Get a Jump Start on Spring by Starting Seeds and Plants Indoors

Whether you are planting vegetables, annuals, or perennials you can save a bundle by starting seeds indoors. You don't need a lot to begin but a few accessories can make your plants sprout and grow faster. Pots, grow lights, a plastic cover, and some heat are pretty much all you need to start out. Many of these thing can be found in the home already but if you don't have the time to hunt for something to use you can pick a few things up and get started today.  You can use any sort of plastic container to hold soil, bottles for a greenhouse, and potting soil to start seeds indoors

There are quite a few different types of pots that you can use to start seeds indoors. There are biodegradable pots, plastic pots, and peat plugs that become pots when wet.  When using the peat pots make sure that when you do plant them outdoors their is no peat above the ground.  This causes the moisture to wick up and can dry out your new seedlings.  If you want to use something from around the house yogurt containers, butter bowls, and any other container that you have on hand can be used.  Just make sure to wash your containers out well prior to planting.

 You want to start  your seeds in a good seed starting soil.  Never use soil from your yard as it can contain bacteria and other nasties.  You can use regular potting soil but it can crust up on the surface which can give the brand new seedlings trouble when trying to break through the surface.  Some seeds are pretty stout when germinating and can  handle it.  I try to give my babies the best home I can and would recommend that you use a soil that is intended for seed starting.

How you plant your seeds will be determined by the seed itself. Some seeds need to be planted outdoors, on the soil surface, at a certain depth, with sunlight, or without any light. It's really important to check out the seed starting directions that come with the seeds you choose to plant. Flowers, vegetables, and foliage plants can all (mostly) be started from seeds. Pick up flowers that you like (and will do well in your area) and vegetables that your family will eat.  There are some really fun plants that you can start from seed.