Seed Starting for Beginners: Indoors

Have you purchased your seeds yet? I’m itching to start planting my seeds, even though I know it’s a bit early here in Missouri. Starting plants from seeds isn’t as difficult as it sounds. In fact, it’s quite simple. Whether you plan to start growing a garden or just a pretty flower bed this year it’s time to think about starting the seeds. I can teach you all about seed starting for beginners. Grab your seeds and some dirt so we can get this planting party started!

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Brown Thumb to Homegrown Goodies

Growing up I was notorious for my terrible cooking and my brown thumb. I had to keep a plant alive for a class in highschool, so I immediately ran it home to my mom. She kept it alive and I got an A. It wasn’t a lack of experience. My mom and Mama both have beautiful flowers and bountiful gardens. As a kid I would help them plant, water, and pick. As a teenager, I would tend to the garden when my mom wasn’t home.

Something about doing it all by myself was different though. I started some seeds and they died. The night custodian gave me an aloe plant, which died within three months. We bought a lavender plant to put on the porch. Dead. Despite my track record, my husband agreed to build me a raised bed in the backyard. I was determined to make it work this time around, so I did what any 25 year old would do and got to Pinterest.

I measured out my bed and divided it into squares. Then I drew it out on paper labeling each box with a plant. Because I am a type A person, I also colored each box according to how many plants would go in a square foot. It looked pretty on paper, but I still hadn’t successfully grown anything yet.

My husband and I went to several stores and nurseries to get the exact number and types of plants I needed to make my paper garden come to life. After that it was up to me. I wound up with a bounty. We had more tomatoes and herbs than I knew what to do with. Success!

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Supplies for Starting Seeds

Although you don’t need much, there are a few things that you need to start your seeds indoors. The basics can be found at any big box store and are relatively inexpensive.

The first thing you need is of course the seeds. The seed packets at the store are totally fine for beginners. As you decide what you enjoy growing and what grows well there’s no need to spend a lot of money on fancy seeds. If you’re ready for some better quality seeds check out Baker Creek or Seeds for Generations. If you’re unsure what to grow or how much you need check out my post on planning a garden and grab your FREE garden planner.

Next you need some soil. I have always used the peat moss pods that expand when wet. They are well contained and easy to use. This year I am going to try soil blocking with some seed starting mix and a soil blocker. Whatever you decide is fine. Just make sure the soil is light and drains well.

Now you need something to contain soil and seeds. I like these trays from Amazon, but the seed trays from Walmart work too. The ones from Walmart trays come with peat pods already in them, so they are perfect for seed starting for beginners.

Starting Seeds for Beginners

Now that you have everything you need to start the seeds it’s time to plant them. If you are unsure of when to start the seeds, check Clyde’s Garden Planner. For only seven dollars it’s worth having one around. Gently push a seed into each seed pod or soil block. Make sure to have everything in the tray before starting. This will help contain the mess. One everything is planted, spray it down a squirt bottle. A light mist won’t wash away the soil, but will provide moisture to the seeds. Set them in a sunny place to sprout and grow. If you have a greenhouse, put them under some grow lights. Continue to water them with the spray bottle and monitor them daily. If you see mold it means that things are too wet. Once the seedlings have started to grow, you can water them less often with a bigger drink.

Hardening Off Seeds for Beginners

When the plants have their first three or four true leaves it is time to harden them off. This simply means getting them used to being outside. The true leaves are not the first ones that appear. Those can’t actually perform photosynthesis. True leaves will look like the leaves of the adult plant.

Start by putting them out in the morning for a couple of hours. Avoiding doing so on windy or rainy days. They aren’t strong enough for that yet. Slowly work your way up to all day and night. Make sure the chance of frost has passed. As they become stronger, the wind and rain won’t kill them anymore.

Once they can handle being outdoors full time, it is safe to transplant them into a pot or the garden. It is normal to lose a few, so don’t worry too much if some don’t make it. Make sure to keep them well watered those first couple of weeks after transplanting. It can shock their little plant parts to be transplanted.