Indoor Seed Starting

<h2>Why Start Seeds Indoors?</h2> <p>Starting seeds indoors gives you a head start on the growing season. It is especially valuable in regions with short summers, allowing you to grow heat-loving crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants that need a long growing period.</p> <h2>When to Start Seeds Indoors</h2> <p>Timing depends on your last frost date and the specific crop. Generally:</p> <ul> <li><strong>6-8 weeks before last frost:</strong> Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant</li> <li><strong>4-6 weeks before last frost:</strong> Squash, cucumbers, melons</li> <li><strong>8-10 weeks before last frost:</strong> Onions, leeks, celery</li> <li><strong>10-12 weeks before last frost:</strong> Lavender, rosemary, some flowers</li> </ul> <h2>Equipment Needed</h2> <ul> <li>Seed-starting trays or small pots (72-cell trays work well)</li> <li>Sterile seed-starting mix (not garden soil)</li> <li>Labels and marker</li> <li>Humidity dome or plastic wrap</li> <li>Heat mat (optional, for warm-season crops)</li> <li>Grow lights or sunny south-facing window</li> </ul> <h2>Step-by-Step Process</h2> <ol> <li><strong>Fill containers:</strong> Moisten seed-starting mix until damp. Fill cells or pots to within 1/4 inch of the top.</li> <li><strong>Plant seeds:</strong> Follow depth guidelines on seed packet. Generally, plant at 2x seed diameter depth.</li> <li><strong>Label immediately:</strong> Write variety name and date on each cell or row.</li> <li><strong>Water gently:</strong> Mist with spray bottle to settle seeds without displacing them.</li> <li><strong>Cover with dome:</strong> Place humidity dome on top to maintain moisture.</li> <li><strong>Provide warmth:</strong> Place on heat mat or warm surface (70-75°F for most seeds).</li> <li><strong>Check daily:</strong> Remove dome once seeds germinate to prevent damping off.</li> <li><strong>Add light:</strong> Place under grow lights 2-3 inches above seedlings for 14-16 hours daily.</li> </ol> <h2>Caring for Seedlings</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Water from bottom:</strong> Place trays in water-filled saucers to encourage deep root growth.</li> <li><strong>Fertilize:</strong> Once true leaves appear, feed with dilute liquid fertilizer (quarter strength).</li> <li><strong>Air circulation:</strong> Gentle fan for 30 minutes daily strengthens stems.</li> <li><strong>Thin if needed:</strong> Remove weak seedlings, leaving strongest per cell.</li> <li><strong>Hardening off:</strong> Gradually expose to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting.</li> </ul> <h2>Common Problems</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Leggy seedlings:</strong> Insufficient light — move lights closer or add more hours</li> <li><strong>Damping off:</strong> Fungal disease from overwatering — improve air circulation</li> <li><strong>Slow germination:</strong> Temperature too low — use heat mat</li> <li><strong>Mold on soil:</strong> Reduce watering, increase ventilation</li> </ul>