How to start vegetable plants from seed indoors?

19698379
by 19698379
Hello. I want to start plants (basil, oregano, etc.) from seed indoors to plant out in the spring. I have been trying to do this for several years and the room I pick is almost always too cold/warm or I don't water enough or they sprout but don't grow. Can someone give me a simple process that actually works? I do not have regular grow lights, but I am going to buy one of these https://www.homedepot.com/p/Feit-Electric-60W-Equivalent-A19-Full-Spectrum-LED-Plant-Grow-Light-Bulb-A19-GROW-LEDG2/302049324 and a goose neck lamp. I estimate no more than 10 plants. I cannot put plants near a sunny window due to having cats who love to dig in dirt.

  7 answers
  • Lokie Lokie on Dec 14, 2017

    Park Seed has some great little table top green houses. I used to use just seed starting mix in peat pots but had awful luck. Once I started using the green houses from there I have started seeds with great outcome. Be warned though that I don't trust the review on the seeds and plants there. I sent in a review on some seeds that didn't produce what they were supposed to and my review never got published. The reviews I did on other seeds that did great got published. I started reading through the reviews there after that and notice they only have good reviews. So I no longer trust them with there company. But the small green houses they have are amazing! I convinced my husband to try one of them for his hot peppers he starts from seed every year. He was shocked at what a good amount of plants he got. He at least tripled his outcome.

  • War15939090 War15939090 on Dec 14, 2017

    you can buy these "greenhouses" at lowes for a lot bless than Parks, also when you water your seeds/plants use warm water

  • Rebecca Bourke Rebecca Bourke on Dec 14, 2017

    The best way is seed raising mix in egg cartons , place seeds on window sill keep moist not dripping wet (a spray bottle is best) and you will have plants in no time .

    also cucumbers cut a slice and place in an eg carton and you will have instant cucumbers. Most seeded vegies and salads too lettuce and celery cut of at the base and plant ,carrot tops and radish will grow the same and most capscuim( bell peppers) have seed that take very well too . as for most herbs just soak in water till you see white roots forming then plant in soil .

    happy gardening and best wishes to you and your new garden enjoy 💕

    • 19698379 19698379 on Dec 14, 2017

      I have no problems where I live starting lettuce, carrots, chard, and kale direct in the ground. Those are easy to grow. Herb plants are easy to grow, too, but I am trying to save money planting from seed.


  • Amanda Amanda on Dec 14, 2017

    Hello. I purchase a small green house that I put my plants in. It worked great, and it is smaller and didn't take up a lot of room. Plus easy to store. Once I had all of my seeds planted I keep them watered. The green house also keep the moisture in so I didn't need to water everyday.

  • 19698379 19698379 on Dec 21, 2017

    Thanks, everyone!