Guide To Starting Seeds Indoors-The Supply List

Now that we have a basic understanding of how plants do what they do we can implement that knowledge to get an early start on our gardening season. I have started seeds indoors many times and seeing a seedling burst out of the soil is something that never gets old. Watching them grow and nurturing their growth is so rewarding and really awe inspiring. Growing your own food has so many benefits. Aside from cost, growing your own food from seed gives you the control over what goes into and onto your plants, and ultimately, your food, it gives you more options for planting, and also reconnects you to your human nature. So, let’s get started…shall we? The best place to start any project is with a list. Here, I’ve compiled a list of what you need to get started. As with anything, there are options for selecting the items you need and we’ll discuss those as we move through the list.

SEEDS- There are a huge variety of seed collections available on Amazon and elsewhere online. I purchased a collection from Black Duck Brand this year and have been very happy with the results. The collections of seeds are much more economical but you may end up with seeds you don’t need. You can always purchase packets individually almost anywhere this time of year.

SEED STARTING KIT– I highly recommend purchasing a seed starting kit that has a tray, packs for planting, and a dome. You can absolutely start seeds in anything from egg shells to yogurt cups provided you add drainage holes. You could use a baking pan or something to hold water and cover the whole thing with plastic wrap. It’s just much easier to purchase the kit and they’re generally pretty affordable. I also save and reuse the planting packs, pots, and basket trays that I have left after planting the flowers I have purchased from the greenhouse in the Spring.

LIGHTS- There are a ton of options for lights. You can use a regular shop light and I’ve read of some success with daylight LEDs. I have purple led light bars that I purchased a couple of years ago on Amazon. I hate them but the plants seem to love them. They make it difficult to visually examine the plants and soil because nothing appears natural under that color. I am also quite sure that they have brain scrambling capabilities. 🙂 You will also need a way to hang your lights. Zip ties and small chains work great and are able to be adjusted as the seedling grows.

SEED STARTING SOIL- The proper soil is essential. I have always purchased a seed starting soil. It’s sterile, delicate, and light for your new roots to branch out into. This year, I found a Burpee Organic Seed Starter at my local Marc’s store for less than six dollars. I really like it and think I will stick with it in the future. You can also mix your own seed starting soil. There are many different recipes and opinions on what the best mix is online. I hesitate to offer advice where I have no personal experience.

PLANT MISTER- I have a classic pumpy pumpy style plant mister. It’s beautiful but it doesn’t work that great. This year, I invested in a hydrostatic sprayer from Harbor Freight for around ten dollars and it’s a dream, even for watering house plants. It’s like having a tiny portable hose. Totally worth the investment.

SEEDLING HEAT MAT- Honestly, I haven’t ever used these. They’re on my list. I just always seem to make due without them…having them would eliminate a lot of stress and guess work. I used to put the seeds on top of my refrigerator but they don’t seem to get warm like they used to. I used a little heater when I had to start them in the basement. My entire rack was covered in plastic, so I heated the whole environment. This year, the room I’m using has a register on the wall so I pushed a table over top of it creating a warm surface for the seeds. It worked…but, until it does it’s stressful.

TABLE OR WIRE RACKS- I use wire racks. They’re easy to attach lights to, fully adjustable, and the open shelves assist with ventilation. You can also pick these up fairly inexpensively. A table will also work but then you have to configure a light hanging set up.

FAN- A fan or fans will be needed to provide good air circulation for the seedlings. The movement helps strengthen the stems while also simulating their natural environment. Clip on fans are great.

TIMER- Do you have to have a timer? No. Will having one make your life so much easier? YES! I can’t tell you how many times my plants have gotten too much or not enough light because I wasn’t able to turn them on or off. Having a timer means it’s something you never have to worry about.

LABELS- Whether you purchase or make these you really can’t do without them.

IMPLEMENTS- There are a whole host of implements that you may utilize during your set up and seed starting process. I use a big spoon for mixing soil, a scoop, a little dish for easy seed planting, a marker for plant labels, paper towels for messes, a journal or notebook to keep notes, a gallon jug for watering, scissors, and pliers. Later on, your seedlings will also need fed so having fertilizer ready is also a good idea.

Take the time to assemble everything you need and decide what you want to plant and then check out my next post: https://youreverydayenrichment.com/guide-to-starting-seeds-indoors-the-instructions/.