Seed starting is easier than you think.

There's nothing to be afraid of if you follow our simple steps. Many gardeners will back away slowly when the conversation turns to seed trays and heating mats, and they start muttering things like, "I just buy organic seedlings from my local nursery." That's one way to go. But to get the most out of your gardening dollar you cannot beat starting vegetables and flowers from seeds. Plus (and this is what motivates many gardeners) you can choose exactly the vegetable variety or much-loved flower that you want.

In our video, Seed Starting, Tricia walks you through the seed starting process and explains the different equipment options. Your major decisions will be: when to start your seeds, what to plant them in, and how to provide an environment for germination.

Chard starts in a Speedling tray are almost ready to be transplanted out.

Timing your seed starts

If you already have your seeds in hand, check your seed packet for germination times and read the instructions on when the plant should be transplanted. For example, squash is sensitive to getting root-bound so it should be started 3-4 weeks before the last frost in a larger container. Tomatoes and peppers need longer times and are typically started 6-8 weeks before the last frost. If you're doing cool weather veggies, some of them, like broccoli and cauliflower, should be set out BEFORE the last frost. Still making up your mind? The date of the last frost in your area is crucial. Planting your seedlings outdoors before the last frost typically leads to heartbreak when the seedlings are zapped by a cold snap. So please, don't try to jump the gun on that outdoor planting date. Count back from the last frost date to calculate when to start your seeds. Or we have made it really easy if you use our Seed Planting Calculator. There is a link to find your first and last frost dates based on the state and county. Once you know that date, simply put it in the calculator and it will give you approximated dates to either plant seeds indoors or when to direct seed outdoors.

This tomato in a Cow Pot is ready to be transplanted out into the garden.

How to choose a seed starting container

Seeds can be started in just about anything, including eggshells and paper milk cartons.

Some of our favorite re-usable trays are:

Hortiblock Transplant Trays have their own insulation and are designed to air-prune the roots. These trays are favorites with farmers because they last for years. I've seen ten-year-old Hortiblock Transplant trays still in service and looking great. Standard plastic trays are easy to work with and very durable.

The bio-degradable route is a great option for sustainability:

To minimize transplant shock, try Soil Blockers This innovative method doesn't use a container at all, just a compressed block of media. Roots are air-pruned and the block is dropped right in the ground. For more info on this method check out our video. CowPots that are made from manure and can go straight into your garden soil. Their cousins coco peat pellets, and coco fiber pots are some other marvelous options. Fill your containers with a soilless mix, like our organic QuickRoot, place your seeds two to a cell (Tricia likes to use the Widger as a seed spoon), and water well with a fine spray. The Dramm watering can has a removable "rose" on the spout that will sprinkle your seeds and seedlings with droplets. Make sure your seeds and seedlings get a continuous supply of water. If they dry out during germination they will die.

This lettuce is in a soil block.

Do you need an additional heating source for your seedlings?

Using Speedling trays, with their built-in insulation, means you don't need a heating mat but can simply put the trays in a warm place (like the top of the refrigerator). Heating mats will help with all other containers -- including soil blocks, which are set onto undivided trays. If you're new to seed starting and want a growing kit that contains everything you need, try our Peaceful Valley Seed Starting Kit. Most plants germinate best in a temperature range of 65°F to 75°F. During cool weather that means a heating mat will be required.

Feeling more confident? Don't let seed starting scare you this year!