
Heating mats go under the potting containers and heat the soil from below.

The top of a refrigerator is an ideal spot, or you could consider purchasing heating mats specially made for germinating the seeds. Most seeds germinate best when the temperature is between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but check the information on the seed packet for specifics. Move the container to a warm, draft-free spot where you can check it daily. (If your seed labels are too tall for the cover, remove the label and set it on top of the cover directly above its corresponding cell.) The plastic covering serves to hold in heat and moisture. This can be provided by rigid plastic domes or covers, as is included with commercial seed-starting trays, or with clear plastic bags or cling wrap if you are using repurposed containers for starting your seeds. Start by covering the trays or containers with clear plastic. The hardest part of starting seeds indoors is providing the optimal temperature, light, and humidity levels for them to germinate and sprout into seedlings. Determining depth can be a challenge, but if you are not sure, err on the shallow side. If there is no information on the packet, the rule of thumb is to plant seeds two to three times as deep as they are wide. Proper planting depth is usually provided on the seed packet. Some seeds need complete darkness to germinate and others require light to germinate. Some seeds may require a period of pre-chilling or soaking. Make sure you read the seed package for special instructions. Once you have your containers prepared, you can begin planting the seeds. If you need a quick alternative, use an egg carton and poke a small drainage hole at the bottom of each cell in the carton, or you can use empty toilet paper rolls. These cells are ideal since they are usually made of a porous material that allows for water absorption and roots, when big enough, to grow right through the walls. Seeds that require 70-degree soil to germinate will clearly need to be started indoors in cold-weather climates since the soil does not get adequately warm until late into May.Ī seed starting tray is the easiest way to start seeds indoors for beginners and expert gardeners. The package may also suggest an optimal soil temperature for seeds to germinate. Soil needs: Some seeds can be started in ordinary potting soil, while others require a porous, fine-grained seed-starting mix.If so, starting them indoors may require a fluorescent grow light-or you may need to reserve your sunniest window for seed-starting. Light and water needs: The seed package will tell you if the seeds need lots of light.

If you want tomatoes in July, this means the seeds need to be started in early April. Some tomato plants take as much as 100 days to reach fruit-producing maturity.

Planting time: Most seed packets will tell you quite clearly if the seeds can or should be started indoors.The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
