One sign of the season is the rows of seeds packets out in the garden centers. It's time to start them! But there's a few things to consider.
First up you need a tray that will keep water and bits of soil contained.
Second, something to plant in. There are plenty of options to buy from the store, but consider recycling stuff you already have at home like plastic salad or fruit containers, berry or egg cartons, k-cups or even cake cones.
A good soil is ultra important. Pick one specific to seed starting. That way you know it will be loose and able to absorb and release moisture well.
For watering, try a spray bottle instead of a watering can to avoid disturbing the delicate seeds close to the top of the soil. Keep it moist but not saturated.
To germinate, the seeds need heat, not light. You can buy a seed mat, or just set the tray next to your furnace or in another warm location.
After they sprout, especially when they are getting their second leaf set, that's when they need light. If you're using grow bulbs set them with a timer for 12 hours on and 12 hours off. Getting one warm bulb and one cool bulb at a general hardware store is equivalent to the grow-specific bulbs.
Of course it's all about timing and that can be found on the back of the seed packet. But to help you out, a seeds tarting calendar like this one from Bachman's or this one from UMN Extension via Mother Earth Gardens comes in handy!
Any more questions? Post them on our Facebook page.