Whether you live in an apartment with a balcony container garden or a yard full of raised beds, you can experience the benefits of starting your seeds indoors. You can increase your harvest potential by extending your growing season, have more control over the growing environment, and give the seedlings more protection from pests.
Before you start, you should ensure you have plenty of space – inside and in your garden – for what you hope to grow. While it can be easy to get swept up in the excitement of seed starting, be mindful of your resources so you can reduce the amount of waste and provide your plants with the space they will need to be happy and healthy. Start with high-quality seeds (we recommend Territorial Seed Company), clean seed starting mix, and containers with and without drainage holes (new and/or sanitized preferred). Good airflow and warmth are also essential and can be achieved using heat mats and fans.
Jiffy 72 Cell Seed Starter Greenhouse Refill
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CowPots Seed Starting Tray, 3-In., 3-Pk.
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G&B, Seed Starter
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Proper lighting is also crucial, but don’t let your lack of sunny windowsills deter you. Utilizing a grow light can be an easy and efficient way to produce strong seedlings and reduce the need for them to search for an adequate light source by leaning or stretching. You may think using a grow light is just a pipe dream for you. Maybe you’ve seen the professional-grade lights that cost hundreds of dollars or think your space is too small. Thankfully, countless options are available for grow lights, so you will likely find something that fits your space and budget. Just remember that not all grow lights are created equal. There are a few factors you will want to consider when shopping for lights:
SunBlaster Universal T5 Light Stand
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Type of Light Bulb
LEDs and fluorescent bulbs are the most commonly used types for seed starting. LEDs are a great, long-lasting, energy-efficient option, but fluorescent bulbs may be a better fit if you are on a budget or don’t want the distraction of bright lights.
SunBlaster T5 LED 6400K Lamp
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Light Intensity & Distance from Light Source
Light intensity, also known as brightness, is measured in several ways. The distance between a plant and the light source impacts intensity – having the light too close may cause burning, while a light too far away may cause the plant to lean or stretch. A good rule of thumb for seedlings is to keep the light source 4-6 inches from the top of the plant, adjusting it regularly as the seedlings grow. When selecting a light, make sure you can adjust it as needed.
SunBlaster Universal T5 Light Strip Hanger
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Light Quality
Plants primarily use red and blue lights for growth. Some grow lights will be one or the other, while others offer the choice between the two with the flip of a switch. You may also see white/balanced/mixed options. You will want either blue light or white/mixed light bulbs when starting seeds.
Light Duration
Seedlings need approximately 16-18 hours of light daily. Some lights have built-in timers, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn the light on when rushing out the door to work. Other timer options are also available, or you can simply rely on your memory.
Maximize your plant’s potential with the right amount of light and enjoy your seed starting success! Happy gardening!
