Growing plants from seeds is an investment in your future garden. It’s an affordable, rewarding way to grow the plants you love while involving the whole family in a hands-on science project.  

Plan Before You Plant

Success begins with a clear vision. Before sowing seeds, map out your garden on paper to ensure everything has a place and purpose. If your goal is juicy, homegrown tomatoes, planting rutabagas won’t get you there. Likewise, growing trays full of peas is unnecessary if you only need a few rows.  Sketching your garden will help you determine how many seeds of each kind you need.

You can purchase seed packets for pennies compared to seedlings. Seeds have the added benefit of spacing, planting depth, and watering instructions. These are especially helpful if you don’t have a natural green thumb! You won’t want to start seeds too early, so check the recommendations on the seed packets and work backward.  If your plants need to be in your garden in May and your seeds take about eight weeks to sprout and grow to seedlings, plant them in March.

Gather Your Materials

Many of the materials you will need to start seeds are the same you use when you plant your garden outside. These include seeds, soil, light, and water. However, you’ll also need small containers to start your seeds inside.

• Soil: Choose a premium seed starting mix or nutrient-rich potting soil. Many online tutorials are available for creating your own mixture. Purchase enough soil to fill your containers.
• A light source (sunlight works!):  You may have enough window space to put your seeds in front of a window, but you’ll likely need an LED grow light.  I’ve started seeds in my basement before because the seeds are out of the way and not easily disturbed. However, my basement has little natural light, so I purchased LED lights.  Position the lights about two inches above the plants and leave them shining for 12-16 hours per day. 
• Water: You will need to keep your seeds moist throughout the growing process, from the time they germinate to the time you plant the seedlings in your garden. A spray bottle is handy to prevent overwatering.  
• Small seed trays with drainage at the bottom: Use soil markers or labels to help you remember what you planted where. Use your seed packets as labels- it’s a handy way to have these available for you to later reference.
• A heat mat (optional):  Many people use a heat mat under their plants to help them thrive.  Because the LED light doesn’t produce much heat, a heat mat might help provide what is lacking from using a LED light.  

A Note About Photosynthesis

This is a great time to talk to your kids about how God created plants to make their own food through the process of photosynthesis.  Research this biology topic to see what is needed, where it takes place, and what important resources it provides for us.  Use our printable (click above) for a fun way to record your findings: it’s a perfect complement to The Mystery of Science Biology’s Unit 7 in the student reader – The Plant Kingdom!

Caring for Your Growing Plants

1. Follow the instructions for planting on the seed packet.  
2. Check your plants daily to see that they are sprouting and don’t need additional water.  The soil should be moist and not wet.
3. Re-pot your plants when they grow too big for their containers.

Once the weather warms up and the risk of frost has passed, transplant your seedlings outdoors.  They may take a few days to adjust- a process known as hardening off. During this time, your plants may appear stressed before looking healthy again.

Get a head start on your garden by starting your seeds early inside. Not only will you save money by starting from seeds instead of buying seedlings, but you’ll also be rewarded with nurturing your plants from day one. Plus, involving your family can turn gardening into an educational experience for all ages!