradually. Start by placing them outside for a few hours each day in a sheltered spot. Increase their outdoor time bit by bit over a week, eventually leaving them outside overnight once temperatures are mild.
2. Transplanting into the Garden or Larger Pots
Preparing the Garden Bed or Pots: Before you transplant, make sure your soil is ready. Loosen it up and mix in compost or an organic fertilizer to give your seedlings a nutrient-rich start.
Transplanting the Seedlings: Handle your seedlings with care! Gently remove them from their trays, being careful not to disturb the roots too much. Plant them at the same depth they were growing in the seed tray, firming the soil around them to help them stand up straight.
Watering After Transplanting: After transplanting, give your seedlings a good drink of water to help them settle into their new environment. Over the first few days, keep an eye on them and make sure they’re adjusting well to their new home. Don’t forget to protect them from harsh sun or wind if needed.
Recap of Key Tips
Starting seeds indoors might feel a little overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of gardening! To recap:
Start Early: Choose seeds that benefit from an indoor head start, like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs.
Set Up for Success: Use a light, well-draining seed-starting mix, give your seeds plenty of light, and keep them warm.
Care for Your Seedlings: Water them carefully, provide good airflow, and feed them once they’ve developed true leaves.
Transplant with Care: Harden them off and prepare your garden soil before transplanting them outdoors.
Conclusion
There you have it, everything you need to know to start your seeds indoors and grow a thriving garden from scratch! Now, it’s your turn to give it a go. Starting seeds is affordable, fun, and gives you the ultimate sense of accomplishment as you watch those tiny sprouts grow into full-sized plants.
We’d love to hear from you! Have you started seeds indoors before? What plants are you excited to grow this season? Drop a comment below, ask questions, or share your experiences with us. And don’t forget to subscribe for more urban gardening tips, plant care advice, and seasonal gardening inspiration!
Happy planting, Green Thumb Fam! 🌱
With love & gratitude,
Janet & Jennifer
Some products mentioned in our blogs have affiliate links, meaning we get a small percentage of your purchase. We only recommend products we have personally tried and found useful for you and ourselves.
