Want healthy seedlings? Here’s how to start seeds indoors the right way—after 10 years of trial and error, I’ve narrowed it down to the steps that actually work.
✅ Use seed-starting mix (with worm castings if possible)
✅ Fill trays & moisten soil
✅ Plant seeds at correct depth (2–3 per cell)
✅ Label, cover with dome, and use grow lights
✅ Bottom water & thin early
✅ Harden off before transplanting
It’s simple—but powerful when done right.
#SeedStarting #IndoorGardening #GardeningTips #HowToStartSeeds #DesertGardening #GrowingInTheGarden #Shorts
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Here are the essentials to remember when you’re starting seeds indoors. Use seed starting mix. It’s different than regular soil and makes it easy for the seeds to germinate. Fill up clean seed starting trays with the soil and make sure it’s hydrated. Plant seeds at the proper depth. The seed packet should tell you how deep to plant. Plant two or three seeds per cell and thin them out pretty soon after they sprout. Top with a thin layer of vermiculite. This helps hold in the moisture and keep down the algae. Don’t forget to label it so you know what you planted. Put them someplace where they get lots of light. Grow lights are essential. The light from a window is not enough. Water from the bottom and keep the soil hydrated but not soggy. When seedlings emerge, thin to the strongest seedling that gives them plenty of room to grow. A fan helps the stems grow stronger. Once they have a few sets of leaves, start hardening them off so they get used to the outdoors.
15 Comments
when you harden, do you put them in direct sunlight and for how long, asking for Chandler weather? That part I never understand. I have killed so many of my germinated seeds for various reasons 😞
What seed starting mix do you use? I have a problem getting the moisture correct when starting out
If you didn't make videos, my garden would be done for! I live in Chandler, Arizona. Thanks for what you do!
great, now the garden is gonna move into the house as well!
I used lights and all my seedlings got leggy!
Love seed starting, thanks Angela 👩🌾
Does the vermiculite work as a humidity dome?
Thanks for teaching in a minute. Now i just need years to do it right 🎉
Great lesson, no fluff. I appreciate it!
To add one more, most seeds germinate quickly at 25 degrees centigrade. Waiting is awful as a beginner.
Vermicompost and vermiculite
Some stubborn seeds like Lupine and some hot chilli's are very hard those if you soak them in water with drop of Hydrogen peroxide and 24 hrs later follow all what you said is magic,they all did beautiful.This year I did oakra this way .
Thank you auntie ❤😊
Do you cover with the plastic tops
Would you suggest organic liquid fertilizers after a few sets of leaves?
It always amazes me how quickly they respond when finally planted outside they get the deep rich color and