What do you want to grow this year? Make a list of what vegetables and herbs you want to eat and then decide what to grow from seed or purchase from a local nursery, plant sale, or online. Organic and heirloom seeds are personal favorites.

Starting plants from seeds is easy. Really! You will find that there is a much wider choice of varieties once you start looking at seed catalogs. But… that positive is what will “get you in trouble” because the tendency is to order way more than you have space for! Thankfully, the majority of seeds (except onion seeds) will be just fine for two-to-three years.

SEED STARTING

Warm weather crops such as tomatoes and peppers must be started indoors and sowing some lettuce, herbs, and flowers inside will give them a jumpstart before you transplant them outdoors. Have your garden plans in front of you to make sure you have the space for what is tempting you!

Let’s concentrate first on what you absolutely MUST HAVE on hand to start seeds inside.
Following posts will cover how to prepare for growing, the “art of sowing” and how to transplant your seedlings.

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SEED STARTING ESSENTIALS
Seeds need light. Look for a place to put your growing seed trays where they will get direct sunlight; 12-15 hours is ideal. Look at south-facing windows or you will have to use lamps or purchase lighting expressly designed for seed growth.

Lights
The whole setup for lighting and indoor seed starting and growing is right here.

These lights are easy to clip on to a table and you can set the timer to make sure they are getting as real “fake day” of light.

Heat Mats
Seeds need warmth to start germinating and the top of the refrigerator or top of a radiator has worked but a warming mat is a non-draft and sure-fire solution.
Here are two suggestions: this one and if you are starting a lot of seedlings, this will make better sense. Be sure to check the measurements of your seed trays before deciding.

Seed Trays and Covers
You want to purchase enough “cells” to start your seeds in and this seed tray with humidity dome is ideal. The name Burpee is a tried-and-true and these standard trays do the job.

Seed-starting soil
Yes, there is a special soil that is formulated to make it easy for germination and early root growth. The key to all great gardens is the health of your soil and this seed-starting mixture is a winner.

Seed Pots
Grow and plant directly into the ground with these organic peat pots. Tap soil around the edges so the entire pot is in the ground. What a great start for the health of your seedlings!

WARNING: YOU WILL WANT TO CHOOSE MANY MORE SEEDS THAT YOU HAVE NO ROOM FOR!
So, make a list of what you really want to be able to just walk out the door to eat or cut to add fresh herbs to your recipes. Wanting to add wildflowers? Even if you have snow, toss a mix where you want them to grow!

One more addition to keeping track of your garden; check out this fabulous garden planner that is wise and top quality.