Seed Starting Basics

Starting seeds indoors gives you a head start on the season.

Seeds need three things. Warmth, moisture, and light.

Start six weeks before the last frost. Check your zone's frost date.

Use a seed starting mix. It is light and drains well. Garden soil is too heavy.

Plant at the right depth. A general rule is twice the seed's width.

Keep the soil moist. Use a spray bottle so you do not displace seeds.

Once sprouted, give them light. A sunny windowsill or a grow light. Leggy seedlings need more light.

Harden them off before planting outside. A week of gradual exposure to the outdoors.