You know what’s funny about gardening? Just when you think you’ve got one thing figured out, you decide to try something new. Last year, I stuck with buying seedlings from our local garden center for my first vegetable garden. But this year? I’m diving into the world of growing from seed, and wow – there’s a lot to think about before you even get started!
Starting from Square One
As I mentioned, I am new to this. And the more that I learn, the more I realize I don’t know.
As much as I am the type of person that wants to do it the best I possibly can at all things and all times, I also have learned that perfection is the enemy of done. If I dive deeply into the world of seed catalogs and grow lights before I even begin, I know that I will be paralyzed by the fear of getting it wrong and another year will go by – ask my husband — why we don’t have chickens yet, or dining room furniture, or artwork on all of the walls or. . . or. . . or . .
So I have purchased packets of seeds from the local garden store, and I am beginning from here. But at least I am beginning.
Basic Seed Starting Setup
Setting Up My System
As I mentioned, I have never started seeds indoor before. After watching countless you tube videos and reading articles on the topic, I decided that I would keep it as simple as possible. Worst case scenario, if it doesn’t work out, I will by seedlings from the garden center. After much research and cost consideration, here is what I purchased:
- 4 – 10×10 seed starting trays
- 24 – 6 cell plug inserts
- 4 – 10×10 6″ domes
- 2 – 10×20 heat mats
- wood row markers
- seed starting soil
My Plan for Getting Started
By Planting Time
Here on Long Island, we’re considered zone 7b. If you’re not familiar with garden zones, (also known as plant hardiness zones), they are regions defined by average minimum winter temperatures. The USDA uses these zones to help gardeners choose plants that will thrive in their area.
From what I understand, and correct me if I’m wrong, there are two ways to determine when to plant seeds according to the Old Farmers Almanac – based on frost dates and based on moon dates. Either way, many of the seeds that I have purchased require being planted indoors sometime between February and March to ensure that they will be of a substantial enough size after the first frost to ensure they mature during our growing season.
As a result, I will be planting basil, cucumbers, lettuce, parsley, tomatoes and zucchini indoors.
Keeping Track
I’m determined to be organized from the start with:
- A dedicated garden notebook (aka this blog)
- My phone’s calendar for planting reminders
- Plant markers ready to go
- A spot for photos to document what works (again, will be sharing here)
Looking Ahead
As a complete seed-starting newbie, my goals are modest:
- Starting with just a few veggies that I know we’ll eat
- Learning from friends and community
- Taking good notes for next year
- Getting comfortable with the basics before expanding
I’d love to hear from other gardeners about their first experiences growing from seed. Any tips for a complete beginner? What do you wish you’d known when you started?
P.S. – I’ll keep you updated on how this seed-starting adventure goes. Fingers crossed!