Recently, we received a message from someone who has been following our Instagram feed who told us that she would like to try starting her own seeds this year and wanted to know what she needs to get started. Emily and I figured that a lot of people are probably in the same boat. Below, we have compiled a list of supplies that you may want to have to get started.
Last year was my first year starting a lot of seeds. I did not have nearly as elaborate of a set-up as Emily, and my seed sewing started to take over my kitchen. My family ended up eating in the dining room, so I did not have to keep moving my new plants back and forth. I was SO excited to get the plants out of my house and into the ground. This year, I ordered a grated metal shelf.
Another lesson that I learned is that I want to use trays. As evidence below, I used yogurt cups and empty milk gallons last year. The yogurt cups were fine, but Grow trays are much more compact and will keep your seedlings more compact and organized. I would not recommend using Milk Containers like I did. It was too difficult to get my seedlings out . I ended up planting the whole chunk of soil as one big plant, which caused my plants to not have enough room to grow.
Emily uses a room in her basement. Every time that I went to her house, she would just mutter to herself, “I have a lot going on!” She really did have a lot going on and has plans to have even more going on this year!
The list is a combination of items that Emily and I find necessary. They are divided by “Imperative” and “Makes Life Easier.” Emily and I are not Amazon sponsored. It is just an easy link to share with products we have used. We always love supporting our local nurseries and have also purchased many things locally.
Imperative
- SEEDS!! What are you growing?? Many of the seed suppliers are having a difficult time keeping up with the demand. We recommend that you order soon, so that you have time to ship and get the seeds started in time. Some of our favorite seed websites are:
- https://www.edenbrothers.com/
- https://www.rareseeds.com/
- https://www.floretflowers.com/
- https://www.selectseeds.com/
- https://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/
- https://www.reneesgarden.com/
- https://www.johnnyseeds.com/ **We love Johnny Seeds, but they are only accepting orders from commercial farmers this year.
- Grow Lights: This is very important (especially in areas that are cold and dark in the winter months). Even if you put the seeds next to a window, it’s probably not going to provide with enough light to get those seeds going. I purchased 4 of these grow lights, one for each shelf. Last year, I just rotated what was under my light. Remember, plants like to have light and dark times. Do not keep your light going all night.
- Grow Trays:
- Soil: Make sure whatever soil you get says seed starting on it. This will ensure it has good nutrients to give you little plant babies the best start.
- Fan: This is necessary to strengthen your little plant babies.
Makes Life Easier
- Heat Mat: Just a little extra warmth to get those seeds to germinate!
- Metal Shelf:
- Seed OrganizingCase:
- Seed Dispenser:
- Plant Labels:
- Garden Marker Pen:
Did we forget anything? Feel free to comment below!
In our next blog post, we are going to show you how to figure out which seeds needs to start when. We will even share Emily’s spreadsheet with you. Stay tuned!
Trowels + Dirt 