When it comes to seed starting, timing is as important as type.

It’s just about time to sow seeds indoors, and here are some ideas to get you started. Be advised that this article addresses warm season crops. 

Cool season crops such as beans, peas, radishes, and lettuce generally do their best when sown directly into the garden. You certainly can start these vegetables indoors, but they typically don't transplant well. With their short germination time, you're better off seeding them directly.  In fact, many of these vegetable seeds can be sown directly in early March.     

  

For warm weather crops, starting these crops from seed is a great way to get exactly the variety of peppers and tomatoes you want. In addition, tomatoes, peppers, and other warm weather crops require long growing seasons and will do their best by starting them early indoors.   

Our typical growing season is 146 days (about 5 months). This number assumes that season extenders such as frost cloths or cold frames are not used. As a rule, May 15 (May 30 if you garden at altitude) is the start of our frost-free growing season. Some years we’ve been able to plant as early as Mother’s Day, other seasons it’s after Memorial Day. The point is you should always be prepared to deal with our unpredictable spring weather, when it comes to moving your warm weather transplants outside.    

   

Using May 15 and the information on the back of the seed packets you’ve selected will help determine the date you’ll want to start your seeds indoors. Example: Peppers should be started eight to ten weeks before last spring frost. Ten weeks before May 15 is the week of March 7.   

  

Begin the process by choosing high quality, fresh seeds from local suppliers. Check the back of the seed packet. There should be a 2026 date printed on it. This is your assurance that the seed is fresh. When you open the seed packet, you should find seeds that are uniform in size and color. Selecting premium seeds will give you better germination rates and stronger seedlings.   

  

Take time to read the inside of the seed packet. You’ll find valuable information regarding planting depth, spacing and days to emerge on the outside of the packet.    

  

 

In addition to seeds, you’ll need containers, domes, labels and seed starting medium. When it comes to containers, plastic seed starting trays and inserts are the more traditional method for starting plants from seed. You fill the plastic cells with seed starting mix, then plant seeds in them. This method works very well, and you can choose from several different inserts.    

  

An alternative method would be to use peat-based containers. An advantage to growing in peat pots is once your seedlings are ready to be moved to the garden, peat pots can be planted directly in the ground, which reduces transplant shock.   

  

Domes help hold in moisture and warmth while your seeds are sprouting. Domes are available in two inch and seven-inch sizes. Once your seeds have sprouted and have two sets of true leaves, remove the domes to allow air circulation.   

  

It’s important to label trays, so you’ll know the variety of seed you’ve planted. Labels are available in wood or plastic, and they can follow your seedlings from the starting tray right into the garden.   

  

  

Now that you have selected your seed starting trays, inserts, and domes, pick up some seed starting mix. Use seed starter, not potting soil. Seed starter mix is sterile and holds moisture well. You'll have much better results with seed germination. It's a good idea to moisten the seed starting medium before you sow your seed.   

  

For quicker germination and stronger root systems, buy a heat mat. Heat mats keep the seed starting soil temperature constantly warm, even as the grow room cools off in the evening. Keeping the soil at a constant temperature promotes faster germination, larger root systems and sturdier plants.  

 

 

  

Heat mats help seeds germinate faster and root deeper, by keeping the soil temperature constant. Even if the room cools off at night, the soil stays warm and seeds will sprout faster.  

Once your seeds are up and have grown two or more sets of true leaves, it’s important to provide adequate lighting.  

There is a wide variety of grow lamps to choose from, including T5, LED, CFL and fluorescent. Supplemental lighting is available as a complete fixture or you can purchase a grow bulb that will fit a standard light socket, making it easy to increase the light levels for your houseplants.  

Providing sufficient lighting is one of the most important aspects of growing strong, healthy seeds indoors. If you’ve had problems with seedlings growing long and spindly, it’s a sign they need more light.   

For best results, select a bulb with a heavy blue spectrum. Plan to run your grow light system eight hours a day. Providing adequate lighting is one of the most aspects of growing strong, healthy seeds indoors.   

Feed your seedlings with a mild liquid fertilizer once they've developed three or more sets of true leaves.  

As your plants grow, ruffle them once a day with your hand or place a small fan strategically near the plants. This helps them grow stocky and strong.  

Starting plants from seed is a great way to get the variety of vegetables and tomatoes you want. Using the right seed and seed starting supplies will help ensure better, stronger transplants when it comes to time to move your seedlings out into the garden.