Whether you’re just learning how to grow your first tomato or you’ve turned your entire basement into a jungle, we’re helping you decode what methods and materials are right for you!
I’m going to break down all the methods and seed starting equipment I’ve used as I’ve grown in confidence and passion. Stay tuned to the end for a sneak peak of the crazy setup I’m rocking in the basement! Remember, there is no wrong way to be a gardener, so let’s dig into the options and find one that will make YOUR heart sing.
Let’s start something beautiful!
Kate
🌸Viola Video: https://youtu.be/NrOARiYlVBU
🌿 Soil Blocking Recipe: https://thegardenersworkshop.com/pages/blocking-mix-recipe
🛍️ Bootstrap Farmer Link:
https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com/KATEDAVID
👩🌾 Products Mentioned:
Jumpstart Grow Lights: https://amzn.to/40yxTgW
Grow Lights Used On Costco Racks: https://amzn.to/4ate2Di
1020 Heating Mat: https://amzn.to/42hnyaf
8 Outlet Timer: https://amzn.to/4gUguoP
Single Outlet Timer: https://amzn.to/3PFzRWq
Continuous Spray Bottle: https://amzn.to/4gViey4
Amber Glass Spray Bottle: https://amzn.to/4g3pxT9
Jiffy Seed Starting Kit: https://amzn.to/3WhwiJF
Potting Tray: https://amzn.to/3CdH0KA
Bamboo Plant Shelf Grow Lights: https://www.gardeners.com/buy/low-bamboo-frame-led-grow-lights/8597720.html
Soil Blocking Set: https://thegardenersworkshop.com/products/soil-blocking-set?_pos=11&_sid=18bd72ae3&_ss=r
🛒 My Seed Starting Collection on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gXJpbg
🌷 Follow me here:
Youtube: https://youtube.com/HelloGarden
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hellogardendesign
Contact: hello@hellogardendesign.com
🛒 My Shops:
Shop my store for tea: https://hellogardendesign.com/shop
Shop my Amazon store: https://amzn.to/3YiPkRH
***Note: some links listed are affiliate links that do provide a small commission on purchases made. Thank you so much for your support!
#howtostartseeds #seedstarting #growlights #seedstartingforbeginners #seedstartingbasics
44 Comments
I love your just make it work attitude. Many of us small garden owners simply don’t want to invest a ton of money because we just need/want a few plants.
❤❤again, perfect timing as I just got all my seeds. I need some of those bootstrap farmers starting pots. And the violas are gorgeous.
You are hilarious. See you tomorrow
I learn something from you on every video! Just ordered the timer; I had no idea about a powerstrip timer. Love your grow room!
Lol, apparently I went from zero to crazy seed planting lady. 😂😂😂
Another great video!!! I so enjoy you and always learn!
Those categories are definitely descriptive of a gardener's progress! 😂😂😂
I love, love this video Kate. Your level of seed starting is amazing!! And I too, may have invested in the great Bootstrap Farmer items. I love them so much! Bootstrap Farmer – you need to call this lady ASAP!
You have such a delightful energy and attitude! Thanks for the chance to see your setup. That Brian is such a keeper! Happy growing!
The jiffy pots r great for those of us with tiny gardens! My hubs does his tomatoes every year! Container garden mostly!
❤ 😂 we love your Jam 😂. Great video
I am also to the crazy zone, I have invested in bootstrap as well, everything I’ve bought is top quality. I’m in it until I can’t do it anymore , I might be scaring my husband with the level of growing I’m doing for a home gardener 🤷🏼♀️😂🤣
Absolutely fabulous presentation!! You continue to inspire me. I'm intimidated by seed starting and am using your enthusiasm and humor to get over myself and just do it already. Thank you!!
Great video and I loved the l categories names. Hope your plants for February work out.
I had no idea that there were lights you didn’t have to raise & lower! Learn something new from you every time and have lots of giggles along the way. Thank you!
The Garden Rizz! 🤣 (I've got an 11 year old boy. Totally get it.) I don't have a great place to start my seeds except in my craft room…so I have a problem with multiple hobbies getting out of hand! (And dirt and fabric don't mix well some days. 🤣) Instead of the 1020 trays, I use boot trays from IKEA. They fit well on my Sam's Club metal shelving, are easy to clean and don't look horrible.
I love this video so much and I am squarely in the “this s@#$ is out of control” camp. 😂
Definitely outta hand here❤ my hubby does not get that I Have to grow seeds AND BUY pretty annuals and perennials!? They are different 🌱 plants, period! I did soil blocking.. a couple years ago wasn’t a big fan.. maybe will try again??
I want to be that person who has the Greenhouse on their roof! My sister lives in an apartment that has the Greenhouse on the roof!! I might be that person who slips a tray of seedlings up there for a little "me time". Don't put it past me. I love seed starting. I'm about a five-year veteran of starting plants from seed. The obsession has grown from about 12-16 starts on year one to about 150 seedlings on year 3 to now I'm trying to keep it under 250 finished plants on year five. I do have a Sunroom or 4-seasons room, so that's as close to a greenhouse as one can get! I consider it a greenhouse that's actually attached to my living room! I'm a huge fan of Bootstrap Farmer. I do have a lifetime collection of their products for seed starting. Did I mention I'll have about 250 plants this year from seed? #springiscoming
You need to see the water sprayer Laura uses and sells it would really save your hands .
Beneficial nematodes for fungus gnats and other garden pest too! Best option I found.
I laughed out loud when I saw the leaning tower stack of six cells 😂 because that's me. Totally out of hand. But I'm not sure about starting soil blocking yet because I don't want to waste all those nice trays I spent big money on 😭
Mesto brand mister. Highly recommend. Sprays even when upside down.
I love this video! I start seeds every year, and I start way too many! By the time it comes to set them out I am so happy to get them out of the house! I tell myself each year, that I’m not going to order any new seeds, but as you probably guessed, I do!
Ha! Category accuracy on point lol. I’m a fellow fully committed seed starter/gardener. I finally got a greenhouse last June, so it’s escalated quickly from there and I love it all! Looking forward to seeing your show garden and hope to see you in person. Thank you for the recommendations – I’m going to find one of those power strips for my grow room. I also have certain tools in each location – great time saver.
I'm definitely in the "this hobby has gotten out of hand, and I'm ready for the next category" camp. You should see my seed collection and greenhouse. I'm going to have to start a business to justify this. 😂
I love your level of whack-a-doodle! 💚🤍
Well, aside from the Echo, that's all me. I'm whole hog . . . and it's just for my own small garden. 😉 lol
Thank you for this fun video. I am an extreme seed starter. I use Purple Cow Organics seed starting mix. I put the soil in a aluminum baking pan (from the grocery store) and pour boiling water on the soil to help prevent any pests before filling the cell packs. Lisianthus was started on January 1st and I monitor progress with a magnifying glass because the seedlings are so small. I have growlights in a second floor office, a bedroom and in the basement. I grow anemones, ranunculus, snapdragons, stock and violas in the basement because it is cooler. I also just started the Nature Mulberry Shades Viola Nature Antique Shades Viola and Floral Power Plum Antique Viola (new at Johnny's seeds this year). I will do my winter sowing jugs next weekend because we are looking at -12 degrees this weekend. I am in southern Wisconsin with no snow cover which is bad in these extreme lows. Happy gardening and enjoy your weekend!
Fun, entertaining, informative and positive video on seed starting supplies thank you ❤
Thanks for making me LOL! You’re the best and those violas are the cutest I’ve ever seen 🙌 Can’t wait to see you at the garden show! 💕
Kate, I cannot begin to appreciate the amount of blood, sweat and tears that have to go in to participating in a garden show of that magnitude!🥰🌸🇨🇦
Just found you a few weeks ago & so glad I did!! You are so encouraging, supportive & informative of gardeners trying something new. I was wondering if you would consider doing a video on how you started your YouTube channel & equipment you use. I’ve been in gardening my years but had a sudden life change & would like to try something new. Plan to see you at the Seattle Flower Show. Thank you, Barb
I watch a channel (Acre Homestead) where she uses a huge storage tub to make her soil for her soil blocks….she's serious about her gardening. She is new to soil blocking, but I am fascinated by all of it!
I'm new to all of this – and I've not started seeds before EVER!!! LOL I think I'll look for those Jiffy babies…..
Oh man, love your “ insanity “ keep it coming! You are such a joy to watch! Zone3 Manitoba 🇨🇦❄️👏
Didn't know you had children! Makes sense as you always seem to be in preschool mommy mode – very patient and gentle when speaking. What a dream.
❤
AC Infinity makes clip on oscillating fans with adjustable speeds that can go on the metro shelf posts 👍 the 9” ones are new and are still having bugs worked out but I have many of the 6” and have been happy with them for a few years now. They also sponsor a lot of garden channels 😉 💚
❤ the dreaded eyebrow
I currently don’t have room in my garage to set up a grow area. However, it will be by this time next year. So in the meantime I’m going to try my hand at winter sowing. My goal this year is to learn all about starting my plants from seeds. I just know I can garden cheaper than I have been. 😄. Those violas are such a beautiful color! ❤
I don’t know if you’ll see this comment but if you do Garden Answer has the Mesto sprayer on sale right now until the 22 nd. I don’t know the price if that is cheaper than other places.
Those violas are the most beautiful colors! What a great setup you have. Makes total sense that you would need something this extensive for your home and work.
I love your presentation and approach to gardening. Thank you for sharing your experience and insights.
My comments (worth 2 cents): Soil blocks require a commitment to learn how to use them without them disintegrating under your fingers. Be very careful moving them around. Better yet, just don't move them. Re-usable 3" pots seem like the best way for me. As you mentioned, no potting on and they can hold for a while until you're ready to plant out. I love jiffy pots as well. Ferry-Morse has a "Durable Seed Starting Tray" at Walmart for $2.97 that is far more sturdy than the trays with the Jiffy greenhouse and about half the price as Bootstrap Farmer.
Stainless steel wire shelving is great for holding trays and attaching 4' shop lights. They were made for each other. You can get a 5 shelf system, but you can go smaller as well.
I love your multi-function power strip!
I'm so glad you finally showed us your greenhouse! So much fun! Awesome video! I'm right there with you, things have gotten way out of control here! lol