A Guide to Starting Seeds Indoors for Spring Gardening

Starting seeds indoors during the winter is a great way to get a jump start on the Spring growing season. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of seeing those seedlings sprout for the first time. Who doesn’t love a little bit of greenery during the cold, dark days of winter? 

Here’s how to get started:

Choose your seeds

There are so many options out there, it can be overwhelming! Some things to consider when choosing your seeds are the size of your garden, your climate, and the amount of sun and shade different areas of your garden receive. You can find seeds at our Surrey or Broadway store and a customer favourite is our West Coast Seeds collection.

Get your supplies

You’ll need pots or seed trays, seed starting mix, and some sort of heating or lighting source. You can use small pots or seed trays, or you can use recycled containers like egg cartons or yogurt cups. Make sure to poke holes in the bottom for drainage.

Sow your seeds

Fill your pots or seed trays with seed starting mix, and follow the instructions on the back of the seed packet for sowing depth and spacing. Water gently, and make sure the soil stays moist (but not waterlogged).

Provide heat and light

Most seeds need a temperature of around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate. If you don’t have a warm spot in your home, you can use a heating mat or a grow light to provide the necessary warmth. Make sure to keep the light a few inches above the seedlings, and move it up as they grow.

Transplant your seedlings

When your seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, they’re ready to be transplanted into larger pots or into your garden. Be gentle when handling them, and make sure to harden them off (acclimate them to the outdoors) before planting them outside.

Starting seeds indoors during the winter is rewarding and great for early garden planners. You’ll be glad you started now instead of waiting until the last minute. Be prepared to be rewarded with a beautiful garden come springtime!

Have any burning questions? Contact us or message us on social media and we’d be glad to help!