February 27, 2024
Get Started on Spring with Indoor Seeding!
Whether you’re looking to decrease your grocery bills, or in the market for a new hobby, indoor seeding is a great way to do both! Besides, nothing beats the flavour of a freshly picked tomato! So let’s get started!
Materials Required:
Flat Working Surface (away from drafts)
Light Source (window or grow lights)
Clean & Sterilized Pots with Drainage (max. 4”)
Trays to hold Pots
Clear Plastic Dome/Bag for humidity
Small Fan for air flow
Mister/Fine Spray Bottle
Labels for Seed Varieties
Quality Potting Soil designed for seeding (lightweight, dries quickly)
Stay in Control
It’s very easy to get carried away in the seed aisle! Make a plan of what you want to grow/eat and how much space you have, both indoors and out in your garden and containers. Keep your seed numbers manageable, but add a few extra to make up for any germination losses.
Plan and Purchase Early
Seeds and gardening supplies can sell out quickly, so grab your list and buy early! Store your seed packets in a cool, dry, dark place until you’re ready to start seeding; packets can last up to 3 years, but germination rates are highest in year 1.
Timing is Everything
Each seed variety has its own optimal seeding time, stated by season (i.e. early spring) or as “weeks before last frost” where you’d count backwards from late May. If you seed too early your seedlings can be leggy or need repotting too often; seed too late and you could have a delayed or even failed crop.
Best Varieties to Start Ahead Indoors
Cucumbers, Peppers, Summer Squash (Zucchini), Winter Squash (Butternut, Acorn, etc.), Tomatoes, most Herbs, Coleus, Dianthus, Marigolds, Petunias, and Zinnias.
Check Your Seed Packets for Specific Instructions
When the timing is right, fill your pots with seeding potting soil but leave room at the top. Place one seed per pot and lightly cover with more potting soil. Label your varieties! Water carefully using a mister – most seeds need to be kept consistently moist but never soggy. Place pots in window/light source and cover with plastic dome or clear bag to retain humidity. Check pots several times a day – do not let them dry out! Use a mister to keep the moisture level consistent. Remove the dome/bag when leaves start to appear; keep them in full sun (or under grow light for 12+ hours per day) and have a small fan on low to increase air flow. Check and rotate your pots daily.
Explore our website and blog series for more seeding information!
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