This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this blog!

The Beginner’s Guide to Starting Seeds Indoors
Starting seeds indoors might seem overwhelming at first, but once you dig in (pun intended!), it becomes one of the most rewarding skills you can learn. Whether you’re growing food for self-sufficiency or just want to fill your home with beautiful plants, this guide will walk you through the process in the simplest way possible.

• Why Start Seeds Indoors?
  If you’ve ever gone to a garden center only to find limited seedling options or overpriced plants, you’ll appreciate the benefits of starting your own seeds at home. By growing from seed, you can:
  ✅ Save money in the long run
  ✅ Grow rare or heirloom varieties not found in stores
  ✅ Control the health and quality of your plants
  ✅ Get a head start on the growing season
  What You’ll Learn in This Guide
  1. Choosing the Right Seeds
  2. Essential Tools & Supplies
  3. The Best Grow Lights for Success
  4. Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Seeds
  5. Caring for Seedlings & Transplanting
  ________________________________________
  1. Choosing the Right Seeds
  The best seeds to start indoors depend on what you plan to grow and where you’ll be planting them. Consider these factors:
  Heirloom vs. Hybrid Seeds
  • Heirloom Seeds – Open-pollinated and passed down for generations. You can save seeds from these plants for next season. (Recommended!)
  • Hybrid Seeds – Created by cross-breeding plants for specific traits, but their seeds don’t reliably grow true to type.
  Where to Buy Quality Seeds
  Here are my go-to sources for high-quality seeds:
• Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds– Great variety of heirloom seeds.
• Johnny’s Seeds – Reliable and great for all gardeners.
• MiGardener– Great affordable seeds with many varieties. 

________________________________________
2. Essential Tools & Supplies 

*click the underlined words to check out the items i use! or you can check out the full Amazon List here- Seed Storage/Seed Starting Essentials 
To set yourself up for success, you’ll need a few key items:

✅ Grow Shelf or Cart– This isnt completely necessary to have but it DOES make it a lot easier to mount your lights and have a designated spot for your growing. Out of growing season we take our cart down and store it away in the garage. 

✅ Seed Trays or Containers – I recommend using a Garden Propagator Set (mini greenhouse) to keep humidity levels stable. If you’re on a budget, red solo cups with drainage holes work too!
✅ Seed-Starting Mix – Avoid heavy garden soil. Use a lightweight mix like:
• Burpee Organic Seed Starting Mix
• Jiffy Organic Seed Starting Mix
✅ Watering Tools – Use a spray bottle to mist seeds without overwhelming them. Once seedlings sprout, water from the bottom by placing a little water in the seed tray.
✅ Grow Lights – Regular light bulbs won’t cut it! Use LED shop lights with these specs:
• 2000-3000 Lumens
• 5000K Color Temperature (Bright White)
💡 Tip: Don’t feel like you have to have the “Fancy” purple grow lights—they strain the eyes and aren’t necessary for seed starting. I have NEVER used them for the many years of seed starting I have done. We bought shop lights with those specs from Menards and i found you ones similar that are on amazon!!
✅ Reflective Foil Insulation – Wrapping your grow cart in this helps keep light contained and provides warmth for your plants. This is not a “YOU HAVE TO HAVE THIS” thing, but if you have them in a drafty and cooler area (our house is pretty cool normally) this just ensures your warmth is not escaping.
✅ Plant Markers – Label your plants with waterproof markers or popsicle sticks to keep track of different varieties.
✅ Clyde’s Garden Planner – A fantastic tool to determine when to start seeds based on your last frost date. I have used this planner for many years and have had to buy second and 3rds because i tend to lose them (dont be like me) 
________________________________________
3. The Best Grow Lights for Success
A common question: Can I use a regular light bulb to grow plants? The answer: No—at least not effectively. Plants need full-spectrum lighting that mimics natural sunlight.
✅ Best Budget Option: LED Shop Lights (2500 lumens, 5000K color temperature)
✅ Alternative: Full-spectrum grow lights (though pricier, they work great!)
💡 Position your grow lights 2-4 inches above seedlings and adjust as they grow.
________________________________________
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Seeds
Step 1: Pick What You’re Planting
Check your growing zone and last frost date to determine what to start indoors.
Step 2: Fill Your Seed Trays
1. Add seed-starting mix to each cell or container.
2. Lightly pack the soil to remove air pockets.
3. Mist with water before planting.
Step 3: Plant Your Seeds
1. Check the seed packet for proper planting depth.
2. Use a skewer or finger to make small holes.
3. Drop in seeds and lightly cover them with soil.
4. Label each tray with plant markers.
Step 4: Water & Cover
1. Lightly mist the soil after planting.
2. Cover with a clear lid to create a mini greenhouse effect.

Step 5: Provide Light & Warmth
1. Place your trays under grow lights
💡 I like to keep my grow lights on 24/7 till they move to a bigger cup. Then I start their “day & night” cycle. If you have a multi-tier cart or shelf like me and some things might grow after than others, I sometimes don’t worry about day and night OR I just shut that designated light off for that shelf for the ones that are ready. (don’t feel like you must do this though…I’m just extra)

2. Keep temperatures between 65-75°F.
________________________________________
5. Caring for Seedlings & Transplanting
Once They Sprout: Remove the Lid!
When seedlings emerge, remove the humidity dome to prevent mold growth.
Watering Routine
• Mist seedlings daily but don’t overwater.
• Once they’re a bit bigger, water from the bottom by adding water to the seed tray.
Transplanting to Larger Containers
When seedlings outgrow their trays, move them to bigger containers (like red solo cups with drainage holes).

Hardening Off: Getting Them Ready for the Outdoors
Before moving plants outside permanently, they need to adjust:
1. Day 1-3: Place them outdoors in shade for 1-2 hours.
2. Day 4-6: Gradually increase sunlight exposure.
3. Day 7+: Leave them outside longer, bringing them in at night.
Once your plants are strong enough, it’s time to plant them in their final home—whether it’s in your garden, greenhouse, or an indoor setup.
________________________________________
Final Thoughts: Grow with Confidence!
Starting seeds indoors isn’t as hard as it seems—you just need the right setup (it doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy) and a little patience. Before you know it, you’ll have a thriving garden full of home-grown plants!
📌 Check out the full list of items i mentioned here on Amazon: Seed Storage/Seed Starting Essentials List
💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments or reach out—I’d love to help! Happy planting! 🌱
💡 If you are a visual learner stay tuned to our YouTube channel for a video showing this process of planting and vlogs updating through growing season!

To be notified of new Recipes and other fun things and post join our

newsletter! (we wont spam I promise)