How to Plant Seeds in Pots Indoors

Planting seeds indoors is a great way to get a jumpstart on your gardening, whether you're growing fresh herbs, vegetables or flowers. It's also a simple and fun project to do with kids. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to plant seeds in pots indoors.

Materials:

Seed packets

Small pots or containers

Seed starting mix or potting soil

Watering can or spray bottle

Labels or masking tape and marker

Plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag

Grow lights or a sunny window

Step 1: Choose Your Seeds

The first step to planting seeds in pots is to choose what you want to grow. Consider factors such as the time of year, your climate, and the amount of space and light you have available. Many seed catalogs and websites offer information on the best time to plant each seed and their individual growing requirements.

Step 2: Preparing the Pots

Clean and sterilize your pots before planting. You can do this by washing them in warm soapy water or wiping them down with a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water. Make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom of the pots, and fill them with seed starting mix or potting soil.

Step 3: Planting the Seeds

Read the instructions on your seed pack for specific planting depth and spacing. In general, plant seeds twice as deep as their width. Sow seeds on top of the soil in each pot, then cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water gently with a watering can or spray bottle, taking care not to wash away the soil or disturb the seeds. Label the pots with the name of the plant and the date of planting.

Step 4: Covering the Pots

To create a greenhouse effect and promote germination, cover the pots with plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, checking the pots regularly and removing the covering once the seeds have germinated.

Step 5: Providing Light

Most seedlings need 12-16 hours of light per day to grow well. If you have a sunny south-facing window, place the pots there. If natural light is insufficient or unavailable, use grow lights. Adjust the height of the lights so they are 2-4 inches above the tops of the seedlings and keep them on for 12-16 hours per day.

Step 6: Watering and Fertilizing

Water the seedlings regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Use a watering can or spray bottle to avoid disturbing the delicate roots. Once the seedlings have grown their first true leaves, you can begin fertilizing them. Use a water-soluble fertilizer at half strength, applied every two weeks.

Step 7: Transplanting

Once the seedlings have grown to the appropriate size and the weather outside is favorable, they can be transplanted into a larger container or into the garden. Before transplanting, harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to the outdoor environment over a one to two week period. This will help them adjust to the differences in temperature, light, and humidity.

Happy planting!