SEED STARTING TIPS
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Know Before You Grow
Planting seeds gives you access to a huge range of unique plants you just won't find as pre-grown transplants. It’s the best way to curate a garden that fits your style and space while keeping your project on budget.
For most crops, you’ll want to begin seed starting indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Check our frost date and hardiness zone guides to build a schedule that gets your plants off to a strong start.
It depends on the crop and your climate. Starting seeds inside lets you jump-start the season for heat-loving plants that need extra time. You’ll just need seed starting soil and tools like grow lights for seed starting or a seed heat mat to mimic the spring sun. Other hardy varieties do just fine with sowing seeds directly into your garden beds once it’s warm.
You don’t need an acre to grow your own food. Use seed starter pots on a sunny windowsill or set up grow bags on a balcony to begin growing seeds for fresh herbs and veggies anywhere you have a little light.
Stick with “reliable” winners like tomatoes, basil, and cucumbers for your first harvest. To make it even easier, grab one of our seed starting kits. They have the trays and domes you need to make planting seeds simple and successful.
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Find Your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone
Give your garden the best start by learning about your region's hardiness zone.
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Understanding First and Last Frost Dates
Use a frost date calendar as a guide to know when to garden.
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Annuals vs. Perennials
Put the right plant in the right place when you know what's annual and perennial in your area.
Starting Seeds Inside
Starting seeds inside lets you skip the wait for spring and get more plant variety. We have the advice and gear to make seed starting easy while helping you save on your grocery bill. Our seed starting kits bridge the gap between expert tips and your DIY journey. Get your garden going with these essentials:
Seed starting soil: Use a specialized, sterile mix to give planting seeds the best possible foundation.
Grow lights for seed starting: Provide consistent light to keep growing seeds healthy and strong.
Seed heat mat: Add steady warmth to your seed starter pots for faster results when sowing seeds.
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Indoor Seed Starting Supplies
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Must-Have Indoor Seed Starting Supplies
Explore the essential tools and tips for growing healthy seedlings from seeds.
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How to Start Seeds Indoors
Discover tips for choosing seeds, setting up your space and growing strong seedlings.
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Indoor Plant Growing with LED Lights
Grow more indoors with high-quality indoor LED grow lights for plants.
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Create a DIY Indoor Grow Light System
Learn how to assemble and create a DIY grow light system for your in-home garden.
Direct Sowing Seeds Outdoors
Sowing seeds directly in your garden is the easiest way to start a patch from scratch. It’s perfect for hardy vegetables and flowers that don’t like being moved once they start growing from seed. By planting seeds straight into the dirt, you skip the indoor gear and get right to the good part: the harvest. This approach is a great way to handle seed starting for crops like corn, carrots, and wildflowers that thrive in the open air. Keep these outdoor essentials in mind:
Prep the Soil: Clear the area and use the right amendments to give your seeds a healthy foundation.
Time it Right: Check your local frost dates to ensure the ground is warm enough for planting seeds.
Keep it Damp: Consistent moisture is the secret to sowing seeds successfully outdoors until they sprout.
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How to Direct Sow Seeds in Your Garden
Get started growing a sensational garden when you direct sow seeds in your garden beds.
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Square Foot Gardening
Learn all about the benefits and steps to take to achieve the square foot gardening method.
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How to Prepare Soil for a Garden
Improve the soil in your garden so you can reap the benefits of a healthy harvest this year.
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How to Build Raised Garden Beds
Learn how to build a raised garden bed and grow veggies and herbs in your outdoor space.
Types of Plants to Grow From Seed
Starting from seed is all about variety. It is the top reason gardeners choose planting seeds over buying pre-grown transplants. Whether you want to grow unique heirlooms or high-yield crops to help lower your grocery bill, seed starting puts you in the driver’s seat. From windowsill herbs to backyard staples, we have the gear and advice to help you pick the right crops for your home.
Vegetables: Grow favorites like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers to get the most value out of your garden space.
Fruits: Start planting seeds for seasonal favorites like pumpkins or watermelons to enjoy sweet harvests you won't find at the store.
Herbs: Growing seeds for herbs like basil, cilantro, and rosemary is an easy way to get fresh flavor, even in small spaces.
Flowers: Brighten up your yard and support pollinators by sowing seeds for sunflowers and wildflowers.
Quick Harvests: If you’re short on time, try starting seeds inside for microgreens and sprouts using simple seed starter pots.
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How to Grow Lettuce
Perfect for everything from salads to sandwiches, grow this staple year-round.
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How to Grow Carrots
Learn all about how to grow carrots, when to plant them and when to harvest them.
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How to Grow Peppers
Learn how to grow different types of peppers in your garden this summer.
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How to Grow Tomatoes
Discover the best methods for growing juicy and delicious tomato varieties.
Most-Loved Seeds of the Season
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Outdoor Seed Starting Supplies
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Best Seller
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Best Seller
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Grow Your Own Way With the Help of The Home Depot
Ready to grow? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your first windowsill herb garden, The Home Depot is here to help you grow your own way. We provide a seamless experience to turn your curiosity into a harvest, offering everything from specialized seed starting soil to high-efficiency grow lights for seed starting. Whether you’re starting seeds inside or sowing seeds directly in the dirt, we have the tools to assist you at every step. Let’s get to work on your personalized garden today.
