Biggest Mistakes Made When Starting Seeds Indoors

Starting seeds indoors can be rewarding but also very frustrating and discouraging if you have failure. In this episode I will go through some of the most popular mistakes gardeners make when starting seeds indoors and if a part 2 is needed then we let me know!
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[@baldjesusIRL]

I literally just learned every reason why all my plants die and I had no clue what I was doing wrong. Thank you!

[@ocelot3712]

Got lights 500w true

[@yaima0901]

@Mike G 🤣🤣🤣

[@joeygirl314]

@Mike G - haha - I kill cactus!! 😬🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Yet, I keep trying...if I change the ‘routine’, maybe it won’t fall into the definition of insanity...😁😁😊😊😊🙏🏼

[@spicekidz6818]

Me too!!!

[@nathanwall8169]

if you love what you're doing then it never hurts to ask for help

[@2debweb]

Yes please make a part two. I need info on watering and fertilizing, etc. Thank you for taking the time to do these!

[@ironbomb6753]

Yes! More info on this stuff plz 👍

[@aljohn24son]

Water from below and don't fertilize until they are getting big (4") and fertilizer is one of the least important things until they go outside

[@insaned4666]

Yeah ... watering is the hardest part. Dampening off can be a real problem.

[@gardencookeat22]

Bottom water. Fertilize when you get your 2nd set of leaves. Use a liquid fert diluted, every 10 or so days.

[@barbarabryan4911]

Yes part 2

[@allisalinfield4547]

I have really enjoyed learning from your videos. I wanted to let you know that I use LED shop lights that are only 4000 K and they have worked just as well as anything else. I grow Basil year-round in my basement under those lights and they love it. I start a lot of seeds indoors under those lights as well and they have turned out fabulously. I think that people are deterred from starting seeds indoors when they see how much grow lights are, but there are lots of cheaper options that will still work. Thanks again for all of your educational content.

[@deborafoster2977]

That was my concern. Thanks

[@roya.w.j.4549]

Some hints and trix from my experience; 1. When using cells, try to water from bottom. 2. Research your seeds, some people put them under lights too soon or late, sometimes darkness is better for germination. 3. I use a small oscillating fan a couple hours a day and move it for different angles. This partially hardens the plants before putting them out side, you should still give them some time outside before transplant for more hardening and less stress. This is also what makes bottom watering nice, because small cells dry out easily. 4. What I do when Tomatoes and peppers are flowering too soon. Pinch them off daily, don't even give them a chance to form. They look like a small cluster of buds. 5 keep watching MIgardner

[@woodspirit98]

I use floating seed trays. Very strong

[@okieking8503]

2:33 Luke. You made me look at my grow light and make me really contemplate my life decisions

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

I just use fluorescent shop lights and they work fine. I live in the coldest and shortest growing zone in the US, zone 3, so I have to start a lot of stuff indoors.

[@gardencookeat22]

I use drop lights with a heatlamp bulb. I leave them on for 24 hrs till they I transplant into larger containers.

[@NoPsychoBabble]

LOL!🤣🤣

[@okieking8503]

@@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123 I moved so im having to either go seed or buy seedlings :/

[@Guttergirl182]

Who's Luke?

[@citymamaontheback40]

Yes please make a PART 2. These are all good reminders, even after years of gardening we have to wait so long every year in Canada to plant so some things are forgotten!, Thankyou

[@KeepinYouUp07]

Great points. Also, I've learned so much from watching indoor cannabis grow videos. Instead of cannabis, I juat grow veggies! My results are off the charts!!!

[@suzyraabe5203]

Yes plz do part 2. I struggle so much with sowing my seeds. Everyone makes it look so easy and I’ve never been Successful. Thank you for all you do.

[@popular254]

Yes please make a part two. I'm a begginer and I'm sure there are others like me that watch your videos. What probably seems like a simple no brainer thing (and not worth mentioning) to an experienced gardener, needs to be spelled out and simplified to a newb. Thank you, great info in this video

[@nevawilson228]

I'm new at this too. I want to grow indoors in my apt.

[@southerner66]

This is the single most practical, fact-filled, and thorough presentation on seed starting I've ever seen. Nice to see someone who's clearly thought this all through.

[@kelliebaranowski]

This video taught me that everything I did last year (first time starting seeds indoors) was completely wrong 🤣 live and learn!

[@danonhennessey9662]

Hmm, I was just celebrating my first seedlings; now I'm wondering if I'm too early in the season. This channel is great! I learn so much here. Thank you

[@nnoble92]

One of the main scenarios I start seeds indoors are with spinach, starting them indoors to give them a head start for fall and winter harvests.

[@alaskabeezy9074]

I would love to see a part 2 to this video! Specifically touching bases on watering and fertilizing! Such as bottom watering vs. regular watering and when to fertilize your seedlings and ideas on what to fertilize with.

[@Eddyfamily]

I would very much like a part 2. Cover watering, fertilizer, right soil, how large the plant should be when you transplant (pick some that you commonly start from seed),

[@Eddyfamily]

Oh one more thought- with common starters (such as lettuce) in a 3” pot (as you recommend) how many days before the last frost to start seeds indoors.

[@kathyvalentine1543]

Hi, I live in the Midwest, zone4. I primarily grow tomatoes ,peppers, and green beans. I grow zinnias and cosmos.I have had great success starting indoors using grow lights purchased from menards. I use a plastic display rack that my local grocer was getting rid of. I wire the lights on the shelf above. I start in the small cells instead of the 3” pots because I don’t have room for that many 3 inch pots on my rack. I have a nice plastic greenhouse from menards that we put up in April we insulate the edges with straw bales and use a heater in the evenings. I water with rain water. I do not fertilize until the plants get the second set of leaves or real true leaves. I water with room temperature rain water.plants go into the greenhouse as soon as I can keep the temperature above 60 degrees inside. I transplant all plants into plastic cups with drainage holes as soon as the second set of leaves appear . I save the cups each year. I fertilize with fish emulsion in my water only .I use epsoma organic fertilizer once plants go into the ground. I usually have a few flowers on both my tomatoes and zinnias, never had a problem. I have started green beans indoors to get them larger so the rabbits don’t eat them to the ground. I’ve had success with tomatoes, peppers ( peppers take about 2 weeks to germinate so start them earlier) eggplant, perennial flowers, cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers. The internet is a great source of info about starting seeds in your area. Every season is different . Practice makes perfect, lots of trial and error. I could not do anything without my portable , it shields from the wind and plants get the sun they need. Good luck!

[@biffjohnson7107]

Thomas Eddy agreed. I just started my first seeds, and I’ve made so many mistakes, even after the dozens of videos I’ve watched, saved, and watched again. My cucumbers are leggy, three days after I planted the seeds, my peppers are still too damp, and my green beans are just now poking above the soil. Some us folks need more help than we’re worth. 😕

[@blondelightning6200]

@@biffjohnson7107 Hey Biff, just read your comments and I'm no expert, but I sure know how you feel! I'm going to try hydroponics. Have you ever tried that method. I'm going to try the kratky method. :)

[@biffjohnson7107]

Allana Ram-Budway I have not. This is my very first time trying to grow anything. I may look into hydroponics for the winter time, if I ever get around to gathering the supplies. ✌🏻

[@jin8339]

Yes, pls do second video. This is very informative esp for gardeners who is in tropical zones. We keep hearing about indoors but rare on outdoors. Thank you !!!

[@tammy707]

I planned on doing all the bad mistakes. Thank you for this video. Change of plans

[@Dee--Jay]

every yr, i start seeds in some great value plastic see through cups. you get 50 for 3 bucks. and i punch holes at the bottom on the cup

[@Sarah-fx5ew]

Same. And I like being able to see the roots and moisture in the cup.

[@mtmt9899]

Dee Jay What’s the size of the cups?

[@JB-ChildOfYah]

GREAT idea!

[@Sarah-fx5ew]

@@mtmt9899 16 oz. Same as the red party cups but clear.

[@pitchfolkmedia916]

@Bree Yah Roots are damaged by light, so you can buy the clear cups and some black or red cups. Put the soil in the clear cup and nest the clear cup inside the colored cup to protect roots from light. Now you can separate the cups when you want to check on roots and moisture. Easy!

[@clynthia0510]

Thank you, Luke. With this video, you just saved me a lot of time, money, stress, and effort. I don't have enough space or light, and I was about to try to start seeds indoors. I'm still new to gardening, and I have not grown enough of anything to have a meal yet. But I will one day soon.

[@BrendaBodwin]

Watching this on May 12, 2022. We had two blizzard, the first week this month, and last week of last month, (normal), night freezes,( normal), this week, flooding/over saturating rains.(normal) We have to start inside, if we want a complete garden. You are 100% on light. Learned the light thing, the hard way, very hard way, years ago. 3 plantings before I figured out I needed more lights. This year, I added 2 tactical lights, and you wouldn't believe how well that worked out. They charge on a cell charger. I still have normal grow lights, I just added them, and it made a huge difference in my leafy veggies. Huge difference. 😁👍🏻

[@Adeline9418]

Well that clinches it. I'll be starting all my seeds outdoors when it's warm enough. Thanks!!

[@shelbytaylor25]

I’d love to see another video! I know you’ve posted seed starting videos before, but I’m a beginner and I feel like I can never have too much info!

[@staceylaper7333]

Please make a part 2. This was really helpful! My garden and all my windows in my indoor growing area are on the Northside. I thought this is why my garden was always a few weeks behind, but now I know I was starting them too early indoors.

[@cassiebrent9715]

Just got my seeds today! The packaging is so beautiful! Love the typeface and the overall grid design. my graphic design self and gardener self are both happy. Also thanks for the info! It’s hard to decide when to start seeds especially this year since it’s so warm over here but this video helped clear up a lot about starting indoors.

[@whosedoingwhat]

Well a yr later cntrl gulf coast Fl its near freezing so much for sunny warm Fl winters this yr it’s almost always cold Nov. Dec, Jan, Feb...please warm up🥶

[@ThisNewLifeofOurs]

Zone 5. Started my tomato plants early February last year in a southern facing sunroom…by the time I transplanted them, they were 2 feet tall, with flowers, gangly, and I had moved them 3 times into bigger and bigger buckets. The larger tomato plants (beefsteak) never did grow much of anything. 😔 (but it was a learning experience and I am grateful for the knowledge)

[@rebeccaulmer9167]

Wow!! This was so helpful! I already “knew” all this, but hearing all the explanations really solidified these notions for me. I’ll be really attentive when starting seeds indoors this year to ensure healthy plants and the best harvest I can 👍 thank you!!

[@vaughanfamily2075]

Thank you for this video. I have been gardening a many years here in MN, but your videos have helped me tweek many things. Would like a part two on watering and fertilizing seedlings.

[@susancousineau841]

Great undo. I've tried multiplex times to start herbs indoors and always fail, now I know why. I'll try again this year using these tips. Thanx

[@albamorales1637]

Yes, definitely more videos on starting a garden. I just got a bunch of seeds and trifecta from your website and I want to get it right from the start. Thank you, btw, for your quick email reply and shipment . Can’t wait to get started. Great info video Luke. I haven’t been able to have a garden for years and I can see where I made some of the mistakes you pointed out. Keep up the great work!

[@the_garden_of_bizz]

Thank you! Planning to start seeds indoors for the first time this year, so I am devouring all of your seed starting videos. This, as usual, was full of useful information. I’ve invested in a proper grow light and am getting a space prepared so I’m ready to go in March. Your instructional videos are the best around.

[@jonstevens7269]

This was very helpful as I was just eyeing up my 72 cell trays for March (that I now wont be using). You explained all my frustrations with 2019 seed starting. 1. Too small, exceeded 30 days. 2. Earlier isn't necessarily better. 3. Direct sunlight, not just a window light. I will add that my March Shallots stressed when transplanting. These things are like 9 volt batteries, touch them to soil, they turn on, 90%+ take! My starter bin was a mass of greens and roots, but struggled after transplant. They eventually came out great but I lost time in the long run. This year they go directly into the companion Strawberry beds when I de-straw those.

[@Tre12305]

THANK YOU for the info. Also interested in: soil mix for starting seeds, room temp, best way to water and if/when to fertilize.

[@mrs.bizzybee4437]

I would like another video. This is my second year still learning

[@kellyriddell5014]

Thank you for that incredibly useful growlight information! I bought growlights last year and it was so difficult to get concrete, useful information from a source that wasn't trying to sell me their lights. I trust you way more than some random article online! This will help me make sure I'm giving my plants a fighting chance this year. :) The container size information with the timeline of how long they can do well in those containers was also so helpful.

[@StareBlankly]

2:33 into it: I feel like only a fellow Michigander would speak the words "and they're going to die!" with such enthusiasm, vigor and HUGE smile. *hello from the other piece, ABOVE the bridge!*

[@claudiacarolina3128]

This was so helpful! Part two please! We started a lot of seeds indoors that you recommended not to and I'm glad we watched this before doing it again. Makes a lot of sense.

[@wildedibles819]

Plants start out bigger and stronger in bigger pots from the beginning

[@stoptrudeau42]

What really? Is weed the same lol? I heard you gotta plant in small spot and move up. Im new to growing any plants.

[@wildedibles819]

@@stoptrudeau42 I start in 4 inch pots not the tiny cell trays that works well for me The size of a Margerie dish size If you have any questions just stop by I will help anytime Much love xoxox

[@Pacjam123123]

I learn 50 new things every time I watch your videos. Really helped me with my planning. Thanks MI!

[@larryadams458]

I made many of these mistakes and most of my seedlings failed. I was able to keep some going and now I'm ready, I think, to move them to my raised bed. You probably already have a video on this, but if not, I'd love to see one. And, a part 2 will be helpful because next year I'm going to try again.

[@YoGoPimps]

PLEASE make that second video!! Thank you endlessly! :D

[@3musketeershomestead62]

Thank you so much for posting. I live in Michigan and it’s so true. Too early can be bad. I have a small green house.. started my plants in April last year they did pretty good for my first year using a green house!

[@mykarma2]

Is your greenhouse heated or just covered in plastic?

[@3musketeershomestead62]

@@mykarma2 I have a greenhouse the 6 x8 from harbor freight its these poly plastic panels. I use a heater in the spring just to keep it above freezing. This will be my 3 rd season using it.,

[@aromaofhope]

Good grief, I was just getting ready to go get one of those big trays of cells. Glad I watched this! I'd watch a second video on this topic for sure.

[@nottooclosepleeze]

I have been gardening for about 10 years now and have learned quite a bit through trial and error and "lots of experimenting", which is part of the fun, but I still learn things from you. Thank you! I purchased seed from you this year, am looking forward to receiving the seeds and starting my garden. Thank you for such reasonably priced seed!! Next year I will think to start shopping sooner though, :) Love your dedication and passion for growing! Thanks for sharing all you do in your beautiful garden.

[@RvW1985]

I’ve been growing plants from seeds for years in my windowsill, even citrus. It faces to the west and is an upward sliding window that can be opened so that a person can get in. As soon as my seedlings pop up I open the window so they can feel the air. That prevents them from growing laggy and will stimulate sturdy growth. Because of this good head start some of my sunflowers grew to 2,5 meters when I planted them outside... I like the details about how many percentages of light plants need to actually have energy to grow! Keep up these videos 😃

[@marianamunoz6075]

What do you use to start your seeds? I started mine with 50-50 perlite-peat moss in a seed starting tray with a dome and only 40% made it! 😩 Please share your system. I don’t have lights or heat mat

[@MelSr8]

Definitely need a part 2.

[@ShortsFromNicc]

The way this guy talks makes me feel like I’m in trouble

[@aleksitjvladica.]

You are.

[@CrimsonCrime2234]

He sounds like a doctor,haha

[@SheepAmongG.O.A.T]

Guilty conscience maybe?

[@JigmeChhimi]

Some bullet points etc would be helpful

[@ShortsFromNicc]

Jigme Chhimi what

[@ammorales1524]

Thank you for these priceless tips. I admit I was one of those who attempted to grow seeds indoors with not enough light which of course you discussed. I live on the coastside in Northern California and I gave started sowing seeds in planters early because of unusually sunny and warm weather in January of this year and my radishes are growing healthy and robust. They are about two weeks young now. I sowed broccoli raab, scallions, spinach and beets too, yesterday. I am excited!

[@FermentedHomestead]

Thank you for sharing! I’d love to watch a part 2. This year is our first big in ground garden and there’s so much to know!

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Agree. Starting too early, can be discouraging. Best to wait til 6-8wks before last frost (depending on plant) .. Great info, thanks for posting!!

[@danjanharris9089]

Yes on part 2. So helpful, thanks!

[@karmareikitraining3853]

Thanks for the advice. You totally just changed my strategy. Going to start my tomatoes and peppers indoors and direct sow the rest. Done! Thanks! Did I mention I love simple...

[@honestbusiness1371]

Herbs and tomatoes are very easy to start indoor without grow lights. Only have about 7 hours of light from my window. Done it for 40 years.

[@teeshastutzman2717]

Yes please part 2! On watering, how many seeds in 3 inch pot, covered or not covered soil, what type of soil is best. Thanks!

[@vickik791]

OMG you are just what I a looking for. I’m starting seeds this year and you answered tons of my questions. I would love a day be day series of how to grow and start seeds indoors. What do I have to do each day, watering with a spray bottle? I’m in west MI 6a when do I start plants how to introduce to outdoors. Would love 2,3 and 4. Thanks so much

[@suelimpert]

Thanks for this video! I definitely have been guilty of some of these mistakes. And I would love a part 2, I want to really get my seed starting down well.

[@FarmGirlInProgress]

I'm starting seeds today, this was so helpful! Thank you! I'm glad to know that the grow lights I purchased are right, now to just make sure my trays are lifted up so the plants are closer to the lights! and to purchase some up potting pots, cuz my seed trays are a bit small and I don't plant until mid may. Thanks again!

[@laurahamm468]

I definitely want a part 2. I would like to learn more about the germination process of tomatoes, broccoli and other cruciferus also peppers and beans

[@deniseharrison669]

Me too!

[@sheilak4493]

You taught me so much... thank You for the insight!

[@mariannekiss2991]

Part 2 would be great!I learned a lot from this- saved me from trying to start indoors. I am a bit ambitious with my first garden this year, and I was just thinning about starting seeds, but 1) my windows are wrong, 2) I don't really have the space, and 2) I don't have grow lights. I will just wait and direct plant. Thanks, from zone 7b.

[@asablue4816]

I also use LED lights that I bought from Amazon for about $45 each set of 6 - 4ft lights. These have worked great for a few years now starting all my seedlings. Toms, peppers, cukes, squash etc have thrived under these lights..2200ml 6500k.

[@watermelonlalala]

11:44 Best tip. Three inch pots, your plant is cozy for two and a half months.

[@nicola4789]

They so often suggest on tomato seeds package to start them in a 1" cell.

[@watermelonlalala]

@@nicola4789 I think almost every one I have ever seen on youtube transplanting had used cells.

[@Bentleys1Mommy]

I would love more indoor tips like water, temp, airflow. I did watch your video about seed starting mix.

[@emilyemm8460]

I really needed to hear that last one…I was over here thinking…well if they are in a big enough pot…why not?? But I hadn’t considered the transplant shock. This will be my first year starting a bunch of tomatoes & peppers indoors…wish me luck 😅

[@user-po7iv4ni3o]

My oath as an OSU graduate demands that I denounce anyone from Michigan, but I like what you're teaching! Just kidding though, MI is one of my all time favorite states in this beautiful country! 😊

[@judithmingram6144]

I'm so lucky to be in zone 10. I start mine outside on my sun-drenched deck!

[@thegoodlife1238]

Thanks for posting. I am in zone 7B and I have just been putting mine out on my feont porch during the day and putting them in the house at night.

[@whateveryoulike227]

Me: looks around apartment. No room, no light, little money for grow lights. RIP dream of starting Basil indoors to possibly sell in spring. I guess growing veggies will have to wait until I can get a house in 5 years or so. But I appreciate being saved all the inevitable frustration.

[@wenbudro7597]

I'm in the same situation. I've had good results with cheap shop lights that I buy in hardware stores. They are 1/3 the price of official grow lights that are a fortune online. You can grow basil on a kitchen countertop with a cheap shop light.

[@emilycenatiempo4917]

Don’t give up. You should experiment anyway 🙂

[@shadowman0488]

@@wenbudro7597 what's one that you would recommend?

[@danielross7956]

Look up urban gardening might get some info to help getting you started with an apartment I grew a small garden on my deck in my apartment

[@halflife82]

Do you have $80 USD or $110 CAD you can afford for a good LED grow light? If so I can help you. That will light up a good sized area. I’ve purchased a lot of grow lights off Amazon and can point you in the direction of good vs bad lights. Spent months studying led technology, light spectrum and plant requirements.

[@campfirejodi]

My husband got so excited with everything you shared. He said he gives numbers. Thank you for sharing such great knowledge!

[@bobbiejofouts1708]

Thanks especially for the lumen and kelvin amounts to look for regarding grow lights along with distance guidelines. The container size information combined with timing was also valuable.

[@kathleenosullivan8601]

Hi, Luke. I'm starting seeds indoors for the first time. I'm in zone 5b, but in Denver CO, so in far less humidity than your zone 5. I need the info on watering, fertilizing, rotation, etc. that you offered at the end of this video. In other words..... HELP! 😂 Please post another video with that kind of info. Thank you & keep up the great work!!

[@mary5292]

Hello Denver! am in Lyons. starting seeds indoor, dont have to worry about lack of humidity outdoors. We start lots of plants inside in Lyons, then transplant. Dont start tomatoes until at least April. Transplant outdoors memorial day weekend works best. Good luck

[@kathleenosullivan8601]

Mary ..... Hi, Mary! Thx for the advice! I'm out of town for the month of March, so nothing gets started until April, anyhow. I'm a community garden leader & I try my best to keep my fellow gardeners from putting their plants in the ground too early. 😉 I'm a "1st week of June" planter, as I've lost too many plants to a late snow, frost, or hail storm! Last year, we had a HUGE hailstorm on July 5th!!!! Our weather was so weird. Did you have an "off year"in 2019, too?

[@adam1885282]

Some places don't have a long enough season to start seeds outside and get a great harvest

[@FOR_THE_Pascal.]

Sure, Alaska!

[@melissasue408]

@@FOR_THE_Pascal. Colorado doesn't have a long enough growing season for a lot of vegetables.

[@charlahuddle779]

Thanks for sharing and explaining things in an easy to understand manner. Your videos are a great guide and have really helped me pick out my grow light system this year. Want you to know that your family's garden and the knowledge you share is an encouragement. God bless you and your family.

[@kokopelli2012]

GJ! This will help a lot of beginners! I have started tomatoes indoors, moved them to the greenhouse at about 3" tall, and then hardened them off before planting in the garden and they didn't miss a beat. I think the key is not to rush them outside of the greenhouse and I have learned that lesson hahaha, first time i did it the leaves all turned bleach white but the plants did recover eventually. Like he mentioned, it's easy to get ahead of yourself and end up with two-foot-high plants in the greenhouse before it's warm enough outside to put them into the garden. I've even jiggled the tomato flowers to get them to pollinate in- the greenhouse. My first winter tomato is just starting to turn yellowish.

[@mbhugs7264]

Looking forward to part 2! Still learning and would love to hear your feedback

[@randalmarshik4320]

Thank you for the advice Sir Luke! I've started a few hot peppers indoors and have been digesting information daily. Mainly this is an experiment. But if all goes well they will be transplanted into my garden. I live in zone 4a. I'm experimenting with worm castings various potting mixes and mykos. I might experiment with various plant hormones too. Have a good one!

[@cathyhanley8658]

Mikrobs microbial plant food is amazing. (Amazon 8 oz. $21.90) This is diluted in water, so lasts me about 2 months.

[@randalmarshik4320]

@@cathyhanley8658 I'm going to check it out. Thank you!

[@amandar.2491]

Michigan Zone 5 here, last year I was so excited for our new garden space and as a result started plants waaay to early! Stuff died, and zucchini was very sad, this year zucchini is getting direct sown and will start my tomatoes in March. Hopefully spring is not as horrible this year with the rain

[@kellyy9063]

thank you for the post, now it makes sense why I had difficulty. I'll try starting my seeds outdoors but keep them up and hopefully away from the critters

[@guyindecatur]

I start some 150+ containers plants from seeds each year. My light sources are two 4 feet/4 bulb full spectrum florescent lights. I also have one of those pot plant grow lights I use when the plants start getting kinda large. The plants get natural sunlight when the weather permits. Summer plants (cukes, maters, peppers, eggplants) are planted *after* easter. BTW - I position tomato seedlings as close as possible to the florescent lights. Real close! Cures the leggy issue. If you have leggy tomato seedlings pot them and bury the leggy part into the potting mixture and them under sufficient light immediately.

[@LuisGarcia-uk5rn]

Yes a part 2 would be great to talk about soil type! I've heard you should use a high peat moss soil for the smaller cells, but what to you do as you move them up in size? Or for the 3 inch containers do you just use a regular potting mix for seed starting?

[@slingslang2934]

Perlite would be recommended to help in water drainage & prevent compaction. (Broken up preferably, & wet to avoid breathing it while breaking them) Vermiculite & woodchips will help them dry faster as well but not as much. & Besides that unless you add fertilizer or it's in there, they could use a pinch when plants get a few sets of leaves at least. Herbs may not need much though, or less There's also the food waste and bio culture of wood decay fungi that traid resources with plants. I spray supposedly safe chemicals in there weekly tho, no thanks.

[@andielliott2306]

NOW I know what I haven't been able to "start seeds" indoors. Thank you!

[@annastallones2804]

Yes please-part 2! This was a fantastic help and I would love to also have some info on watering and soil & maybe fertilizer you have found personally is best for setting up plants for being as strong as possible from the get-go.

[@jasonheffernan1266]

You should cover hardening off the seedlings. Night and day difference

[@HomesteadHopefulTara]

I’m just about ready to start most of my seeds. It’s about 10 weeks until our last frost date where I live, so it’s time to start a few varieties, and more in a couple of weeks. Sadly, I don’t have enough space or lights, but I live in an apartment and will be growing at two different family members’ houses, so I have no choice but to try to start my seeds indoors. I can’t afford to buy seedlings, and can’t afford more lights, so I have to make do the best I can. All this is just so crazy expensive. I’ve had pretty good success just doing what I can. It’s better than nothing. :)

[@kokopelli2012]

I save tomato cuttings in the fall of plants I want to re-use. Saves time and money for next season, assuming you don't want new/different varietals in your garden the next spring. One of my greenhouse cuttings from last fall already has dozens of cherry tomatoes on it. Easy to do this here in sunny California. Also, saving [healthy, non-diseased] cuttings from the previous fall makes it so you don't have to worry about seedlings not coming up OR dampening off...

[@jredmmoore]

Purchase pots and materials with an eye towards reusing them season after season. That way, if you can put a little bit towards acquiring new things year-by-year you'll eventually get there!

[@PracticalPrimate]

Good on you for doing what you can! Using borrowed land is a great way to start.

[@pressedearth9492]

Thanks Luke. You have demystified the light issue for me.

[@javiermorales7794]

I learn more and more everyday, im a year 1 grower. I have no idea what im doing, but its been 4 wks and my plants are still alive and well

[@kelzbee4981]

I'm at 2 minutes and this guy is definatly on point already

[@notflanders4967]

128oz in a gallon. That coffee container (91oz) is a lot closer to a gallon. Figured it might be handy to know

[@ajb.822]

I'm pretty small time yet, but I start in the, like, 72 cell trays or whatever , then transfer to yogurt containers ( holes drilled in bottom, & I still bottom water them then). I do just start tomatoes right in the bigger ones sometimes, but starting with the smaller ones, I can make the most of my room/light, then by a few weeks later, can be in a simple greenhouse outside ( or on boot trays taken in & out , day & night , if still too cold- had more time than $ or experience/knowledge ). More room- m/l ;) , for all my yogurt containers etc. .But, thanks !! Very needed info on the grow lights !!!

[@jeffcrist2977]

Thank YOU! The container size info is golden. The timing info is golden too. Have an opportunity to start a mini farm (keeping to 1 acre) in your neck of the woods and don't have time to experiment. I rarely start stuff inside and usually direct sow and let it grow! That's for pleasure. For market, we'll start indoors. This was a great vid for me.

[@chrisyoung732]

My big one is not hardening off the starts when they go outside

[@97I30T]

Chris Young Absolutely! I’ve made the mistake of putting young pepper plants outside that weren’t sturdy enough to stand up to the elements yet. A strong gust of wind or a heavy thunderstorm can easily kill seedlings that haven’t acclimated and toughened up outdoors.

[@Zenkitty26]

A cat litter plastic jug with the front cut out leaving a lip on the bottom is the best solve for wind, heavy rain and too much sun too soon. I put my small starter pots in the jug and put it out when days are 50* consistently. You can fit about 2-3 pots in each jug and I bring them in at sunset. It's so easy to just pick up the jug when putting them out and bringing them in. If you don't have a cat, ask your friends who do to save the jugs for you.

[@Neorott]

My biggest success with hardening off has been to put a small fan to blow across my seedlings as soon as they break ground. For at least one hour a day a breeze blows across them. When it comes time to go outside, I put them in the sun a couple minutes at first then longer periods... for me it takes about about five days. Since I've been using the fan, none of my plants show any stress when they go outside. No wind burn at all.

[@97I30T]

Neorott I started using a fan this year. It seems to be helping a lot.

[@dancingnature]

I put them outside in deep shade for 3 days . Put them in the sun for15 minutes for 3 days then back in the shade . Put them in the sun for 30 minutes for the next 3 days then 1 hour for 3 days Then 3 hours for 3 days then they stay out . But I mainly grow houseplants sometimes from seed

[@willowdeanvannette9128]

Hi Luke! I froze some heirloom raw tomatoes whole, will those seeds germinate if I plant them? Oh yes a part 2.

[@huntersmoon2351]

Absolutely correct! Thank you for the reminder! (Before I went on a seed buying frenzy)

[@anjolesaydworthethecrafty]

Yes please for a part 2! Thank you so much!

[@WMHhomestead]

Space is such a big one that people don’t think about!

[@jthor3097]

😩Oh I wish I had seen this yesterday. Just yesterday I planted, in my greenhouse without adequate light , in shallow trays, BEET SEEDS and everything else! Oh the horror. Thank goodness I have plenty of seeds left to plant in my garden. So sad I probably wasted so many seeds. Thank you so much for the info. ❤️

[@PreachingTruth]

Don't forget, staggered starting of plants to save space inside. Some plants don't mind a little extra cold. Like Onions. I'll be starting my onions in about a week or so for 7B inside until I can put them where I want them. I've also found using a cold frame or clear plastic bins over your seeds will allow a little earlier starting time outside and helps them toughen up a bit. My wife cleared out a bunch of old clear storage bins and instead of recycling or donating, I thought I could give them a second life in my home first and they work well at mini greenhouses for the space challenged and if you need a little more protection, just double up. My Tatsoi wasn't growing as well as I hoped, so I put another bin on top the one and bam. They started germinating better and growth has took off since the soil is warmer.

[@amberfrommichigan4444]

Thank you for these kind of videos they are a wealth of great knowledge! You have given me the confidence to start seeds inside!

[@debarnold5019]

I put aluminum foil over my grow lights to add reflection. It seems to work pretty well. I will definitely check my lumens and celvin in my lights. Am I on the right track?

[@XoroksComment]

If it works for you it's all good 👍🏼

[@big0ben209]

Mylar would be better, as aluminum foil can create too much focused light and burn plants.

[@trappedinroom1014]

@@big0ben209 I never gave Mylar a thought. I was thinking of maybe using a shiny silver stick on vinyl roll that I’ve got tucked away....but now I wonder if a cheap and cheerful emergency foil blanket would be as good as Mylar? A similar very thin plastic coated aluminium foil...and only about £2 or £3 (and I actually have some sat in the camping gear/rucksacks)! I’ll give it a try as a Mylar replacement. 🙂👍🏻💕

[@jeaniepartridge6701]

I made some of those mistakes last year when I started from seed for the first time if you have more info please yes I want to hear it.

[@TalkingThreadsMedia]

Luke: Thank you so much for doing these videos! You are helping a lot of new gardeners get started and then putting them on the road toward success. I've been gardening for over 50 years. IT NEVER GETS OLD! As long as I have been gardening, however, there is always something more to learn -- a new approach, another suggestion, etc! In my opinion, the two best gardening channels are MI GARDENER and ROOTS AND REFUGE. Thanks again! Kate in Olympia, WA -- 1/17/2020.

[@jencrecelius3565]

I've had success with starting vining crops indoors, just need to time it properly for transplanting and give them plenty of sun 🌞 Have even grown mini cantaloupes in permanent large pots with tomato cages or trellised :)