What Is The Best Way To Start My Gardening Indoors?

Written by Eli Adams in At Home,Emergency Preparedness Blog,Food,Gardening,Survival Food,Survival Skills

Sprouts in Gardening

Which Garden Plants Should I Start Indoors First? 

With a few exceptions, it’s ideal to start most seeds indoors in the spring. You’ll want to do this before your specific planting season starts. Although much of this depends on the particular kinds of seeds you plan to use. The following list will give you an idea of which plants will thrive best when started indoors.
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Eggplant
  • Kale
  • Lettuce
  • Onion
  • Okra
  • Pepper
  • Sweet potato
  • Tomato
  • Celery
  • Chard
  • Cucumber
  • Melon
  • Peas
  • Pumpkin
  • Spinach
  • Squash
Do not start carrots, corn, beets, or beans indoors. (List adapted from the Clemson Cooperative Extension.)

Why Is It Better To Start These Seeds Indoors?

Beginning your seeds indoors creates strong, healthy plants to transport outdoors even before the typical planting season starts. If you tend to have shorter growing seasons, this method is recommended. Sprouting indoors

How Do I Begin Planting Indoors?

To start your plants indoors, plant your seeds in a seed-starting potting mix (not soil from the garden). Do this in a container with drainage holes. Examples of proper potting choices include biodegradable pots, flats, recycled yogurt or milk containers with holes punched in the bottom, and/or peat pots. Next, plant the seeds to the proper depth according to the individual instructions on the seed packet. Cover your plants with plastic bags tied loosely at the top (to allow airflow) or with plastic wrap loosely set on top, to retain moisture. Place in a warm location, such as on top of your refrigerator. When the seedlings begin to sprout, place them in a brighter location, such as near a window. Last, choose the strongest plant to transport to your outdoor garden when it is planting season.

How Long Does It Take Seeds To Sprout Indoors?

It usually takes 1-2 weeks for your seeds to germinate.

Do You Need A Grow Light To Start Seeds Indoors?

When the sprouts of your seeds begin to emerge, they need sunlight. You can place them next to a window or supplement with fluorescent light for a few hours each day.

When Is It Too Late To Start Seeds Indoors?

Every seed is different, and the seed packets can be helpful for figuring out which seeds need to be planted at which time. First, find the seed starting date on the seed packet. These starting dates will tell you how many weeks before the final frost date to plant the plants. Next, look up when the last frost date is in your particular area. From here, count backward the weeks, and plant the seeds accordingly. If you live in a cold climate or plan to keep your weeks in a cool basement, consider planting the seeds 1-2 weeks before the prescribed start date. For organizational purposes, sort your seeds into which plants need to be planted on different weeks, and create a calendar for simple planting. Once they are sprouted strongly, transport the seeds to your outdoor garden.

Related posts:

How To Grow Sprouts And Incorporate Them Into Your Emergency Plan
How To Grow Produce In The Winter?
How to Start Your Own Square Foot Garden

Eli Adams

I'm the owner of OSG. I live in Utah and enjoy spending time in the outdoors with my wife and children. The Utah mountains are a great place to learn and polish my survival skills.

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