Must-Have Indoor Seed Starting Supplies

Nurturing your own seedlings can add to the enjoyment of being a gardener. Plus:

• Depending on your climate, you can get a jumpstart on planting.
• Seeds are more budget-friendly than purchasing seedlings.
• Unlike pre-grown plants, seeds are available for everything from heirloom produce to unique flowers to rare plants.
• Planting your own seeds gives you more control over the types of fertilizer and pest control involved.

To go from seed to seedling successfully, you'll need these essentials: a great location, soil, seeds, pots or trays, grow lights, misters, seed starter kits and planting tools.

Growing healthy seedlings starts with a having a dedicated space where you can regulate the temperature and the light. If possible, choose an area with natural light and good airflow. You can set up shelves or use a work table. Seeds like warmth. A soil temp of between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for germination. Consistency is the key because if your plants get too hot or too cold they can stop growing or die. Seedlings also thrive in similar temperatures. A gardening heat mat can prove to be a worthwhile investment.

Before you take your pick of an almost endless variety of vegetable, flower and plant seeds, do a little research. Not all varieties of plants can grow everywhere successfully. Consider getting a seed starting chart to see which growing or hardiness zone you’re in. Most seeds have maps on the back of their packages that tell you which climate areas work best for them. It'll also tell you the ideal time for transplanting your new seedlings to an outdoor garden bed or container. Usually, you’ll plant 6–8 weeks before the final frost in your area.

Below are some types of seed that make good starter seeds:

• Organic seeds require a higher upfront investment but you get the peace-of-mind of knowing they don't contain pesticides or other ingredients. (All the seeds at The Home Depot are non-GMO.)
• Heirloom seeds have remained virtually unchanged for generations and adapt to different climates.
• Hybrid seeds offer benefits such as a higher yield, better flavor and disease resistance.
• Pelleted seeds are coated with graphite or clay that makes tiny seeds easier to sow.

You can grow your seeds in plastic, clay or biodegradable materials such as peat. Choosing the right seed trays or pots will depend on your seeds, budget and preference.

• Plastic is budget-friendly and lightweight.
• Clay drains well but can break.
• Peat is biodegradable and breaks down quickly.

If you’re using the winter sowing method, you can use recyclable plastic containers such as soda bottles, yogurt cartons or milk jugs. Winter sowing lets you use outdoor weather changes to prompt your seeds to germinate. The best times for winter sowing are January through March, depending on the climate where you live.

• Punch a few drain holes in the bottom of your recycled containers.
• Add potting soil, seeds and water.
• Turn the container into a "mini greenhouse" by sealing it with duct tape.
• Put your mini greenhouse outside in a sunny spot.
• Check regularly to make sure the soil remains moist and the seedlings are thriving.

Since it lacks certain nutrients and is very dense, you shouldn’t plant your seeds in regular garden soil. A better solution is a potting soil formulated specifically to grow healthy roots. You can also create your own by combining equal parts building sand or perlite and compost with twice as much peat moss. Sift the mixture to add air. This will make it easier for your seeds to grow.

Or you can skip the seed trays all together and make your own seed blocks. With the seed blocking method, you sow your seeds directly into the soil. When your seedling is ready, you can plant it without disturbing its roots.

• Mix potting soil with enough water to hold its shape when squeezed.
• Using a soil block maker, compress your mix into blocks.
• Place your blocks on a plastic tray and sow your seeds.
• Lightly mist the soil often to keep it moist.

Consistent and plentiful light makes all the difference when growing seedlings. They can require 12-16 hours of bright light each day. Natural light isn’t always available, so invest in grow lights. These LED or fluorescent lights are made specifically to give plants the exact type of light they need. Choose grow lights with full-spectrum bulbs and keep them about 2 to 3 inches above your plants. Consider using grow lights that you can raise or lower as your seedlings grow.

Tip: When using natural light, make sure to rotate your seedlings at least twice a week so they grow straight.

Seeds and seedlings are very particular about how much water and humidity they require. Too much water can rot seeds or roots and cause mold or fungus growth. Underwatering can cause plants not to grow or make them sick. The tools and techniques below will help you water and maintain your seedlings correctly:

• Use humidity dome covers to keep soil warm and moist so seeds germinate.
• Get a mister or spray bottle with a fine nozzle. This will keep the soil moist without disturbing the seeds or seedlings.
• Maintain humidity levels of 40-60 percent in your growing area with a humidifier.

Protect your starter seedlings from pests like aphids, spider mites, thrips and fungus gnats. Check them often for signs of trouble.

• White powder on leaves can be aphids. Use natural fungicides like neem oil to get rid of them.
• Silver streaks on leaves are often thrips. Use insecticidal soap on infected leaves.
• Webbing means spider mites. Mist the leaves or use neem oil or a pesticide.
• Gnats are hard to miss. Sticky traps are a good solution.

Transplant your seedlings to the garden bed or individual containers once they have two sets of leaves. This usually happens around 2-3 weeks after germination.

• Handle seedlings very gently and try not to touch the stems of roots.
• Did a hole that is slightly bigger than the root ball.
• Lightly water and press down the soil around the base of the plants.
• Always clearly label your seeds and use the same marker in your garden.