Indoor seed starting prep

Hydroponic indoor seed starting

Sunday, January 18, 2026

It is about time to start indoor seeds.  Here is the prep to be ready for seed starting. 

So, you've decided to try your hand at starting seeds indoors this year.  To get ready for the sowing, here are some to do's.

1.  Decide what type of seed starting system you want to use.  You can start in peat pods, peat pots, plastic pots, handmade trays filled with seed starting mix or a hydroponic system.  Any will work.  I have tried all these types.  For indoor seed starting, I alternate between starting in a seed starting kit that you can get at any big box store with expandable peat pods or my Aerogarden hydroponic system.  If I am not going to fill the Aerogarden with starts, I'll just use the seed starting kits.  After buying the kit, you can buy additional peat pods as you need them.

2.  Make sure you have a sunny window to start your seedlings in.  If you don't, you'll need a grow light system to give your seedlings a strong start.  You can use shop lights with daylight bulbs or buy grow lights specifically made for seed starting.  

3.  For summer loving crops, a seed warming mat can help.  A small fan can be used to strengthen the seedlings stalks; making them hardier before transplanting out to the wind and handling.

4.  Be sure you you have plenty of peat pods or hydroponic pods before you get started.  You can buy peat pods at any big box store and my local hardware store carries them as well.  For the hydroponic refills, I get mine from Park Seed.  Aerogarden went out of business so I buy the smallest Park Seed refills and cut them down.  Most of the on-line seed companies sell hydroponic seed starting systems.  Hydroponic refills do cost more than peat pods but my germination rate in the Aerogarden has been better than peat pods.

5.  Gather your edible garden plan up and count how many seeds you will be starting at once.  My 2026 Decorative and Edible Garden Plan  Inventory what seeds and seed starting supplies you have; purchase what you need.  If using plastic pots, be sure you have enough seed starting mix to fill them.  When using larger pots, I will fill the bottom 3/4's with potting soil and put seed starting mix on the top quarter.

6.  Sterilize all your seed starting trays and containers.

7.  Put together your seed starting dates by variety you are growing.  The seed packet will tell you the earliest you should start your seeds indoors.  It is okay to start them later; you'll still get a jump on the growing season.  I'll start all my spring crops at the same time and then all my summer lovers together.  You'll need to know your frost date.

Indoor seed starting calendar

8.  Make sure your grow lights and/or hydroponic system is still working. 

9.  Sow your seeds!

10.  Make sure you clearly label your seed starts.

For tips on successful indoor seed starting,  Indoor seed starting tips for beginners