Seeds

Starting seeds is a cost-effective way to get a jump start on the garden, but can be tricky. Learn how to successfully kickstart your garden!

A close-up shot of a composition of various crops, carrots, beets, radish and lettuce, all on rich soil, showcasing do not start seeds indoors

Seeds

Do Not Start These 9 Seeds Indoors

Some seeds are better sown directly in the garden rather than started indoors in trays. Gardening expert Madison Moulton explains which common vegetables don't transplant well and why direct sowing gives you better results.

A close-up shot of a small composition of potted plants and its fruits, all situated in a well lit area indoors, showcasing bottom heat seeds

Seeds

9 Seeds That Need Bottom Heat to Germinate

Some seeds germinate reliably at room temperature, but others need warmer soil to sprout within a reasonable timeframe. Gardening expert Madison Moulton shares nine common seeds that benefit from bottom heat and explains when it's worth the investment.

A close-up shot of a person in the process of assembling a black tray with soil and ovules. showcasing seed-starting zones 2-4

Seeds

Seed-Starting in Cold Climates: Tips for Zones 2-4

When it comes to seed starting, zones 2-4 may seem like a hard spot to do it. However, they are actually prime areas for seed starting if you know what to do! Experienced gardener Sarah Jay walks growers in these zones through a few tips to start seeds with ease.

A photo of a humidity domes germination, appearing to have small greens inside of the tray placed somewhere with indirect light

Seeds

How to Use Humidity Domes to Speed Up Seed Germination

If you’ve ever used them, you know that with humidity domes, germination improves. Choose the right dome, and you have seeds in optimal conditions for sprouting. Experienced gardener, Sarah Jay, discusses why domes are so effective and which ones to use.

An overhead and close-up shot of a person in the process of plants sprouted seeds, showcasing how to pre-sprout seeds

Seeds

How and Why to Pre-Sprout Seeds Before Growing

Every year, we gather our seeds and starting supplies to start the spring garden. If we’re dealing with old seeds or hard-to-germinate ones, we can use a fun trick to save ourselves some space and money! Experienced gardener Sarah Jay walks you through why and how to pre-sprout seeds for more success in spring.

A close-up shot of a small composition of bluish-purple colored flowers on top of slender stems, alongside wooden fences, showcasing native plant seeds winter

Seeds

7 Native Plant Seeds You Can Direct Sow in Winter

When should you direct-sow native plant seeds? Winter and fall are the best times to do it! Gather your native seeds, and get your substrate ready. Experienced gardener and Master Naturalist Sarah Jay covers 7 native plants seeds you can sow in the cold.

Seed starting under lights, showing purple lights placed a top a layer of sprouts with rounded green leaves and whitish stems

Seeds

Seed Starting Under Lights: Getting a Jump on Winter Growing

Starting seeds indoors during winter gives you a head start on the growing season and expands the possibilities of what you can grow. Gardening expert Madison Moulton explains how to use grow lights for winter seed starting, from choosing what to plant to transplanting healthy seedlings.

An overhead and close-up shot of a person's hands holding a small pile of yellow seeds, showcasing january seed starting calendar

Seeds

January Seed-Starting Calendar: What to Start Week by Week

It’s time to prep your January seed starting calendar and get organized ahead of the spring season. No matter where you live and what kind of weather you expect for the beginning of the year, a good plan goes a long way. Experienced gardener Sarah Jay takes you through the month, week by week, to help you figure out what to do.

Vegetable seeds start december, showing small tomato and pepper plants in dark brown soil surrounded by gardening tools meant to take care of the plants

Seeds

7 Vegetable Seeds to Start in December

When should your vegetable seeds start? December is a great time for direct seeding in some instances, and sowing indoors in others. Experienced gardener Sarah Jay covers seven seeds you can start in both cases to achieve cool-weather harvests and prepare for spring.

Close up of vibrant pink and white colored blooms on slender stems showcasing flower seeds to start in December.

Seeds

9 Flower Seeds to Start in December

Thinking about when flower seeds start, December isn’t the first month on your mind. But it’s actually a great time to get many flower seeds in the ground, and it’s a perfect time for sowing slow growers indoors. Gardening expert and Master Naturalist Sarah Jay covers 9 seeds you can start this month.