Starting Seeds Indoors

Okay here's the deal, starting seeds inside can seem a little daunting.  I won't lie there are risks involved, life and death hang in the balance but it is completely possible and magical so try it.  There are so many good reasons for starting you seeds yourself.  For starters it's a money saver and who these days doesn't want a money saver? 


 Where normally a tomato plant might run  you anywhere from a couple of dollars to ten or so for a bigger one you can plant 15-20 plants from one seed packet($3.00-4.00)!  Two diversity there are so so many different varieties of vegetables why let the big box stores decide what you like why not try some new or old as in heirloom seeds. Seeds that were cultivated over generations for there unique properties!  Just by planting these amazing heirlooms you become part of that history by keeping alive a species of vegetable take it one step further and save those seeds for next year (now you've just scored a double bonus money and variety saving) Third there is really is nothing more rewarding then seeing something through from start to finish.
Getting started at first is going to require a little initial time and money investment (not much)

Things You Need to Get Started 

-Fluorescent lighting (with proper daylight colour spectrum)

-Heating pad (specifically for growing plants) optional

-Peat Pellets or sterile starting soil plus containers of some sort

-water spritzer

-seeds

The "Set Up"

There you go five maybe six itty bitty little items and your ready to go.  The plants generally like to grow in a cool environment to prevent them from growing to fast and getting all leggy so if you have a basement or cool unused room that would be an ideal location.

Heating pad is optional some plants need the extra bottom heat like tomatoes and eggplant but not all do so if you can't find one or don't wish to grow heat sensitive plants it won't be necessary. My Broccoli, onions, leeks and thyme did just fine without one

I personally found the lighting most intimidating, and initially ordered a jump start seed starting system which came with a light and stand.  Having said that I later found it was really no necessary and purchased a couple of single florescent tubes and converted an old steel shop shelf, but the jump start system is a nice for and easy start up.

Step one  -check the last frost date in your area (this is not a guarantee just a guideline) then plan out when you need to plant seedling for each type of plant.  Some will need to be started early as they are either slower growing or cold hardy and can be place in the garden early.  It is important not to start to early otherwise you will increase your chances of ending up with leggy plants.   Keep your little babies covered with plastic ie) a plastic lid or plastic bag until they start to come up through the soil.  Place light approx 3-4 inches above them, the lights can be left on 24hrs until they sprout and then reduce to 14-16hrs with 6-8hrs of dark.  Its important to keep and eye on them during this stage especially to make sure they don't dry out, those little seeds need to stay moist and warm and happy to get started with their new life.

Leeks (approx 4 weeks)

Broccoli (approx 4 weeks)

Celery (4 weeks)