15 Seed Starting Supplies to Make the Process Easier

Is the weather cold and gloomy outside, with your garden hibernating under a blanket of snow? Are you dreaming of summer veggies and browsing garden catalogs to help quell the winter blues?

There’s nothing better for blustery weather and SAD attitudes than the pleasure of seed starting. While it may be too early to start most seeds in January, it’s never too early to plan, order seeds, and gather seed starting supplies so you’ll be ready to get your hands in the soil for some indoor garden therapy!

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Whether you’re an experienced seed grower or among the millions of new gardeners starting seeds for the first time, we’ve compiled a list of ideal seed starting supplies to make your seedy adventure a pleasure that yields gorgeous, healthy, strong plants.

Some seeds grow best sown directly in the garden in spring when the temperatures rise and the soil warms. However, other seeds, like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant, need a head start indoors to produce strong plants ready for the gardening season.

Before you begin your seed starting journey, keep in mind that plants need adequate light, controlled temperatures, water, and good airflow. To maintain your sanity, you’ll want to avoid starting seeds on your dining room table, unless you’re unbothered by mess. Pick a spot for a comfortable workstation where you have access to electricity, consistently warm temperatures, and mess doesn’t matter. (You WILL spill seed starting mix and water, so unless you’re lucky enough to own a heated greenhouse, find a corner of a heated basement or craft room for your seed starting activities.)

Once you find your ideal space, start gathering supplies. Make a list of your favorite veggies, fruit, and flowers, and order seeds—pronto. With the surge of interest in gardening, seeds are in high demand, and you want to ensure that your favorite tomatoes or zinnias aren’t sold out. Visit our National Garden Bureau seed company members to find your favorite varieties and don’t forget to try something new! Why buy the usual varieties, start something new and have fun!

Once you’ve placed your order, it’s time to gather supplies. Some companies offer seed starting kits with many of the supplies you need packaged together. But many supplies can be found at home.

1. Seed Starting Chart

You’ve selected your seeds, and they’re beckoning to you, begging for attention. The snow is swirling outside, and you’re eager for some garden therapy. Is it time to start sowing seeds?

WAIT.

Starting seeds too early can be just as detrimental as starting them too late. It can be a challenge to keep a too-tall tomato healthy inside until May or June. But how do you know when to start sowing seeds, so the plants are ready at just the right time for your garden?

Seed packets offer a wealth of information. You’ll find information about days until germination, as well as days to maturity, along with light needs and other great tips. However, if you’re starting a lot of seeds, it can be tricky to keep track of the different germination times, making it confusing to know when to start growing.

Fortunately, you can find an excellent resource online with Johnny’s Seeds Seed-Starting Date Calculator. First, find your expected last spring frost date. Then, plug the date into the calculator. The calculator tells when to start seeds indoors, as well as when to transplant outside, broken out by crop. This tool helps ensure you start your seeds at just the right time.

Of course, if you plan to start seeds indoors, you’ll need something to contain those plants-to-be. While you’ll find dozens of ideas for upcycled seed-starting containers on Pinterest, make sure that whatever you choose to use for growing seedlings offers plenty of depth for adequate growing mix. You want big, strong roots, and they can’t develop in a tiny bit of growing medium or space. Make sure the container provides drainage to avoid root rot.

Seed germination cell trays make the perfect option for growing lots of plants in a limited space. You can find propagation trays in a wide range of cell counts, from 50 cells to 200. Use small cells for plants like lettuce, which will be transplanted quickly, and larger cells for plants that grow deep root systems. These rigid, reusable trays allow you to grow seeds with similar requirements in one tray—for instance, plants like tomatoes and peppers prefer bottom heat and good light. By inserting a tag with the variety name into each row or cell, you can grow several plant varieties in one tray, while avoiding variety mix-up.

Because cell trays provide drainage holes, insert the cell tray into a leak proof tray to protect furniture and avoid water spillage. Leak-proof trays are also great for bottom watering delicate seedlings. Add water to the bottom tray, allow the seedlings to soak up the water for an hour or two, then dispense of the standing water.

One of the most important tips for growing seeds is to keep the growing medium moist but not soggy. A humidity dome placed over the cell tray helps preserve moisture, keeping the seeds happy. Remove the dome as the seedlings grow to ensure good air circulation.

Some seedlings, like sunflowers, spinach, and corn, prefer direct sowing, as their roots dislike disturbance. However, by starting seeds in biodegradable pots, you can jump-start growing your favorite plants, making sure they’re ready for the garden season. Biodegradable pots come in a wide range of options, from rectangular, small, multi-cell strips to six-inch round pots. If using biodegradable cells, place them in a leak-proof tray with a humidity dome to help preserve moisture. Regardless of the option you choose, make sure to place a tray underneath the biodegradable pots, as water passes easily through them.

Once the weather warms and your seedling has grown big and strong, dig a hole and plant the entire container in the garden, container, or raised bed. The plant’s roots will grow through the biodegradable pot into the surrounding soil, and the pot will decompose throughout the season.

Skip the garden soil and invest in soilless seed starting mix to give your seeds the best start. When growing seeds indoors, a soilless mix offers a finer, lighter choice than typical garden potting soil, making it easier for young roots to navigate and grow in the medium. The main reason to use a sterilized seed starting mix is health: mold and fungi issues can kill delicate seedlings, ruining your hard work and plant joy. Sterilized seed starting mixes contain no contaminants or pathogens, creating a healthy, hospitable home for your young seedlings.

If you have a container already, wash it out well and sterilize it with a 10 percent bleach/90 percent water solution. Rinse well. Add the seed starting mix to the container, pour in a bit of water, and mix to thoroughly moisten the medium. Using a container makes it easy to scoop the pre-moistened mix into the trays, and then pop on the lid to store leftover seed starting mix.

Fill the propagation trays or seed starting containers with seed starting mix using a deep scoop, then use your hands to level the soil and tamp it into each cell. Make sure each cell is filled fully so the seed has plenty of medium for establishing roots.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Leak-Proof Seedling Trays. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Some seeds, like tomatoes and peppers, need warm soil to germinate well. Adding a heat mat with a thermostat to set the ideal soil temperature helps ensure even, speedy germination. Cold soil can inhibit germination, and cold, wet soil may even cause seeds to rot. Using the combination of a heat mat and thermostat allows you to control soil temperature for better germination.

Some seeds need light to germinate, while others, like pansies, prefer dark. However, as soon as seeds begin growing, they all need an adequate light source. When growing indoors, set up a light stand with full-spectrum bulbs that mimic the sun’s rays. Ideally, place the lights about two inches above the seedlings. It’s important that the lights’ height is adjustable to “grow” with the plants.

To make your life easy, plug the grow lights into a timer. Seedlings need between 12 to 18 hours of light each day. With a timer, the lights will turn on and off at the same time each day. It’s a nice time-saver to make sure your seedlings consistently receive proper light or try a grow light station with a timer built in.

Along with some seeds needing scarification, others, like some perennials, require a chilling period before germination called “stratification.” All you need is a small container filled with seed starting mix. Moisten the mix, add the seeds, pop on the cover, and place in the refrigerator. Stratification requirements vary by species, so check your seed packet for more information. Whether the seeds need two weeks or two months, make sure the mix never dries out during stratification.

You’re Ready!

You’ve gathered your seed supplies, set up your seed starting station, organized your seeds according to start times…now what? If it’s still a bit too early to start your seeds, consider joining a seed swap. Seed swaps are fun ways to try new seed varieties. Instead of buying ten packets of tomato seeds for ten different varieties, partner with some friends or neighbors to swap seeds so that you all can enjoy the pleasure of growing new varieties.

Are you starting your seeds indoors this year?

What is it about starting seeds that gives us such delight? It may have something to do with the joy that comes from encouraging new plant life indoors while it’s still chilly outside, or, later in the season, with the tactile pleasure of poking tiny seeds into sun-warmed garden soil, envisioning the green sprouts soon to come. Seed-starting is a great diversion and a fun challenge, too—imagine (or remember!) the immense pride you feel when you share your garden-to-table meals with family and friends, knowing that the delicious salad or scrumptious bruschetta began as a tiny seed grown by you. Another bonus: Plants grown from seed make an excellent complement to your ready-to-grow Bonnie Plants in the garden.

When to Start Seeds

Once you have those seed packets in hand, we know you’re going to want to get growing! But hold tight: Start seeds too early, and you might end up with leggy, overgrown plants that need babying until the frost disappears and the soil warms up. Start seeds too late, though, and you’ll be drooling over your neighbor’s BLTs while forlornly willing your plants’ blooms to turn into fruit. So, how do you know when it’s prime time for seed starting?

Don’t worry: we’ve got you covered. You’ll find all the information you need in our When to Plant Guides. From artichokes to zucchini (and everything in between), they’ll tell you when it’s time to start planting (both indoors and out) in your area.

Also, be sure to read the seed packets when planting your veggies and herbs. They offer lots of useful information, like days to germination, ideal temperature, how deep to plant the seeds, days to maturity, plant spacing, sun needs, and more.

Pro Tips for Seed Starting

Some seeds need a little extra TLC to get started. Tomatoes and peppers, for instance, need warm soil to germinate, so a heat mat under the seed-starting tray can help boost success. Soaking certain seeds, like garden peas, overnight in water can speed sprouting. Lettuce seeds need light to germinate, so sow them on top of the soil. And some seeds, like borage, need to be kept in the dark until they sprout. (All seedlings need light as soon as they germinate, though.) Again, check the seed packet!

No matter what kinds of seeds you’re planting, be sure to pick a spot in your home with good light (or access to electricity, if you plan to use grow lights), consistently warm temperatures, and good air circulation—all crucial for good growing.

Also, know that while slower-growing seeds are best started indoors, some seeds are great for sowing directly in the garden. Radishes, for example, mature in about a month, so you can go ahead and sow those seeds right alongside your Bonnie Plants starter plants. You may also want to consider doing succession plantings with fast-growing seeds, which means planting a new batch every couple of weeks, so you’ll have a continuous supply of fresh veggies to enjoy.

Gather Seed-Starting Supplies

Some garden centers offer seed-starting kits with many of the supplies you need (cell propagation tray, leak-proof bottom tray, humidity dome) packaged together for convenience. But you can also save money and help the environment by using upcycled containers, like old nursery pots, yogurt cups, pots made from cardboard tubes or newspaper, coffee cups, berry containers from the grocery store…use your imagination! Just make sure to clean upcycled containers, soaking them in a solution of 10 percent bleach and 90 percent water, then rinse well. Also, make sure containers provide good drainage—go ahead and poke some holes if you need to.

Gather these seed-starting supplies:

• Seed-starting tray(s) with humidity dome(s) or recycled containers and clear gallon zipper bags (the domes/bags help retain moisture)
• Miracle-Gro® Seed Starting Potting Mix, specially formulated for great root development to give your seeds a strong start
• Heat mat with thermostat (optional but nice for speeding germination in warm-season seeds)
• Good light—this can be a sunny windowsill, a desk lamp with a full-spectrum bulb, or a grow light
• Timer and extension cord, if using grow lights
• Plant tags and a marker
• Spray bottle and water.

How to Start Your Seeds

Now that you’ve gathered your supplies, the real fun begins! Here’s what to do.

1. Start by filling your containers or seed trays with moistened Miracle-Gro® Seed Starting Potting Mix.
2. Using your index finger, firm the mix into the cell/container, leaving a shallow indentation. Place one or two seeds per cell/container. (Depending on the size of the container, you may add more seeds, but be careful not to overcrowd.)
3. Check the instructions on the seed packet, and cover seeds with seed starting mix to the appropriate depth or simply press the seeds into the top of the mix if they need light for germination. Use plant tags so you won’t forget which seeds are which!
4. Using a spray bottle, gently water the seeds to settle them into the mix.
5. Place the trays/containers onto a heat mat, if needed, and cover the tray/containers with a humidity dome or clear plastic bag to maintain moisture.
6. Turn on grow lights and adjust the light fixture so it’s two inches above the seeds. Set the timer so the plants receive 12 to 16 hours of light per day. If you’re not using grow lights, place the seeds on the sunniest windowsill in your home.
7. Check seeds daily and spritz with water as needed. Don’t let the potting mix dry out!
8. Remove the humidity dome/bag when the first leaves appear. Called cotyledons, these are the seed leaves and are not “true” leaves.
9. Bully the babies! It seems counterintuitive, but “roughing up” your seedlings will turn them into stronger plants. Brush your hands over them several times a day, which will strengthen the stems and help prepare them to withstand wind when planted in the garden.
10. When the second set of true leaves appears, it’s time to move the seedlings into bigger containers. To pot them up, gather larger containers, like plastic cups with drainage holes, repurposed (clean) nursery pots, or biodegradable pots. Fill them with a premium soil like Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix to provide the nutrients your plants need to grow strong, then make a hole in the center of the soil with your finger.
11. Using an old fork, gently scoop the seedling under the roots from the cell tray/propagation container. Choose the strongest seedlings to replant, and if you want to keep multiple plants growing together in the same container, gently tease apart the roots to separate them.
12. Insert the seedling into one of the larger containers with potting soil. Repeat the process for each ready seedling, then place pots in a leak-proof tray to protect furniture. Water plants thoroughly, making sure excess water drains well.
13. Place plants under lights or on the windowsill and check daily to see if they need watering.

How to Transplant Seedlings into the Garden

As the weather warms and you’re eager to move the plants out into the garden, STOP! Before you relocate them, they need to be hardened off, which is the process of gradually getting young plants grown indoors used to outside conditions like intense sun, wind, and rain. Look for a level, partially sunny spot that’s sheltered from the wind, and give your plants about an hour of outdoor time to start. Each day, gradually increase the number of hours they’re outside and the amount of sunlight they receive, and be sure to bring them inside if the nights are cold. Keep them hydrated, too, as wind and sun will make them thirsty. (If you get a rainstorm, though, make sure to pour standing water out of the trays.)

When the weather is right and the plants have been acclimated to the outdoors for about two weeks, you can safely introduce your plants into their new garden home. If you haven’t gardened before or need a brush-up, be sure to check out our tips on how to plant your garden.

Wasn’t that fun? You’ll love the satisfaction of creating seed-to-fork dinners for your family and friends, knowing that those carefully nurtured seedlings will result in many delicious harvests. Enjoy your seed-starting journey!

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