How we set up a Seed Starting Greenhouse in Our Basement + Winter Seed Sowing

[@ADawnAubrey]

Greenhouse & Potting shed in one! Inventive and utilitarian. Well done. ❤

[@growformegardening]

Its nice to work in there when it is cold outside!

[@karlathiessen5786]

I was so excited to see this video. I've got a basement setup too, but last year I had to continue it and move some of them into our 3 car garage. I started over 3000 plants. I told my husband that I wasn't going to be that crazy next year, but.... it's not looking good. Ha ha

[@growformegardening]

Oh wow!!!!

[@grisespino5342]

Great setup! Beautiful snowy scene ☕ If you still want to grow geraniums, Swallowtail Seeds 🌱

[@growformegardening]

I keep forgetting to check there!

[@perennial-garden]

Beautiful drone shots at the end, guys! Thanks for taking us down to your basement :)

[@growformegardening]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@peggy-ann1961]

Even though I’ll never do this set-up, I found it so fascinating to see a greenhouse in a basement! Thanks for the info, that was great! ❄️🇨🇦❄️

[@growformegardening]

I really enjoy having a little secret spot down there. It gets pretty warm and humid in there so it can be nice when its really cold outside

[@rachelstark2391]

Finally someone from upstate NY!

[@growformegardening]

Here we are!

[@pamelapilato]

All your mini greenhouse needs is mini coffee bar and a mini fridge for beverages. What a nice setup for starting seeds. I had to smile and nod when you mentioned your cats wanting in so you duct taped the bottom. Cats aren’t just curious, they are plain old nosey. 😊 When I get up in the morning, it’s not uncommon to see kitchen cabinet doors open, bathroom cabinet doors open, etc. Thanks for sharing. We are in the middle of a major winter storm as you probably know, so it’s probably coming your way? It’s so pretty though. Have a great day guys.

[@growformegardening]

Yeah it seems to be headed our way this afternoon! I like your idea of the mini fridge

[@pamelapilato]

@@growformegardening It’s better than going all the way upstairs to get water or soda or whatever.

[@GardeningNC]

How about adding a wine celler?

[@growformegardening]

Now you’re talkin’

[@thegcgardner9383]

great job guys,i also have a greenhouse in my basement also best thing i could have done to help me get a start on next seasons gardens. I love your channel,I i admire the way you both work together ,I feel blessed the day i found your channel,cant wait to see more ,you both r my winter inspiration to get ready for the spring...........

[@growformegardening]

That is awesome!

[@jenniferhooks2454]

What a great idea to put a small greenhouse in the basement! I lived in Michigan and Ohio for many years; now that I've moved back home to NC, I don't really miss snow. Therefore, I am going to enjoy the few minutes of snow on your video and call it good.

[@growformegardening]

That sounds like a very good plan!

[@ChrisCalmtheCrazy]

I have been waiting for this video! It exceeded my expectations tenfold! I love the separate steps break, fantastic! All the tips are SOOOOO appreciated! I LOVE the indoor greenhouse! A absolutely love that you include the name of the plants. Many times I cannot understand what people say and really want to know. Love the winter wonderland scene! Great Video!

[@growformegardening]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sarahchristine546]

I just found your channel and have spent this cold, midwestern snow day binging your videos! I love your garden and channel. Can’t wait to see what this season brings.

[@growformegardening]

Welcome! Thank you joining us!

[@kathyv3909]

What a tidy, dialed-in, purposeful, bit of heaven. Thank you so much for sharing your invention.

[@growformegardening]

Thank you very much!

[@azyEmpero]

Very nice green house, very organize, The most important, you guys are working as a team with love❤

[@growformegardening]

Thank you!

[@marilynbentley8015]

I just love you guys! You are both absolutely adorable! I love every video you have done!! The best looking "gardening eye candy" on KZbin !

[@growformegardening]

Well shucks.

[@tinaryan4917]

Wow, what a great greenhouse setup! I just love seeing your sweet kitties in your videos, you are such good dads 😻 Loving your videos, so inspiring!! ❤

[@growformegardening]

Thank you so much!

[@dianelanglois6816]

Such a great idea and workspace. I’m so jealous❤️

[@growformegardening]

Thank you so much!

[@bhazleton]

Looks like you guys have spent a fortune and it shows. A very eye pleasing set up indoors and outdoors.

[@growformegardening]

You’d be surprised! It really wasn’t a fortune when you consider that we have added slowly. It can be done for a lot or not much at all

[@Emalovesgardening]

My husband and I love your videos and your gardens! You are so relatable. Thank you for sharing your passion with us. Best wishes for a great year and much success! ❤️

[@growformegardening]

Thank you! You too!

[@casandradickinson8518]

Good afternoon Christopher and Eric😊I really like your basement set up for growing seeds, I have the same shelving units, now you have inspired me to get ready for my seed growing. The garden looks lovely with the beauty of the snow, I am a bit jealous, we are in Northern Virginia and it bypassed us, hoping this entire winter does not go by without at least one snowfall. Have a great week, happy planting of seeds😊

[@growformegardening]

We were getting worried that we wouldn't have any real snow until this storm came through. It wasn't too much but it sure looks nice!

[@casandradickinson8518]

@@growformegardening it is beauty to behold.

[@LynnLouisePS]

Thanks for sharing this. I grow seedlings in my basement until it warms up in my zone 5 Indiana yard and then move seedlings to my greenhouse outdoors in late Feb or March. You shared so many great ideas I hadn’t thought of such as a hose indoors and watering wand. I have a place to do this and never even thought of it. 🤦🏻‍♀️Thanks again for sharing these ideas! I may need a greenhouse tent now.

[@growformegardening]

Im glad we could help!

[@Mindy-s-channel]

I started growing from seeds a couple years ago, and during my research, I found a video where a woman started seeds in a number of different soils. And surprisingly the miracle grow seed starting Mix was the best. And I started using that and noticed a huge difference. I guess it’s not appropriate to use it for the edible garden because it is not organic but for flowers like fox gloves and Delphinium I don’t think it really matters if the soil is organic or not. And I highly recommend it.❤ i’m so glad I found your channel. I really enjoy the way you make your videos and your yard is very similar to mine so watching your videos really inspires me.

[@growformegardening]

I appreciate that

[@Tarot_Time_with_Belle]

Such a pretty vista! You must enjoy your beautiful garden so much. Here in England, most of our gardens are really small. I enjoy watching and dreaming of having the space you guys do. Always a great video to enjoy. Thank you

[@growformegardening]

Thanks for visiting! We have just over half of an acre. Not too big!

[@kg3261]

Love this! I am just starting a basement greenhouse (small) as my grandson and I planted a large garden last year at my house. We decided to start our own plants inside this winter (Iowa winter weather isn’t conducive to growing outside until about mid May). I have already bought all the construction supplies so, hopefully, I get this started later this week or early next (12” of snow yesterday and negative temperatures next few days). This is such an inspiration to me and I will recruit my young grandson to look at this video. He wanted me to get a greenhouse. Menards had a small one for $29 so I bought it but, thinking maybe going back (after we dig the vehicles out of the snow) and getting another greenhouse.

[@growformegardening]

It’s so great when kids get involved!!

[@daiseegray9110]

Love your set up! We are just getting snow ❄️ today In West Michigan. I better get my winter sowing started! 🌼🐝

[@growformegardening]

Have fun!

[@jcking6785]

Great tips for setting up a greenhouse and for winter sowing. One “tool” I find indispensable is my hand-held pump sprayer - get one and you’ll wonder how you ever did without it! No more hand cramps from spraying your seedlings for those without access to running water. 💚

[@growformegardening]

I think that is going on the list. My little green sprayer blows the vermiculite off the seed trays!

[@TrowelandError]

Perfect timing! We are setting up our basement to do something similar, so glad you are showing yours off!

[@growformegardening]

It felt very funny filming in the basement!

[@TrowelandError]

@@growformegardening I bet it did, but it looks great!

[@growformegardening]

Too kind. I'm excited to get started in there soon

[@anneanderson3952]

What a wonderful setup! You really got my mind going about what I could do in my own basement. I will be watching your video a few times, as your setup is practical and economical. Thanks for sharing all of your tips. We have 3 cats and I have to protect my seedlings with bird netting.😂

[@growformegardening]

Bird netting is a really good idea!

[@joshb8403]

This was everything I imagined and MORE! Thank you guys for the seed house tour! I’m thinking of getting a nice set up maybe for next winter❤

[@growformegardening]

Go for it!

[@ddc2343d]

Its funny how easy it is to go overboard. I purchased a 3-tier sunlight garden from Gardners supply several years ago. Now i have 3 more shelving units i built myself with lights. I still have the self watering trays you use but have since switched to using soil blocks. You can get so many more seedlings in the same space.

[@growformegardening]

I was going to try soil blocks, but for now I think I have enough cells with the trays

[@vickivance4614]

Love the setup of your greenhouse in the basement! Great video you guys!

[@growformegardening]

Glad you like it!

[@Mindy-s-channel]

I had issues with fungus gnats initially. And then I heard about this thing called Katchy. It works at night when all the lights are off it emits a blue light that all the gnats fly to and there’s a fan just under the light that sucks the gnats down into its trap that has a sticky trap at the bottom. You just change out that sticky trap every week and eventually they’ll be no gnats. It’s really amazing.

[@growformegardening]

Love that

[@bronlynbennett3371]

Absolute genius! Hope you don’t mind me cloning this idea ❤🙌🌺🌸🌼

[@growformegardening]

Go for it!!!

[@johnbailey5133]

Thank you so much for sharing your gardener’s dream! As always so much information for me as a new Gardner! I went crazy last fall and ordered a boatload of seeds. I have no set up to start them??? Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge on how to get started because I was completely lost! Mary in Tn

[@growformegardening]

You are so welcome!

[@kaystinebrink1220]

Very interesting. First time I've ever seen this.

[@growformegardening]

Its kind of fun right?!

[@pennysantana7809]

I love it. You took it to an all-around growing space that is needed for winter cravings for color. Very convenient, great idea. God bless 🙏 ❤️

[@growformegardening]

Thank you! 😊

[@GardeningNC]

In NC we typically don't have basements, unfortunately. We have cats that love plants, so I've placed my orchid collection and seed starting trays on a bookshelf encased in clear mesh netting. It works great.

[@growformegardening]

Great idea!!!

[@AmsNl2BcnEs]

Really enjoyed this video. Such a good idea for people with basements. 😊

[@growformegardening]

Glad you liked it!!

[@rhondaschenk5727]

Your basement greenhouse is amazing! I love it! Thanks for sharing!

[@growformegardening]

It’s kinda fun right?

[@toniostrowski1411]

Love your channel and gardening tips!

[@growformegardening]

Thanks so much!

[@odemonet]

Great idea! I would have never have thought to do this. The 1st snowfall was so pretty, but here we are 2 days later and 43 degrees and rain, snow is all gone😢

[@growformegardening]

Same!!!!

[@felicitywhite7190]

Thanks for sharing. It's really helpful to see your setup. So functional. And now I've already started my Christmas 2024 wishlist. 😂

[@growformegardening]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anounimouse]

Lovely set-up! And we use the very same green potting 'tubs'! EDIT: As you commented, marker on wood labels bled right off through constant moisture/watering.. We cut up milk/water jugs into strips for plastic labels and use a greaseproof/wax marker. Impervious to all grower's abuse!!

[@growformegardening]

Very cool!

[@ChristinesBackyardGarden]

Great video! Now I wish I had a basement. 😊 I don't know which is more gorgeous, your backyard covered in snow or the two of you. 😊 Happy winter gardening!

[@growformegardening]

Haha you are too kind!!

[@alliebennett555]

I never considered putting a greenhouse in my basement, that’s genius! I have one of those things from your original setup and yes…worthless. I use those seed trays too, love them! I’m trying to decide on a greenhouse setup as I desperately want one. I have seeds here, coming and still ordering more. I swear seed catalogs are sent when I’m at my weakest!

[@growformegardening]

They really are... Next week we are doing our seed haul video!

[@jillrenier3194]

I wish I had an extra room or a basement. That greenhouse set up is adorable!! So fun!! I use the shop lights from Sams and they work great too. I’m trying Lisianthus for the first time, love seed starting time ❤️

[@growformegardening]

Whatever works!!!

[@tinacolbourneart1091]

What a great set up you guys have there. Love it ❤❤. Wish I had enough room for that in my basement or crawlspace. I did winter sowing last year for the first time and had great success. I labeled them several different ways and most washed out because we have very wet winters 😅. But the best labels that worked for me was Sharpie on green painters tape on the outside of my bottles. I think I might try to put some shelves and lights in my crawlspace which is only 5' tall but all concrete. Thanks for the great idea ❤❤

[@growformegardening]

There are so many systems out there that could work even in 5'

[@nicoletihista7031]

Everything is so beautiful with the snow! Where did you get the garden arch that is at 23:09 that is nestled by the evergreen? I love it! I am also a cat mamma! I will have to remember your tips! :)

[@growformegardening]

That is the Gothic Arch from Gardener's Supply Company. I just put the link in the description box for you. It's right underneath the links to the greenhouse and seed starting kit. It is 100% the best piece of garden structure that we have.

[@kp-gbuniqueinterest]

I upgraded my Green house to a 7x7 and its near our water source which also has a spigot. Which I didn't know until this past fall. I was using the kitchen sink than the bar sink recently added in the basement before I realized there was one. OMG was so nice to have the hose down there. I have Citrus and pineapple growing in mine. Also, this is my first year trying to save some annuals and propagation. Which Coleus, Geraniums and lantana have been doing good. Next year maybe I will start the seed life.

[@growformegardening]

The water is a game changer!

[@kp-gbuniqueinterest]

Just rewatch this episode with mom and didnt notice the mosquito bite thing. How do you guys use it? to keep gnats at bay in your gree house. @@growformegardening

[@growformegardening]

Those bits you can either sprinkle around on top of the seedling tray or soak them in water and coat the soil surface. I also keep the little yellow sticky things around.

[@barbarapareti7706]

Just started watching your videos, really enjoy them. Your gardens are beautiful! Can you tell me what size your lot is? It looks pretty big. Would also love a tour of your house inside. Looks gorgeous

[@growformegardening]

We have just over half of an acre! Maybe we will do a little inside stuff eventually!

[@TheImpatientGardener]

I am envious of that shiny new high-ceiling basement! Just curious if you considered doing a grow tent instead of a greenhouse and if so, why you chose the greenhouse? I keep toying with adding a grow tent but I just don’t think I have the room so I’ll stick with my Mylar covered rolling racks 😂

[@growformegardening]

We did consider the grow tent but I think it came down to size. It actually gets pretty warm in there. I have opened the little windows a few times after a day of all four lights on. I REALLY want to switch to LED, but with four bulbs in each it might look like staring at the sun in there! Do you ever have issues with the pets playing in the basement?

[@PatriciaAnaya-si4xn]

Guys are you giving us a January's garden tour with the snow. Please

[@growformegardening]

It better snow again because we didn’t get out in this one!

[@benmoffitt7524]

This is awesome! I have been thinking about doing this myself for a while now and seeing your setup is really helpful and makes it seem so much more attainable. Thanks and best of luck to you both on this. I look forward to seeing more!

[@growformegardening]

Lots more to come!

[@christophertaylor9826]

Great video 👍

[@growformegardening]

Thanks 👍

[@KHoles527]

Great video! Love the setup! 🌱🌱

[@growformegardening]

Thanks so much!

[@rusticanrefined]

Perfect timing! I just started my Lisianthus seeds this past weekend and now am contemplating pansies or violas.

[@growformegardening]

I am so anxious for them to arrive! I want to get them in the soil right away

[@malindamiller845]

Love seed starting with my granddaughter. We will be starting 500 marigolds (to line the vegetable and cut flower gardens, Geraniums and Pansies this weekend. Also hoping to do winter jug sowing which will be a first for us. The bottom couple shelves of my seed starting racks are wrapped with wire to kitty proof 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@growformegardening]

That is awesome!

[@bonnamcmann5771]

Great video ❤❤❤

[@growformegardening]

Thanks!

[@kellleyL23]

Wow! Amazing set up! I have two curious cats too so I totally get the need for an indoor greenhouse but I don’t think I’m ambitious enough to pull this off! Hats off to you two! Maybe I will dabble in winter sowing though. Thank you for another great video. 🌺

[@growformegardening]

Go for it!

[@rosa.athome]

Just a thought for the kitties; grow a tray of grass for them to roll in and some catnip so they are entertained and don't bother your seedlings while you're working in the greenhouse

[@growformegardening]

I love this idea

[@debsmith8102]

Great video! Thank you❤❤

[@growformegardening]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@neryaleman4101]

Thank you... I always wonder which seeds to put on the containers for outside. Thank you for clarifying ❤

[@growformegardening]

Happy to help!

[@Debbiesbackyard]

Hi Guys ❤. What temperature is your basement? I have an unheated basement that stays around 50 Degrees F., I think it’s a bit too cold for most seedlings but do start ranunculus and dahlias there.

[@growformegardening]

Our home is only 6 years old so it is really well insulated... I think it stays just a few degrees cooler than the rest of the house. I wonder if all the lights would warm it up enough for you to grow more.

[@juanramos.jr.7948]

Great video. Very informative 😊

[@growformegardening]

Glad you liked it

[@amyh3619]

Could you please give a link to the carabiner cords you use to raise/lower your lights? This would be a game changer for me! Love your channel, and keep up the good, practical content. Best wishes from Minnesota!

[@growformegardening]

I can't find it! I'm searching through my Amazon history. Try looking for a grow light on Amazon and see if it shows you the option to "add on" the cord!

[@Dustindbest]

Hi there I have been searching the internet for the “Black Stocking” Seeds to purchase. Do you guys know who I can order them from. Thanks so much. Also P.S. love the seed starter area as I am trying to figure out the process because I’m new to the seeding indoors and winter sowing. Please keep on doing your videos I have learned so much!

[@growformegardening]

The black stockings seeds I harvested from our one plant. I haven’t seen seeds anywhere either. It might be worth picking up a small plant and harvesting the next year

[@Dustindbest]

Okie dokie thank you. Enjoy the snow!

[@dsabo6426]

Love your setup. But I have no basement :(. I manage in a spare bathroom. But I also wanted to tell you that I just learned that fluorescent bulbs actually get more dim in time!!! Not sure how long it takes.

[@growformegardening]

Oh good. Then I’ll have an excuse to get the LED!!

[@michellefrance1165]

Great video 😊 I must try the thalictrum beautiful!!

[@growformegardening]

It's so good!

[@michellefrance1165]

@@growformegardening definitely will give it a try! I have to do most of my seeds through the winter sowing method.

[@growformegardening]

I like that method. Saves SO much time

[@melaniem5971]

Wow- Thank you- I started a basement set up last year - by the time I got everything I needed it was spring,,Oh Boy. So I’m ready now. Love your set up!

[@growformegardening]

Wonderful!

[@allthingstravel443]

Love 💕 I got the adorable, green, two-tier tabletop led light system y’all recommended before - so excited to use it! Love the new name change:)

[@growformegardening]

Yay! Thank you!

[@hoopnfarm]

I was actually trying g to find that little table tip light set up. What is it called? 😂❤

[@growformegardening]

That is the Agie Light system from Gardener’s. We have a link in the description of our setting up the greenhouse video

[@rachelstark2391]

Greetings, Are you just growing ornamentals, or are you growing vegetables as well? Cheers, Rachel

[@growformegardening]

Both! Wait for tomorrow’s video!

[@mistyaeg]

Will you please add the link for the little pull system?

[@growformegardening]

Someone else had asked so I went searching for it. I just can't find it! Sorry!

[@abeerali7834]

Just found your channel 😊 New to planting here and interested to know the future of the seeds you’ve sown here. Do they germinate in this cold? Do you have to water them at some point? When do you transfer them in the ground or in pots?

[@growformegardening]

Great question! The purpose of winter sowing is to mimic the way the seeds would germinate naturally…with a boost. We have placed them outside in a sunny spot. We will check them occasionally to make sure they stay moist. The rain/snow takes care of most of it. As the spring arrives they will start to germinate. Once they get a few sets of leaves I will move them to a larger pot or plant them in the ground if it warm enough

[@abeerali7834]

@@growformegardening Thank you so much, now I’m more interested 😊 😍

[@LynnLouisePS]

Hi again, friends. Could you please recommend a tape that works well for winter sowing? I’ve had trouble with packing tap E not working and am unsure what is best. Thanks!

[@growformegardening]

We went for the Gorilla Tape. It’s really good!

[@azyEmpero]

Q's: can I put seed prepared in a bottle in refrigerator? Our weather in TX ,one day 50 another 70?

[@growformegardening]

That is a very good question. We put the seeds outside to behave like a mini greenhouse. It helps to germinate the seeds the way they would in nature...just with a little boost. They still need the sun and the warm days

[@cufflink812]

What is the specific pulley system you purchased for your lighting on Amazon?

[@growformegardening]

I’ve looked and can’t find the order. It was very cheap and came in a multipack.

[@gardeninggrandma5247]

Question -- Do you sterilize your seed trays from one season to the next? If so, how do you clean them? Thks!!

[@growformegardening]

I would love to say I spend the time to use a bleach solution to clean them…alas I usually just hit them with the hose on the driveway!!! I really need to clean the humidity domes, they look awful.

[@2001007882]

Where do you buy your seeds? I can only find these in the UK.

[@growformegardening]

These seeds I harvested from our plants

[@bobmarley9006]

Hi, where did you get your thalictrum seeds in the US?

[@growformegardening]

I harvested them from existing plants

[@Bandaid17]

How did the thalictrum do this spring. I ordered mine from Geo seed and no germination at all.

[@victoria76116]

Hello, anyone know good sites to purchase seed from in Canada? Thx

[@growformegardening]

I hope someone knows!!

[@julesdavis1845]

Genius!

[@growformegardening]

haha thanks!

[@victoria76116]

❤❤❤❤

[@growformegardening]

Thanks for watching!

[@diannew5264]

I was thinking it'd be a great place to put a chair + overhead lamp to read and breathe in the smell of spring. I enjoyed your video as you are too normal non pretentious guys. And not trying to overly sell something.

[@growformegardening]

I appreciate that. We try to only share things that we really love and use ourselves

[@donnamatthews4250]

I love your set up. Do you sterilize your soil, and if so what method do you use to sterilize your soil. I have been back and forth on this subject. I have a Facebook group called greenhouse growers, and one lady was told by someone to put hydrogen peroxide in her soil and it burned her seedlings terribly so I am not a fan of that method.

[@growformegardening]

We use Coast of Maine products, which are organic and really good. I’m honestly not sure if they are sterile or not. I will look in to it.

[@growformegardening]

Update! Coast of Maine soils are sterile!! So come to find out that’s what we have been using all along.

[@donnamatthews4250]

Thank you! I appreciate this information.

[@annak3015]

How do you avoid fungus gnats in your seedlings?

[@growformegardening]

Mosquito bits and yellow sticky things

[@annak3015]

@@growformegardening do you guys do mosquito bits tea or just sprinkle them on the soil? I want to try some seedlings indoors but HATE those stupid fungus gnats.

[@growformegardening]

@@annak3015 I've tried both. Usually I just sprinkle them.

[@annak3015]

@@growformegardening thanks for sharing your experience!