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.

[@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

[@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.

[@cherylspringtime]

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

[@purpleguitar14]

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

[@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.

[@matfry2310]

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

[@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….

[@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

[@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!

[@EmilyJohnson-y6o]

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!!!! ❤

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@LA-mn7jr]

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

[@alakinggg]

Frfr

[@HendersonHinchfinch]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@prettycool9864]

Best and clearest explanation that I’ve seen.

[@samuelr8174]

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

[@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!

[@bt8831]

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

[@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!

[@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..

[@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?

[@crum242]

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

[@sidekick3rida]

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

[@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.

[@deniseb2571]

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

[@gvas7560]

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

[@epicgardening]

Thank you!

[@rawrruby]

Love ur old videos bro! Thanks for the info

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@preppercatandfriends9165]

OUTSTANDING!! Thanks for all your work.

[@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

[@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

[@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!🤔🛶

[@KanyiriGrows]

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

[@thepepperguy6608]

Great idea for organizing your seed, so compact.

[@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.

[@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 !!!

[@melmedina9055]

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

[@klacayoe]

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

[@leecorrigan8394]

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

[@nancymencke503]

You are a wonderful presenter

[@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 :).

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@caderbavahsiddicl6414]

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

[@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

[@jeffhurst4744]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@travisevans7502]

I don't understand the loofah infatuation but good information on seed starting.

[@venetiakelley]

I’m starting seeds in my bedroom too!

[@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

[@shez4199]

Love your channel, so helpful, thank you!!

[@kimnolen7644]

Just ordered your book from Amazon. Thanks !

[@friggasuccor1185]

since you use an entire row of that seed tray, just write on the tray what each seedling is and save the sticks. like with silver sharpie, or china markers

[@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.

[@kevingee4294]

Great video.

[@madlynbarileau1114]

I am starting my seeds in my bedroom too.

[@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!!

[@shaneriera8372]

Awesome video!

[@runawaylady1833]

Excellent!! So helpful, thank you!

[@byankashomestead8038]

I just bought this container for my seeds! Just waiting for all my seed orders to come in!

[@epicgardening]

Good luck!

[@johkevw]

Best time of year!

[@epicgardening]

So enjoyable!

[@vintageortenberg8136]

would be awesome, if we all would start minimizing the usage of plastic. It's some kind of a gardeners ethics.

[@-abigail]

do you have any good recommendations for seed starting with less plastic?

[@Akasha987]

Very helpful video, thank you.

[@joannabrister3384]

Excellent video

[@haydenbraxton8095]

nasteriums grow as a weed in San Diego?!? That's crazy. I tried growing them here in VA for the first time, and I had such a hard time with them.

[@gregbrown5556]

Coming from Texas... liked your video! 👍

[@mariae.santiago620]

This was such a helpful video! I’ll be getting your book on Monday May 4, I can’t wait! In the mean time I’ll have to start all over with new seeds cuz the ones on the window sill are not doing to well☹️

[@cja0071]

I suuuuuper don't want to buy the T5 lights...also couldn't find any of your videos on what would be good LED lights for seedlings except the super old vids you made in 2013 (LEDs have hopefully come farther since then) so....would love a video on that!

[@earthkindsanctuary]

I have my seeds in the same storage container! I actually have two :)

[@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.

[@govegan888]

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

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@melanin4267]

Love your videos🖤

[@joeberlin9964]

Just ordered the book Can’t wait to read it. Joe

[@epicgardening]

You're the man, Joe! Def email me your address

[@buzzyanderson4131]

Well done

[@michelleduenez2167]

I just stumbled across your channel. Thank you so much for all of the information on gardening. I am extremely new to the world of gardening but want to help my family become self-sufficient. My question is am I able to put my ceilings outside during the daytime when it’s sunny if I do not have a grow light to help them germinate?

[@yvencia1150]

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

[@epicgardening]

Thank you yvencia!

[@bray7197]

save yourself money and just buy solo cups and find a tray for water and set the cups in the tray of water with any kind of light over it I use the lights with the round silver deflector I think there called shop lights 5 dollars a piece.

[@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 =/

[@shangcvs38]

I luv that tray and bought one myself but I see Two problems with it. The mat needs to be longer and go down into the water on both ends not just on one side. It leaves the end farther from where the water wicks up almost be completely dry, not good. Second you need to place some adjustable vents on top of the dome to be able to adjust the Humidity and Temperature. Other then that I love the tray but it just needs to be Tweaked, Thanks!!!

[@chris123chris82]

So I have never had a garden. I’ve never grown anything. I’d really like to give it a shot. Any recommendations anyone could make or starting tips. I really have no idea what I’m doing. Just started watching KZbin videos hoping I can grow something this summer

[@epicgardening]

Grab the book Square Foot Gardening and get started!

[@H20-Vital]

I like the bargain of your shelves and light . 😂 If you are not planning to spend 1.000 is not need to visit the webpage suggested .

[@johnnorris1983]

I find I get a better germination on all seeds by pre overnight soaking in water.. The smaller seeds are harder/more -time consuming this way.

[@johnnorris1983]

Tip. Add a horticultural sand mix to the smaller seeds when you sow them. You can see where you have been spreading and the smaller seeds get spaced out better.

[@ionalyngstad4280]

Hey, I would love to see a video on how to propagate lipstick plant

[@epicgardening]

Will do what I can for ya!