Q&A: How Do I Start Seeds Indoors?
There’s just something magical about starting your own seeds. Watching tiny sprouts emerge from the soil in the middle of winter feels like a quiet act of hope—one that sets the stage for a thriving garden season ahead. If you’re ready to grow strong, healthy seedlings right from your own home, here’s how to get started.
Why Start Seeds Indoors?
Starting seeds indoors gives you a head start on the growing season, allowing you to:
Grow unique and heirloom varieties not found as transplants in garden centers.
Save money compared to buying nursery-grown seedlings — though there is a start-up cost for getting set up with the right equipment.
Control growing conditions for healthier, stronger plants.
Not every plant needs to be started indoors, but if you’re growing tomatoes, peppers, brassicas (like broccoli and cabbage), or certain flowers, seed-starting can be a game-changer.
What You’ll Need
For a full breakdown of seed-starting equipment—including grow lights, seed trays, and heat mats—check out our detailed guide here.
At a minimum, you’ll need:
Containers or seed trays (with drainage!)
Seed-starting mix (not regular potting soil)
Grow lights (or a very bright south-facing window)
Humidity domes or plastic wrap
Watering tool (spray bottle or gentle shower head)
Seeds (check out our guide to shopping)
Labels (you’ll thank yourself later)
Step-by-Step: How to Start Seeds Indoors
Fill your trays with moistened seed-starting mix—damp but not soaking wet.
Plant your seeds at the correct depth (usually 2-3 times the seed’s width). Tiny seeds like lettuce barely need covering.
Label everything—trust me, this step is non-negotiable. Use waterproof markers on labels placed inside the container.
Cover with a humidity dome or plastic wrap to keep moisture in until seeds sprout.
Provide warmth—use a heat mat under the seed tray if needed (my cool basement makes this neccessary). Most seeds germinate best around 65-75°F.
Light it up! Once sprouted, remove the dome and place seedlings under grow lights for 12-16 hours a day. Keep lights just a few inches above plants to prevent stretching. If you want to try starting seeds in a bright south facing window, you will need to rotate the tray every day to keep the plants growing straight.
Water gently—keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Use a spray bottle to moisten the soil before sprouts emerge. After that, try bottom-watering: fill the tray with water and let the seedlings soak up moisture from below. But don’t let them sit in water. Anything they haven’t absorbed in 30 minutes should be poured off.
Add airflow—run a small fan nearby to strengthen stems and prevent mold.
Feed seedlings—once they have their first true leaves, start fertilizing with a diluted liquid fertilizer every 1-2 weeks.
Transplant when ready. Once seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves and strong roots, harden them off before planting outside. This means starting with 1 hour in the sun and breeze, then gradually increasing their time outside by 1 hour each day. The should be acclimated after a week.
Common Seed-Starting Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Leggy Seedlings? Move lights closer—plants stretch when they don’t get enough light.
Mold on Soil? Reduce humidity by removing the dome and running a fan.
No Germination? Check if seeds need extra warmth (tomatoes, peppers) or light (lettuce, celery).
Starting seeds is a simple but deeply rewarding process—one that brings you closer to your food, your flowers, and the rhythms of the natural world. Whether you’re growing a handful of herbs or a full kitchen garden, enjoy the process and celebrate every tiny sprout!
