Start Seeds Indoors for a Burst of Spring

By The Espoma Company
Photograph courtesy of The Espoma Company

The unofficial sign that spring is on its way? Indoor seed starting!

Gather your heirloom seeds, organic potting soil and supplies. It's time! You're about to grow your strongest, healthiest seedlings yet.

One of the biggest mistakes when starting seeds indoors is starting too soon.

Before starting seeds inside, check seed packets for the appropriate time to plant and look up the last spring frost date in your area. Then count back 4-6 weeks. That's the best time to start seeds indoors.

To Sow or No? Best Veggie Seeds to Start Indoors in Winter

Not all seeds succeed indoors! Root crops and cold-hardy seeds do best when it's warm enough to plant directly outside. Start seeds indoors now then sow more outside later.

Here are the best vegetable and herb seeds to start indoors in winter:

Tomatoes

Peppers

Cucumbers

Celery

Collard greens

Lettuce

Kale

Broccoli

Beans

Squash

Eggplant

Cabbage

Basil

Thyme

Cilantro

Oregano

Sage

Parsley

Seed to Succeed!

There are three secrets to starting seeds indoors: warmth, light and an organic seed starting mix that promotes root growth.

1. Start with Espoma's Organic Seed Starter - a gardener's favorite!
2. Fill seed trays to within ¼" of the top and lightly water. Follow the instructions on the seed packets to see how deep and far apart to plant. Cover with soil, press down and label.
3. Place tray in a larger pan of shallow water for a minute so the water seeps up from the bottom.
4. Place seeds in a warm spot between 65-75°. Try the top of the fridge!
5. Loosely cover tray with plastic wrap or the cover from the seed-starting kit. Check seeds daily for moisture.
6. Seeds need 12-16 hours of light daily. Grow lights can assist this process.
7. Once you see sprouts, remove the cover and move seeds to a sunny, south-facing window that is 65-75°F. Turn the container each day to prevent seeds from leaning toward the light.
8. Once leaves grow, add Espoma's liquid Grow! This organic fertilizer is safe to use on edible crops, around children and pets and will help plants to grow bigger than ever before.

Once you see that first sprout peeking through the potting soil, homegrown veggies are only weeks away!

The Espoma Company has been the pioneer in natural gardening solutions since 1929. Espoma provides an extensive selection of natural products that work in harmony with nature and are safe for people, pets and the planet. The company produces products to cover the nutritional needs of plants and to grow beautiful lawns and gardens. Visit espoma.com for more information and tips about organic lawn care. 

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