Whether you want the best vegetable and flower varieties, want to save money or want to get a jump-start on the growing season, starting seeds indoors makes sense. Many gardeners start vegetable seeds, like tomatoes, peppers, cole crops and herbs, as well as flower seeds indoors. At Gurney's we start a lot of seeds for our test gardens indoors--so this gives us the opportunity to try a lot of seeding starting supplies, from grow lights, to pots for seedlings, to complete seed starting kits. Our seed starting supplies for sale are tops for home gardeners.
How To Start Seeds Indoors
Seed Starting Supplies from Gurney's
Choosing the Right Kits, Pots, and Grow Lights for Seed Starting
When buying seed starting supplies, first take into account where you're planning to start seeds. Spaces in homes often do not have enough light, warmth and humidity for starting seeds, and heating mats, domes and grow lights are often necessary. Next consider the containers that you'll need as well as your growing media. Many gardeners like using our seed starting kit because it has so many components in one handy kit.
Seed Starter Supplies: Getting the Most out of Your Purchase
We recommend buying your seed starting supplies at the same time you buy seeds for planting. This ensures that you have everything you need to get a jump start on the growing season.
When selecting a location in your home to start seeds, choose a space that can accommodate your growing plants and that is free from heavy foot traffic and drafts. Also choose a place where you won't mind of there are some spills. Many gardeners use grow lights and start seeds in their basement.
While windowsills often seem like a good place to start seedlings, they can often be too hot or too cool. Plus, growing seedlings in windowsills often leads to tall, spindly seedlings. We don't recommend using windowsills.
When to Start Seeds Indoors
Follow the seed packet's instructions to determine when to start seeds indoors. For instance, tomato and pepper seeds are often sown indoors about 6 weeks before the last spring frost date. Other seeds are sown earlier or later.
Hardening Off Seedlings
Before transplanting your seedlings to the garden, they should be hardened off, or given time to become accustomed to outdoor conditions, such as full sun, wind and fluctuating temperatures. This should be done gradually over the course of 1-2 weeks.
