Starting Seeds Indoors

Inside: The calendar says April, but it’s not too late to plant seeds indoors and watch them grow. Many parts of the country are still shaking off winter, so why not give it a try this year?

Seeds intrigue me. A little miracle inside a small package. Potential. Possibilities. I love this!

I get excited when I see a rumple in the dirt, tiny shoot pushing its way to the sun. A seed does its magic unseen, underneath a dark blanket of soil. It takes faith and waiting. And waiting and waiting. I never tire of the miracle.

At my cousin Phil’s funeral recently, his brother-in-law retold a story from Phil’s mother, how as a small boy he used to put seeds in the ground to see if they would come up. I tucked that story away to take along with me. As a child, the “seed” of what he would become, a farmer, was inside him, too. . .

The Why of Starting Seeds Indoors

I got an email from Burpee this morning with this headline: Last Call to Start Your Seeds Indoors. Actually, it might be their last call, but the truth of the matter is, as long as you have enough season left, you can start seeds inside. Admittedly, this time of year indoor seed starting makes more sense as we wait for the weather to cooperate. Once it’s warm outside, or rather the soil is warm enough, it makes more sense to directly sow in the ground. For the most part, anyway. I have, on occasion, started seeds indoors midsummer for a fall crop of cabbage because it was just too hot outside for the sensitive cole crop seedlings.

What You Need

A sunny window, although grow lights are really, really nice to have.

Seeds, of course.

Soil. (No, I’m not getting into the science of hydroponics or air plants.)

Containers. Peat pots, egg cartons, egg shells, yogurts cups, or the old kindergarten standby Styrofoam cups. Really, anything you can put soil in that has drain holes in the bottom.

When to Plant

Let your seed packet be your guide! On the back you will find everything you need to know about what you want to grow. Directions for the best time to plant for either starting seeds indoors or direct sowing them into the ground as well as planting depth, germination time, and other planting tips can be found on the back of the packet. A general rule of thumb is to start seeds six weeks before transplanting outside, and most of the time transplanting means after all danger of frost is gone. Some crops, such as cabbage and cauliflower, can take mild frost conditions, and you can always cover plants or use cold frames. Even a recycled milk jug with the bottom cut off can act as temporary protection for your plants. But, please, don’t put tomatoes into the ground before the last frost date for your planting zone. You are taking a big risk if you do.

Nurturing Seedlings

Keep in mind that seedlings grown in a window can get leggy–leggy meaning long, thin stems that have few and widely spaced leaves. What happens is your plant grows quickly toward the light. I’ve found some success in turning the container–left side facing window pane one day, then move the container so the right side faces the window. Also, running your finger gently over the seedlings simulates wind, which strengthens the stems. (More tips for leggy seedlings here and here.) Some plants you can simply put into another pot and plant deeper, such as tomatoes or zinnias. But for some seedlings that doesn’t work.

Give your seeds adequate water, but don’t water too much. A spray bottle works well when the seedlings are fragile. And be careful around pets. My cat likes to pluck the seedlings out of the dirt for some reason, so I have to keep him away.

With a little tender loving care, your seeds will grow into thriving plants that will bring you a wonderful harvest–whether food for the body or food for the soul.

Have you started seeds indoors this year? Tell us about it in the comments.

Related posts:

Leggy Seedlings: Don’t Let This Happen to You

Seedlings: The Sequel

How to Save Flower Seed

Building a Raised Garden 3 Ways