Seed Starting Indoors Under Grow Lights 101

[@epicgardening]

Pre-order my book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening and get a free pack of organic, heirloom seeds: shop.epicgardening.com/products/field-guide-to-urban-gardening-signed-copy?variant=27700447379521

[@milaizalibscan2902]

where did you bought those seeds starting a container?

[@ThelittleQuerque]

I ordered your book a while back, can I still get the seeds? 😂😂😅😅😅😅😅please? 😁😁

[@stacyboncheff8897]

Kevin - I just wanted to give you a big THANK YOU. I went to Michael's online and they had the photo (SEED) boxes on sale for $20 instead of $42. I found a coupon online for 20% off so I got one for $16 dollars plus tax. It works perfectly for my seeds and takes up alot less room than what I had them in. I love KZbin for all the tips and helps I get. Thanks so much for your tip.

[@epicgardening]

Wow - what a steal! Glad you got them

[@ashlynnthompson1837]

I absolutely love that to I sent the video to my sister in law we must have those seed starter trays

[@Leto617]

@@epicgardening it is still available at that price now

[@chola41710]

Even after doing this for a few years I had to re watch this one to kick my bad habbits. Me and my husband love the educational videos and tips you provide! Thank you Kevin!

[@bosatsu76]

l like pinning my seeds to a corkboard... Cuz it's all about 'out of sight, out of mind', and I'm half out of my mind already... Seeing them right here constantly keeps me churning out new ideas for the garden...

[@ritagibson225]

Wow Kevin, Thanks man! I saw your seed storage system and immediately bought one (or 3). I am so happy with it and much more organized and portable. Rented a community garden spot and am growing for the SD Food Bank and local pantry, plus I'm teaching my grandchildren to garden. My seed collection is quite big and thanks to you I can utilize it on the go. Great Find my friend! Thank you for sharing. Keep up the great videos.

[@HomemadebyLA]

Literally laughed out loud, "If you don't label, you're gonna hate your life later."

[@alakinggg]

Frfr

[@jpc1147]

I purchased a small green plastic seeder that had a clear dome that fit into the green plastic seed holder, the dome has a wall around it that slides down into the plastic seed holder, and in this wall our holes through which various seed sizes pour through, the seeds feed to a small spout from which the seeds fall to the soil. I paid $4.95 for it years ago and it's still in good condition, I priced what they go for now in 2023 and it's $6.95. This little device makes sowing much easier and less costly, I enjoy the results I get from this seeder so much that I bought a couple more, and they are now in storage waiting for the day that my first one breaks. Johnny's Seeds carries them or at least they did. Thanks for all you do.

[@aidenguinn3978]

I'm 13 and the only place I can put my is in my room. BTW these videos help me so much in my garden

[@cherylspringtime]

You are my favorite gardener on KZbin. You are a great teacher.

[@Jerel_with_a_J]

Hey Kevin - glad to see you using Baker Seeds! I grew up in Missouri down near Mansfield and have been using these seeds for a pretty long time now myself. I recently moved to Vegas and just bought more of their seeds for a small fall garden here in the desert. I ran across your channel because I'm searching for other methods of indoor growing and found your content to be excellent! Thanks for all the great gardening videos!

[@cesarbuitrago5303]

Thanks my dude, picked up "home gardening" during quarantine and this channel has saved my ass, I really appreciate the work you put into these. I love the house plant collection you have in the back ground in the first 2 min. I would love to see a "home house plant tour video" at some point!

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

Inverse square applies to point light sources. The reflectors integrated into some LEDs and also behind them straighten-out a lot of the light beams and make things not quite so bad. Thanks for the info in the vid: good watch.

[@blkxdragon]

Finally someone who talks about lighting strength and distance from seedlings. Thank you! I have the same setup but using about 100 watts of my 300W adjustable LED for these little girls.

[@epicgardening]

You're welcome! Hope your seedlings are off to a good start!

[@RN083012]

I bought your book before knowing you had videos on you tube, I absolutely LOVE IT! I am a newbie at gardening indoors and your book helped me so much! Lots of good information!

[@purpleguitar14]

This is my first year doing seeds and this video was very helpful!!

[@erinoestreich2610]

Love this, thank you for your videos, we recently moved 2 large AeroGardens in our room, Im excited for the change in lighting and waking up to vitamin D even in the middle of wisconsin winter!

[@nieceypiecey100]

A thousand thank yous! No, a million thank yous! This is so comprehensive! Just what I need for starting my gardening journey! You, sir, are my new gardening guru! 😁

[@epicgardening]

Happy this is helping you :)

[@ewellacres]

I find that if you are able to always try and water from the bottom significantly helps to reduce fungal growth through the bottom watering as mentioned. Coming from a high mountain desert region water conservation is by for one of the biggest challenges I face on a daily basis. That is why I am such a fan of these methods of watering system.

[@epicgardening]

Yeah, the reduction in fungal disease and the increase in germination rate has really sold me on systems like this

[@matfry2310]

I’ve always used 70% coco 10% perlite or rice hull 20% worm casting or manure compost as a starting mix

[@HendersonHinchfinch]

Wish you mentioned when you should introduce lighting to the seedlings.

[@Jardin-de-invierno]

Do we all rewatch these videos every year at this time? Or just me? Always love the video… just watched your Charles dowding video….I’m so jealous….he’s The Godfather….

[@samuelr8174]

Bought an agrobrite t5 literally 5 mins after you said it. Kudos muchachos

[@sarahygordillo238]

It’s so satisfying to see all the seeds so well organized!!!! ❤

[@EmilyJohnson-y6o]

Bought an agrobrite t5 literally 5 mins after you said it. Kudos muchachos

[@prettycool9864]

Best and clearest explanation that I’ve seen.

[@suzycowan5072]

Wow, so glad I found your channel. I have actually learned more from watching just two of your videos than I have learned in watching a year of videos. I can't wait to get to my new home in Ohio and see how my starters are doing. I have been coaching my husband for the past month or so on everything I have learned from watching different videos. Now I know that next year I will definitely be more prepared. Definitely going to have a look at your book. Thank you

[@epicgardening]

Wow, that's great to hear Suzy - I try to keep it info-packed and helpful :)

[@antoniaschiffer4958]

Curious where in Ohio? Anywhere near Holmes County?

[@bt8831]

dude..................i love your enthusiasm

[@MichaelGawesebmainone]

I once tried starting seeds under a raised bed above another with fairly hot light on for several hours. Plants grew like crazy, but electricity was nearly as much as I use for whole week if on for 3 days, etc. So I decided this time to rather put my seedlings on the rooftop of the house straight on the zinc meaning it get warmth from underneath and direct sunlight. We have winter so it doesn’t get very hot. will see how it goes..

[@liberta2570]

Great minds think alike. I use the photo album boxes too. Started that ten yrs ago. I have 2 of them all labeled!!👍👍👍

[@kaitlinmitchell6828]

I found this video while looking for grow light height, but learned SO much more! Thanks Kevin!

[@ewankirkpatrickcom]

Hi Kevin, I just found your channel and its helping me a lot. My name is Ewan and I’m 10 years old. This Saturday I’m planting my seeds! We have Oregano, Chives, Basil, Parsley, Sweetie tomatoes, F1 Cherry mix tomatoes, Sweet Banana peppers, Sweet Allsorts peppers, and Alaska Peas. Since I live in Toronto where the weather is colder I’m starting these inside. All of the veggies say 6-8 weeks before the last frost and this Saturday is. We’ve been starting seeds indoors for a few years but last year we had a pretty bad season. Any ideas? We think it was because we didn’t harden off the seed. But who knows. I can keep you posted on the growth in case you find something that we’ve been doing wrong or that we could do better. Thanks!

[@epicgardening]

Nicely done Ewan! Hardening off is KEY especially when bringing out to a cold climate

[@ewankirkpatrickcom]

Epic Gardening thanks Kevin. Ill do that this year! Great job on your vids btw

[@venetiakelley]

What is “hardening off the seed”? I’m in Portland Oregon.

[@rawrruby]

Love ur old videos bro! Thanks for the info

[@sidekick3rida]

So much information packed in this video. Thank you so much! Excited to start growing my own food in my NYC apartment!

[@freebirdpaperie]

Just a quick thank you for your thorough explanations and all the work you put into these. :) So many of your videos have been really helpful to me!

[@lesliem4123]

You've planted such different sizes and types of seed. Don't they germinate at different speeds? When do you take the cover off of the tray?

[@twinkhinds919]

Hey Leslie, This is my question too. I am a long time gardener but notice Kevin has very fresh ideas. Since you are unsure I can tell you that my past experience has been that as soon as the seedlings pop their little heads up out of the soil, I take the dome off. IDK if Kevin would advise differently but that's what I have always followed.

[@lindakean7392]

Cover comes off as soon as they come out

[@twistedwizardry5153]

@@twinkhinds919 just curious I think the OP was saying since they don’t come out at the same time when do you do it? As soon as the first comes out or wait till the last comes out?

[@twinkhinds919]

@@twistedwizardry5153 As soon as the first pop their heads. I think you risk damping off if you leave it on. But, like so many things, everyone does it differently.

[@rosepetaldrone3226]

It's a good idea to start different seed types in different trays. Reason... the germination rate is different, leading to seedling heights all different. Being the closer the lights are to the plants the better.

[@epicgardening]

Yup true!

[@gvas7560]

Wow.... a book!!!! How exciting!!! I will order it right now. Keep up the good work👍 God bless you🤗

[@epicgardening]

Thank you!

[@crum242]

Excellent information. You made the science behind light easily understood. Thanks you.

[@deniseb2571]

I received my book yesterday. This is so helpful. Thank you!

[@walterfontes3593]

They have cases like this on sale at Michael's craft store. For 14.99, they are on sale from 1/2 until 1/9/2021.

[@preppercatandfriends9165]

OUTSTANDING!! Thanks for all your work.

[@Celestialrob]

Excellent. Can you talk about temperature during germination?

[@culodesobra]

Depends on the seed, but generally keep it warm above 20C

[@ema8909]

Good question. My house is 70° F inside sometimes colder. I wonder if I should start all seeds outside where its warmer all 24/7

[@ler2106]

@@ema8909 I have the same question! Hopefully somebody comes along…

[@ema8909]

@@ler2106 plus I dont have the lighting equipment for it. Do you? This is quite exciting nonetheless. Somethibg ive always wanted to do.

[@sherriebyese8597]

@@ema8909 You can use garage lights that comes in different sizes and relatively cheaper than the growights.

[@ericjudd9088]

Hi Kevin! Thanks for sharing. I like the way you convey your information carefully but with detail and in an informal way that is easy to understand! You make it sound simple and inspirational. Thanks for your interesting topics. I do have one question about this particular video. How long should I leave my grow lights on when germinating the seeds and growing them into seedlings? Thanks in advance! Best regards!🤔🛶

[@chompachangas]

I didn't even think of sterilization. I've already got stuff started in a hotbox. I keep it very humid and warm. I'm using one of those purple grow lights and it seems to be inhibiting any mold growth. Currently, I am sprouting lavender, hyssop, white sage, catnip, and echinacea.

[@skimark8275]

I bought those self watering trays after seeing your movie, they are great, finally ones that will last, other ones on the market are junk, last one season. Also found that seed box container at Michael's on sale $14.99. Thanks for all you put out there.

[@Bymegantaylor]

I just found your channel. I actually ordered the book from Amazon a few days ago and didn't even know you wrote the book! So excited to get the book!

[@epicgardening]

Wow, that is so awesome. Really appreciate that support and I hope you love the book

[@mdizzle_93]

What is your cycle for the seeds under the grow lights, do you keep them on until they sprout or do they need a dark cycle as well?

[@preatygirlswagg]

Right

[@MonsterHigh11Demi]

I read somewhere else that they need "to rest" too, so that you don't leave the lights on the whole night, just 15 hrs a day it said

[@mohannadmalik5373]

i wanted to say thank you, you've explained it very well i like your way of teaching i am looking forward to your book

[@epicgardening]

Thank you so much, it means a lot to me

[@lurklingX]

it's funny to see this seed sorting container now (i actually just bought one like that), after the recent HUGE card catalog organization vid. ;D

[@klacayoe]

I love the seed mix you chose, a mix of classic and fun 😎

[@thepepperguy6608]

Great idea for organizing your seed, so compact.

[@leecorrigan8394]

Lol looked like he was trying to feed us a spoonful of seed starting mix when he was displaying it for us😄

[@carolynclay1776]

THANK U MUCH THIS IS A BIG HELP !!! APPRECIATE UR INSTRUCTIONS SO ENCOURAGING I HAVE A STARTING GARDEN ,ALSO IN MARCH STARTING WITH PLANING VEGETABLE SEEDS, PLEASE KEEP INSTRUCTING US , THANK YOU , I WATCH UR SHOW AND LEARN A LOT !!!

[@camiecormier4732]

Dear Gangster Gardener, you mentioned that many of us do not care for those nutritious leafy greens...I'd like to share the way that I get my greens if you don't mind In a blender Mix 2 c milk of choice 1 frozen banana, cut into pieces ( pre-made and stored in freezer) 2 frozen lemon ice cubes, pulp and all " 2 Tbs ginger juice or ginger juice ice cubes " Then, stuff full of leafy greens ( I use pre washed spinach, it can be frozen also) I think its delicious

[@KanyiriGrows]

Just getting ready to sow some new seeds and place them under a grow light.. this was helpful

[@forexercises]

I have questions about know when, and how, to set your seedling out. Potting up vs transplanting. Hardening off. Before frost? After frost? etc

[@shravaniedla778]

Grow lights related information is 11:00 into the video. Rest of it is as usual. But I’d love to hear about type of grow light to use , the watt/lumens led etc

[@gengent4041]

1:23 Immersing tray in water and tightly closing lid, does this not cause rotting of the soil or roots?

[@nancymencke503]

You are a wonderful presenter

[@kimnolen7644]

Just ordered your book from Amazon. Thanks !

[@caderbavahsiddicl6414]

Thank for all the detail s information brother.... Very educative...

[@rnguyen2516]

Thank you so much for your detailed videos and explanations! I’ve never seen rainbow cherry tomatoes in those colors! My seven year-old son loves grape tomatoes and my four year-old daughter loves rainbows. They will be so amazed when these grow. I bought two packets :).

[@shaneriera8372]

Awesome video!

[@neilritson7445]

My Acer palmatums after germination and initial growth were scorched by potting mix which had added nutrients. I lost hundreds of germinating plants and a year of life. So I'd caution against already mixed stuff. Use basic stuff and add later if necessary - it often isn't.

[@venetiakelley]

I’m starting seeds in my bedroom too!

[@jeffhurst4744]

Really like the seed starting 24 cell setup. Plan to get it. Thanks for it and other aspects described here. 👍

[@kimpgrant2581]

I liked your video. I’m experimenting with indoor germinating. If you have advice on the do’s and don’ts about the device I would like to see.

[@kevingee4294]

Great video.

[@govegan888]

Hi Kevin, what about just covering your seedlings with cardboard till germination?

[@joannabrister3384]

Excellent video

[@cindydo3093]

How long can seed under light??

[@ashlynnthompson1837]

Can seeds be starter under led lights and then be moved outside this is the topic I am looking for I learned other things I needed to know for this video thank u you said add topic about this so I did great video

[@melmedina9055]

When you plant a seed with an obvious tip, like a squash or a sunflower seed, sow tip down.

[@seekwisdom5102]

Wonderful video, I do have a question regarding the light distance. I have heard that the light should be about 1 inch from the top of the plant and here you said about a foot. I have professional growers full spectrum grow lights and they were being used to grow room full of large plants. How close do they need to be from the top of the plant? I also use heating mat coming from the bottom and it does wonders for tomatoes and eggplants. I have the waterbed heating mat, a underbed storage container where I put water in and now I am adding a grow light, as here in PNW it takes forever for the sun to really come down on us and even though it is a large cold frame (cant call green house as it has no heat source) it is still dark and the plants come alive when it is warm enough to take them to the hoop house and the sun really covers them

[@shez4199]

Love your channel, so helpful, thank you!!

[@daveclark1904]

Great video! I'm in San Diego as well and just started all my raised bed garden seeds and little starters from Lowe's!!

[@OSGCourtWatch]

Where did u get the metal trays that are covering your shelves? Thx

[@gregbrown5556]

Coming from Texas... liked your video! 👍

[@belinda1596]

If the system auto waters does that mean you leave water in the bottom of the tray at all time?

[@timmariekintner5575]

This is my first time using grow lights. How many hours a day do grow lights need to be on?

[@JoseRoman-lj6eq]

Depends on what kind of plants your growing and their flower time Google will give you charts

[@JS-rk2rd]

Do you need to add heat with using LED lights.

[@blain147]

Where do you get the seeds from? Can you attain seeds for houseplants?

[@FaithTravelBucketList]

I don't have a dome for my trays. I tried to cover the trays with plastic, but see a lot of condensation and afraid my seeds will rot before they germinate. I removed plastic for now. Is covering of trays with humidity dome nessesary? What are the alternatives?

[@randyberti6606]

Do you put lights on immediately after planting seeds or wait until the sprout? Seeing both answers as I research. I am also using the grow pods for the first time ( hydro prior). Once they swell up and you place your seeds, do you maintain 1/4-1/2 inch water in the pan to keep them hydrated but not over watered as you wait for the 🌱? Appreciate any advice.

[@satyarajGovindaDas]

Nice video. In the seeding stage, how long should they be under the grow light per day

[@johkevw]

Best time of year!

[@epicgardening]

So enjoyable!

[@DeafBrazilianHorrorStory-tb9rq]

Wow! Light spectrum would help the pumpkin seeds germinate indoors, do they?

[@daledenio3177]

hi Kevin. I bought the seed box like yours but wonder if you keep in your refrigerator or at room temperature in a cool dark place. Bought your book which is fantastic!

[@todd1469]

I think last year, I ran into the issue you mentioned - that you can have seedlings under lights for too long. I started mine probably too early, and they just weren't strong once I moved them outdoors. I kept distance less than 1 foot but they got leggy. I also hardened them off (what I think was properly) but it just didn't go well. Also, as far as seed starting mix - I made the mistake of using compost and peat from the big box store (plus some perlite) and the germination was WAY lower than just a pre-made mix. (I also used the same compost/peat in my beds and my plants really struggled!) Question: is there any "rule of thumb" for what time/size is good for seedlings to be ready to move outdoors (my smaller seedlings have also struggled.) Trying to find that "sweet spot" - I have been seed starting for 3 years and always end up buying new plants after the ones I grew failed =/

[@davidrheault9582]

Hello! Probably a simple question for most, but I am literally BRAND NEW to growing anything... What next? Lol. Do we transfer them to individual pots once they reach a certain size? Do you have any videos for that?

[@lupitaladechicagovlogs980]

Hello: Could you, or anyone tell me how long the lights need to stay on ? or, they need to be on all the time ? Please advise. Thank you

[@wendyanderson937]

Hi Kevin, I live all your information, how long do I leave the cover on during the the full spectrum lights, the box tells me to leave them 18 hrs on an leave off at night. WhT is your take on this,

[@djwarrior1421]

Looking forward to buying your book. Quick question: how long does one need to leave the grow light on? In a 24 hour period? 16 hours each day?

[@franksantiago9366]

You can leave it from 8-12 hours under the grow light. Once they have germinated, you can extend the light period depending on the type of plant you're growing. I hope this helps since I don't see any other responses.

[@Gloroxsocks]

@@franksantiago9366 bless u

[@pearlbrown177]

Great video info! So, I just planted seed 3 days ago with the self watering method. I think my lights maybe too close looking at yours. I have the shop like without the case on top so i just like put a rubber band around the edges and have a thick string holding the up. The are about 2-3 inches above. I'm wondering if the lights are too close?

[@melanin4267]

Love your videos🖤

[@terriingerick5248]

I only bottom water my seedlings but I still get green Alfaro and fungus gnats on the seedlings that take longer to germinate and grow, then I lose them to stem rot. Any suggestions? I’ve tried a commercial seed starting mix, a homemade medium of 1/3 peat moss or coconut coir, 1/3 perlite and 1/3 vermiculite, and Park Seed plugs. It still happens 😬

[@terriingerick5248]

Algae *

[@tamerat3794]

Great video! Do you leave the light on the seedlings 24 hours a day? Once they sprout then for 16 hours?

[@nicholeskaggs1559]

This is the same question I had

[@Shadinsb]

How is this not covered in the video???

[@mazyckm1]

They don't need light to germ. He probably put them there so when they do sprout the light is already there.

[@Shadinsb]

@@mazyckm1 not the question.

[@1283angelica]

I what to know that to

[@stargazer7347]

I started Peppers, Broccoli, and Cauliflower seedlings. I am using a 24w T5 6400k grow light. I looked up what the distance should be from my seedlings. I found everything from 4 inches to 36 inches. Right now I have it at 4 inches, but now watching your video, I am not sure what distance to use.

[@yvencia1150]

Great video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@epicgardening]

Thank you yvencia!

[@sherimazell699]

Do you need the heater under the trays with a light is you are starting seeds in your house. Going to use my spare bedroom. Thank you