Seed starting Supplies (What you need to be ready to START YOUR GARDEN!)

[@carlene2728]

Last year 250 red solo cups in dollar store tin trays in my kitchen. I checked on them all day long. Our garden was incredible and I grew more seeds than I killed. About a 98% success rate.

[@janew5351]

Solo cups and even several colors saves labelling! And washed and sprayed with hydrogen peroxie will be ready fir recycling.

[@jtharp9265]

I over planted last year also , more then we possibly could plant - We had a plant sale with my 2 granddaughters ages 9 & 8 last year - we sold the cups for $2.00 a plant and so many neighbors and others were so happy due to the prices at the stores - I also gave away alot when I heard the children talked their mom or dad in wanting to grow a garden. As it's so important that we teach our children and grandchildren how to garden, especially NOW WITH PRICES BEING SO HIGH . GOD BLESS YOU JOSETTE THARP MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS 🙏

[@Jacqualine_]

Thank you for this tip! I am just starting out and want an option that is not a big investment.

[@crystalmasters8582]

Fab idea

[@chandratamraz8616]

Me too

[@margaretmatteson-hammer7911]

I think the bovine serenade is totally awesome.

[@donnamartindale4121]

Same here! I love cows❤ but I’ve never had any. Lol

[@michelemadrid9643]

Me too❤

[@kathykat3548]

It brought me so much joy! 😊

[@JWHealing]

Yes!

[@WildHopeHomestead]

I wanted to keep watching the cow/assorted animal parade! 😂

[@marissashelley2362]

FYI...maybe 50 years ago before we had the newer grow lights, I had many plants in my office with NO access to sunlight. My maintenance guy told me he could fix my problem. He took the fluorescent lights out of the fixtures & replaced them with 1 red & 1 blue fluorescent lights. I became known as the plant lady for the company. Everybody brought me their plants to "save" them. I thought he was BSing me, but it WORKED!!! It's a LOT cheaper than the current grow lights.

[@danarzechula3769]

thanks will definitely try this

[@DonnaMM6361]

Where do you get coloured florescent bulbs? Do they even make florescent lights now? My dad was an electrician and we installed a lot of them in commercial locations But, you can't even buy incandescent bulbs now.

[@joannlangecollins2709]

Starting seeds in Solo cups with potting mix was THE BEST beginner takeaway I learned from you and I've had massive success ever since!

[@michelle2508]

I agree! I like not having to worry about up potting.

[@dalewis5038]

This was excellent because taking them out the starter to move into cups took time. I can start in the cups and just move them outside when it's time. Also learned to start them in something bigger is helpful. Jess thanks. I'm seeing things from a different perspective this year.

[@robingirven4570]

@@michelle2508 that’s what I’m thinking! I found a huge pkg of them in our basement 🤷‍♀️ No clue where they came from.

[@alexisrichardson7024]

Great info! I’m trying to figure out how I want to build shelving in my greenhouse. Please post your greenhouse after you install the shelving!

[@intentionallymade]

Same!

[@dberger1010]

I don't know if anyone else mentioned this but the containers you buy strawberries in at the grocery make excellent tiny greenhouses for seed starting.

[@Silrielmavi]

Taking notes for myself- Peppers and eggplants about 8 weeks before last frost date Tomatoes about 6 weeks before Flowers and herbs 4-6 weeks cucumbers, squash, melons(summer garden) direct sow for Zone 8, 3-4 weeks at most get seeds, it's okay to get what you can afford, including sharing $ store, etc It's okay for seeds to be from different years, they may not have as high of germination, but it should still be ok. Containers- Use what you have. Larger containers use more soil, so it may be better/more cost effective to get smaller containers instead of reusing larger ones to not pay so much for soil. 2.5 inch pots is what she uses now. (Bootstrap farmer is the brand she currently uses) Peat pots are ok, but not the best for beginner gardeners, need more focused water regulation(Better for things like squash and melons that only need 3-4 weeks so you don't have to pay as much attention) Egg cartons may not work the way you want them Bottom watering trays helps them stay healthier and encourages roots to go down. not too much water at the beginning Root systems will be deeper on certain plants and they may need more space or be planted inside later. Growing medium- Best in her experience- Potting soil. Sterile etc doesn't have any nutrition Garden soil doesn't have enough air You want a medium that has nutrition and doesn't have big pieces in it(or you sift them out) and isn't too dense. Can buy perlite(sp) or coco core to add aeration Seeds need warmth and light. If you have to choose one, choose light and grow in your house. Shop lights work. Mentally prepare yourself to take care of your seeds. Set alarms to remind yourself to water them and check on them. It can be disappointing to have them die on you because of inattentiveness, but some are going to die regardless of how attentive you are. You are taking care of a living thing you're not used to caring for. Liquid fertilizer useful for plants that are going to be in pots for 6-8 weeks.

[@melaniehopkins4778]

Can I copy your notes? Great job!

[@Silrielmavi]

@@melaniehopkins4778 go ahead! If you notice anything I missed, go ahead and add it

[@tracir3072]

Thank you! 🤗❤️

[@crystalmasters8582]

Copying your notes ;)

[@robingirven4570]

I’ve been gardening for over 40 years. This will be my first year seed starting in my new greenhouse!! Thank you for this! I’m zone 6a 😕 I wish there was a LOVE button. This was so helpful.

[@Nancy-zk9dj]

So happy for you! Have a wonderful garden season! 🌱❤️🌱

[@jesscastro4183]

Congrats on your greenhouse, I hope to have one eventually 🌱🌸

[@robingirven4570]

@@jesscastro4183 my husband built mine. It’s all glass but very small.

[@JessMakingArt]

As someone who doesn’t have a greenhouse, my favorite option for starting a little early is winter sowing in used milk jugs. Second life for the jug and little mini greenhouses for me! It’s not a perfect system but I’ve had some pretty good luck in years past. Great video, Jess! Thank you for sharing your expertise and experiences.

[@elizabethdowney3412]

I grew jalapeno plants in milk cartons a few seasons ago and they actually did really well!

[@donnaglynn9864]

We used Chobani yogurt cups last year and they did well- not too much soil but have to time it right because they’re small-ish. I may go back to milk containers this year. Thx for sharing

[@judymeadows7525]

I live in Maine. My home is small and I don't have room to start seedlings indoors. Last year was my first try at winter sowing in milk jugs. The results were great. This year I'll buy fewer plant starts and winter sow the hardier veg.

[@judymeadows7525]

Pinetree Garden Seeds in Maine are excellent with reasonable prices.

[@kittiew260]

Yes it's a great method. Actually winter sowing as watching this video!

[@jessicabruss8164]

The Botanical Interests seed catalog has a tear out chart at the back that lists what to start each week. It looks like a great easy reference.

[@tghhomestead]

Oh wow! I didn't make it to the end of the catalog yet, so this was exciting to find out! lol

[@jujube2407]

I'm so excited to see epic gardener bought botanical Interest!!

[@kabodick]

@@jujube2407 yes! Me too 😃.

[@kabodick]

Johnny’s catalog is fantastic too. They provide so much information!

[@tghhomestead]

@@kabodick I need to check it out!

[@SarahGraymatter]

Wow you are a charming presenter. Perfect flow and rhythm, good cadence. All details respectfully presented with several styles. Jessica, we’ll done and consistently improving. You must be in a good classroom space ❤

[@thomasonmike7170]

Hi pretty lady. How are you doing today? And how is the weather over there?

[@brandialford6079]

Never apologize for the majestic music of your farm! I'm sure it's not just me who loves it!

[@jeffreysmith8735]

When it's cold and snowing here in the north east, gardening videos are food for the soul.

[@meeks4756]

Honestly, the bovine accompaniment is perfection and made me so happy 😁

[@amyparker1762]

Me too! Sounds of my childhood. Sooo good ❤

[@kristinbiernbaum3849]

I like to use kitty litter trays for bottom watering my seedlings and potted plants. Dollar tree typically has ones that can fit about 12 small pots (I think the ones I use are two inches, maybe 3). It definitely helps to keep my seedlings alive outdoors when it's hot.

[@wenn9366]

I use the off-brand rubbermaid containers which are the same size and they work great w/ the solo cups. Last year, I had a lot of extra plants and used the largest disposable aluminum baking pans for a cheap alternative for them.

[@JB-ks2wh]

Good ideas. Thanks.

[@daniellegarrett841]

I did that last year. I have a drop-over greenhouse that I started my seeds in. I put 1 level of a plastic shelving unit inside & I was able to fit in 3 of those litter trays, plus a small plastic container or two. I have 2 cats, that like to eat every plant they can get to, & no other good area inside my house for seed starting. So I essentially did the Winter sowing method in that drop-over greenhouse on my porch. Last year was my most successful germination rate and they were the stongest plants that I've had to date. But, I loved those litter pans so much for the bottom watering that I grabbed some extra ones to have on hand.

[@dlsdyer9071]

Picked up some under bed plastic storage containers at thrift stores because the lids were damaged. They work great to under water plants in greenhouse but also turned over they work as mini greenhouses to keep plants from freezing during winter. My lettuce survived the six degrees blast at Christmas. Also just put some six inch round containers under them containing brassica, onion, leek, etc. Also did milk jug planting of lupine and snap dragons.

[@taylorhine4312]

Thank you SO MUCH! I have been looking online for plant trays and I am not satisfied with ANY of the trays I am finding. Litter trays from the dollar store seems perfect and inexpensive!

[@greengoddessplantsandseeds]

The best way to start my day is with a Roots and Refuge video and a cup of tea! 💙

[@Chris71151]

Last year I started my tomatoes indoors with seeds from the dollar store for.25 each. I planted in egg cartons only 2 weeks before my last frost date. I ended up with 33 viable plants. I tried to give some away. No one wanted them because they were from the dollar store. I threw 3 plants on my compost pile because I had no more room. Those 3 plants that I never cared for produced the best tomatoes. The other plants thrived and did well. I chose to make tomato sauce with all the tomatoes and freezing because I could not find canning lids last year. I am fortunate I have a small freezer in my garage. I have found the flavor of the tomato sauce is fresher when frozen, so I’m considering freezing again this year. I’m looking forward to this gardening season.

[@cherylharless281]

I looked up my last frost date... and laughed. February 15. I've seen it snow (but not hit the ground -- I live in southern California after all!) I wouldn't even think of planting anything until the last weeks of March at the earliest! :D

[@SoilToSoul]

Planting is different from seed starting in general. Here in South Mississippi zone 8b isn't far off from your climate/zone. I'm about to start seeds in the next week or so. I keep them protected until mid-late march also, at which point they can go outside in the garden.

[@JB-ks2wh]

I've saved most of all my seeds from previous yrs with success after watching your videos (except for buying heirlooms seeds from my favorite small town hardware store --and dollar general has seeds in packets cheap at the end of summer). Starting beet seeds in a container in the greenhouse is at the top of my list now. i canned beets for yrs before & everyone misses them and I do too. Canning sweet pickles (recipe handed down from my family in law) is coming too. I still have onions, brussel sprouts,and cabbage collards growing. I'm feeling panicky. Trying to give it to God and praying for all of us that God gives us a beautiful and flourishing spring and summer gardens full of beautiful fruits and vegetables. 💜

[@deanneidholt1635]

Been watching you for a couple months and love your attitude joy and practical advise..I am a young man of 70 growing in Texas

[@domesti-city]

And just a note to any of y'all that are in a zone like 10 where the last frost date is mid-February; don't stress that you haven't started your seedlings 6-8 weeks before then! The days are not long enough nor warm enough if you plant out right after that last frost, and your sweet little plants will just sit there until the soil warms up and the sun spends more time looking down on you during the day before they will start growing. Check your seed packets to see if they tell you an ideal soil temperature range for sowing.

[@tamarapeer7605]

I'm in zone 9 Central Texas, getting ready to start some seeds this weekend. Our last snow frost date is about the 2nd week of February, and usually last only a day or two ( unless we have another snowmaggedon) lol , but seeds usually don't get planted in my garden until March. Mother nature can be pretty finicky in Feb. around here lol

[@BradfordHomestead]

I save seeds and I have SO many sunflower seeds right now that I actually threw some to the birds during the freeze 😁 My saved 3-4 year old seeds still germinate just fine yall. Solo cups are good for selling plants… low “overhead”

[@karendpeterson970]

Have to many seeds? My address is. . . LoL

[@SunshineBaubles]

@@karendpeterson970 lol. I thought the same thing. I wouldn’t be upset about getting some seeds in the mail.

[@theatilley2952]

Settling in with my favourite owl mug and coffee for some joyous sunday morning viewing. Thanks Jess ❤

[@colleenjerns9239]

This senior brain really needed your refresher course on seed starting. This has been an excellent video. So practical. Thank you!

[@lisabakos9291]

This year will be my 3rd year growing from seed with your help, Jess. Your video tutorials are a wealth of knowledge! Thanks for all you do.

[@squidyinkydink]

First spring garden… let’s do this!!!

[@cynthiabrennemann3513]

Love the cow accompaniment. And here's an idea if you have planted too soon and you need to pot up your plants from the 2 1/2 inch pots. I used to use brown paper lunchbags, doubled up, folded over to the inside. Then I'd pot them up into them, and plant them as is in the paper bags. And when I had short growing season and long growing season larger plants, I'd use brown paper grocery bags to plant them up large and move them out into the garden (like squash, watermelon, etc...) just like the lunchbags. Double them up, fold the tops down to the interior, and fill with soil. pot up your plants. Helps if you just have no resistance to planting too early. And...about soil blocks. I adore them. BUT...if you are going to get a soil blocker, save up your money and get the large ones that are used on the floor, using foot pressure. Using those small ones once arthritis sets in HURTS. So painful! I cannot use my tabletop soil blockers anymore, which is a bummer. Granted I got arthritis early, but still. Plan for the future.

[@kristongarrison]

I do something similar. Our local newspaper printer sells roll remnants (for some reason once the roll get so small it won’t go through the printer ) for $10. Then I cut strips and roll around a wine bottle to make paper pots. Still working on my $10 roll for my 3rd year. LOL!

[@CoveredandCommitted]

New gardener here-How did you keep the paper bagged plants watered before moving outside?

[@cynthiabrennemann3513]

I had them sitting in my daughters wading pools and just used old empty milk jugs or even cleaned out laundry jugs to keep them watered. I would have bottom watered, but felt that it would rot the bottoms out too fast...never really had a problem with it, though. @@CoveredandCommitted

[@foreversettled9144]

Thank you. A caution to those very allergic to poison ivy: I failed to use gloves when pulling old plants out of some potting mix and potting some new plants. I got poison ivy on my hands. There had to be some poison ivy root ground in soil. Happy planning and gardening. Psalm 91 over all believers.

[@missouribroad978]

Jess you walk the walk and don’t just talk the talk and that’s why I trust your information. We are gardening on a larger scale this next season for the first time and I just don’t want to blow it. I’m going to remember to breathe, take the time to plan and put in the hard work. Hopefully my gardens will reciprocate in kind 😅Thank you for this series!

[@angelad.8944]

I use those black plastic mushroom containers to get my seeds started. I don't wash them so the mushroom goodness gets in the soil. Just space out your seeds in there. You could even grow some shallow root plants in them for the whole season if you are space restricted. I also hang onto and wash any large plastic or styrofoam meat trays. They are crazy sturdy and hold water so I use them as under trays for my little pots. I will grow many varieties of tomatoes and peppers, usually 6 each and I find the trays can hold 6 to 8 little pots, so it's easy to keep track of all the varieties doing it this way. The black plastic is a heat sink so it keeps the plants nice and warm. You can use meals to go chicken containers or those spinach/greens little totes as little greenhouses. They are handy. Look at your plastics and envision domes from milk jugs and bases for growing containers, etc. The world is your oyster.

[@catfunksfabulousfinds97045]

I had my garden / chicken run topped with wood chips from chip drop a couple years ago which is leaves & branches chopped up. Now the chickens are all gone due to raccoons. Last year I had thrown split tomatoes into the chicken yard. I had over 150 volunteer tomatoes come up. Cherry & Brandy wine. I didn't have extra money to buy plants last year due to a car accident. I really felt like the Lord provided for me with all the volunteer tomato plants. I ❤️ tomatoes like you do. When money is tight, you will never starve if you at least have tomatoes & zucchini growing. Those tomatoes germinated outside due to the breakdown of the woodchips and possibly the chicken manure warmed the soil because it was no where near 70° when they came up. I thank the Lord everyday for a bountiful tomato harvest again this year. I hope to can them this year.😊

[@SaraJeanSays]

Thank you for turning me on to migardener, as a resident of Michigan and not far from their location I appreciate it so very much! I just put my order in yesterday on payday using your code.

[@ashtonhall3167]

I also live in the midlands in SC so finding your channel has been so helpful! This is the first year I'm seed starting rather than direct sowing, so following your videos will give me a greater chance of success. Thank you!

[@lindaedwards9756]

You are going to love seed starting, especially tomatoes and peppers.

[@dlsdyer9071]

Big pineapple WELCOME to the RR community😊!

[@PatientlyUnearthed]

A good time for taking inventory and cleaning up tools for the new year. Great minds think alike! Have a great weekend, Jess! 🍅

[@classicrocklover5615]

Yes! Pretty much every tool I own needs sharpening, and probably oiling. And a couple just need outright replacing!

[@Dragonfly20233]

The moos gave me the giggles! So excited for the seed starting process and thanks for the smiles. :)

[@saltyanchorfarm]

Thank you so much for this. I've been feeling incredibly overwhelmed just thinking about where to start. I've dreamed of gardening for years and now that we aren't moving again in 2 years, we're finally taking the plunge.

[@emilygardening]

I've been collecting bootstrap farmer products since 2020. Got a bunch of goodies from them for Christmas. Great quality! And my red solo cups from 2020 (used 2-3x per year) are still in good enough shape that I can use them again this year.

[@marshabaker3044]

My biggest problem with solo cups was tipping them over.

[@gelwood99]

I started using Bootstrap Farmer after the first video Jess pointed him out. My very favorite is the 32 cups in the frame with the tray. The cells just don't work as well because I don't have a huge garden and plant a smaller amount of each seed. The hardest part is not planting all the things! 😊They also have the best price for the bug net and frost cloth.

[@emilygardening]

@@marshabaker3044 yes!! That is a downside. They stood up for me way better in the bootstrap farmer trays than those flimsy ones sold in big box stores

[@JWHealing]

I agree Bootstrap Farmer products are tip top quality. No regrets if I ever buy their stuff.

[@jtharp9265]

@Gail Elwood Have a plant sale , I did last year with my granddaughters ages 8 & 9 . Our neighbors were so happy at $2 a plant & kept messaging or asking for more - you can make and easy $400 off a few seeds ...

[@yacabe]

My first year gardening I decided to start seeds. So I went to my back yard, dug out some soil from under the grass, and used that to start my very first seeds (San marzano tomatoes, tam jalapeños, and French marigolds). Never again. I had to be weeding my seedlings every week. 🤣 Until I saw someone using seed starting mix, so I went to home depot to find it. This will be my 6th year and now I blend my own mixes.

[@firstquarterfarms]

I started so many things being inspired by you but bottom watering is such a game changer you put in my head. I've done it 2 seasons now and my seedlings are so much happier & the root system I shock family members with.

[@thomasonmike7170]

Hi pretty woman. How are you doing today? And how is the family and the weather over there?????

[@DonnaMM6361]

This is the best most complete seed starting video I have seen. The part about the seed starting mix and the trays is what I have been trying to research. Excellent, Jesse!

[@thomasonmike7170]

Hi pretty woman. How are you doing today? And how is the family and the weather over there?????

[@CynthiaHollenberger]

I do have the little 6-cell packs right now. I fill them 1/2 to 3/4 full with potting mix, give a slight tamp, and top it with the finer seed starting mix. Gives the roots their first day or so easy ability to grow, then we have the richer soil below. I do pot up when they are ready.

[@bluegirl777]

This actually makes so much sense. I have some "seed starting mix" I need to use up. I may try this. Thank you!

[@jtharp9265]

Great idea 💡 Thank you as I stocked up last season on seed starting mix etc. This is a great idea even for my solo cups and 2 inch pots that way they get the nutrients they need as they grow. Less water fertilizer as they grow in water containers I bought from Gary over on rustic garden he is great at teaching as well ....

[@ourhomesteadclassroom]

I can not emphasize the importance of alarms and automatic timers enough to new gardeners and seed starters! Two of your most valuable tools for success!! After the novelty and excitement of germination begins to wane, and life gets hectic as it always does, those alarms are going to keep you on top of your game for the 6-8 weeks that follow.

[@angelad.8944]

FYI, they have reusable aluminum solo cups now. Can still drill a hole in the bottom but they will last super long since they don't rust.

[@SunshineBaubles]

Also, use can opener to cut too off of soda cans.

[@laurenkil]

Thank you for sharing your gifts with us. You make gardening and life feel doable... It's just the way you speak to people. It makes a big difference. 🙏🙏🙏

[@KathyW5]

I've been starting in solo cups for many years. Now that they make them in multi-color packges I use red for tomatoes, green (cucumbers), orange (peppers), purple (flowers) and blue for others It's just fun. My shop lights of 5000 lumens from Walmart work very well and keep plants for the 6-8 weeks but, yes they do need to be very close. In my kitchen, hanging from bottom of cabinets. Yeah, it takes up some space for a while, but worth it.

[@sydneykasmar]

I'd love to see a series on supplies ...planting in the garden supplies, maintenance of the garden supplies, early season harvests including kitchen supplies, fertilizer supplies, pest control suppplies, big fall harvest supplies and putting the garden to bed supplies.

[@staceycollins5398]

I would love this as a series through the year too!

[@kabodick]

She did do a video fairly recently showing her favorite kitchen gadgets 😃.

[@themasterenergist5982]

I would like to add one more thing please Jess… alas I know from personal experience it’s really important to remember to LABEL which seeds are in the pot!!! I always think I’ll remember what I planted and then I don’t. I have to then wait for the harvest until I found out what the plant is….Thanks for the great info today though, we all benefit from your wisdom x

[@nadinedefrane1410]

Anyone in Canada rainbow seeds is absolutely amazing I love their seeds and is affordable and you get tons of seeds in their packaging! 💜

[@mariettawilliford3987]

I have been blessed with the opportunity to start my kingdom victory garden in the local church garden and 🎉🎉🎉I’m so excited to start growing again and have high hopes for a thriving community garden. Any donations of seeds , tools or garden supplies are welcome and appreciated. We will be serving those in need. Thank you for your inspiration and knowledge. Glory to GOD 🥰🙏🏻🍅

[@dtorrice5101]

Last year, I put my plants out early and covered them with see through storage containers. Worked like a greenhouse. This year, I have a little greenhouse my hubby and son built me. So excited for spring 🌺 🪴 🌸 🥦 🥕

[@Buttercookie-h7d]

This was the most comprehensive video I've come across on seed starting which is exactly what I was searching for. So appreciated.

[@amandak1707]

The Richland County library here in Columbia has a seed library at the Main branch. People can check seeds out to grow their garden and donate saved seeds.

[@NeverStoppedDreaming]

I moved into my own apartment in March last year, just in time to start my own seeds in my first ever (relatively small) garden. I was incredibly excited but didn't have enough money to buy anything besides seeds, soil and pots. I ended up just putting the seeds in my windowsill in my living room because it provided the light and heat (because of the heating that I had on underneath it) and they did great! The seeds being in the living room also meant it was impossible to forget about them because they took up a lot of space. I had to water them very often but it was the most beautiful thing to open my fridge in the summer and find all these homegrown veggies! This year the plans are bigger and I'm excited to experiment and see what I can achieve!😁🤞

[@dirtroaddestiny]

Jess thank you for being as excited as I am for garden season. I have everything ready and every day I pray to god for his guidance and blessings this years garden season 2023. Our garden foods we preserve feeds us over winter. Blessings always ❤

[@deewinston5651]

Thank you Jess, I love Roots and Refuge Newsletter. Bless y’all❤️✝️

[@DD-wt4kc]

Thank you to the Bovine Chorus! I grew up on a farm miss hearing their concerts,

[@johnjdumas]

If you are using a cloche you may want to use a tiny pinch of cinnamon sprinkled where the seed will sprout to avoid fungus.

[@ireneturner2944]

Them plants need a pot ( 2 dads tall) lol Thanks JESS for all the good information. Wish we could plant you and make more like you in this world.!! Thanks for all you do!!!

[@emilygardening]

Up with morning sickness. Thanks for posting 😭❤️

[@BradfordHomestead]

🙏🏻❤️

[@barbaralopez7921]

Good morning little darlings!!! As Jess would say to her seedlings.

[@marshabaker3044]

I love it when she says little things like that.

[@FieldsOfGold149]

Happy to hear about starting seeds yippee fun time!👍

[@silver_threads]

Love the anticipation of gardening! It was so pleasant to listen to your sage advice and encouragement. Here in Ohio, I have a last frost date of mid-May, so we usually plant by the end of May. March is my "let's get started indoors" time frame. Hoping to add a raised bed or two this year and maybe a cow panel arch! Garden is my happy place!

[@gunnshomestead6255]

I always bought plant starts..never really did seeds. Then…I slowly got into seeds. Now I’m in a new climate & I just recently took an inventory of my seeds to see what I can start. Gardening…year round hobby 😊

[@dawnbrown2125]

Thank you Jess, God Bless and keep you walking in all His ways.

[@valeries1236]

I've started a significant collection of paper towel and bathroom tissue rolls to upcycle as my mini planters. Ease of transplanting them and the brown tube will biodegrade! I'm looking forward to starting my seeds in them as a newer gardner. I'm in Louisiana zone 9a. 💛 I too share your sentiment when it comes to being in the presence of seeds based on how much life giving they are. I am always humbled about the cycle of life given of our bountiful gardens.

[@SunshineBaubles]

I hadn’t even thought of using the tp rolls for this. I save them to help start fires for burning trash and brush. So, I got lots.

[@TheRainHarvester]

I tried that but they unraveled and disintegrated too soon.

[@belieftransformation]

Great info; thanks for sharing! You’re such a good teacher, even for us older gardeners! We’re never too old to learn (in my 7th decade). Blessings to your family🤗💜🇨🇦

[@classicrocklover5615]

At Christmas I gifted my MIL a Greenstalk system. I think I am more excited to see it in use than she is!

[@hismercysavessallysue5927]

I bought 48" shop lights a few years back at Lowes, and hung them on a metal shelving unit in my basement, and have been successfully starting my seeds every year since :)

[@kaycompton8983]

The one thing I do to help with starting seeds is add an earthworm either as I first start them or on my first up-pot. The worm then gets planted in the garden, thereby helping the garden retain vitality.

[@PackRatManiac]

I'm very much looking forward to the Roots and Refuge packages from MIGardener. They are my favorite place to get seeds from. I think this channel and MIGardener's channel has been the most helpful and inspirational for me in my gardening journey. Both of you have shown me you don't need the fanciest equipment or name brand soil mixes to start your garden.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

It’s actually from Wild Boar Farms that I’ll be working with. But MIGardener does have amazing seeds and info!

[@greenrockgarden2851]

I’m just above you in Greenville. I started a lot of seeds this week. I’m so excited that this time has rolled around again!

[@leadfunnelscale]

I just bought a haul of seeds from Dollar Tree. Mice got into my collection and wiped it out. Two large boxes of packages. Sigh. Buying the seeds made me so happy. LOL I am also waiting for an MIgardner order.

[@MrsKeane25]

I'm so excited to seed start. I think it's my favorite part of gardening.

[@angelakaufman6153]

I agree with you about the seed starting mixes. I used Jiffy last year honestly out of laziness because I didn't want to sift my potting mix, but my my plants paid for it. It was my worst garden year with stunted and diseased plants. Lesson learned. This year I have gone back to sifting my potting mix.

[@ShannasCountryCreek]

Sister bout to knock it outta the park, cause this is your Fav season...we r here for it!! #prepareforspring🙌💃🏻🌱

[@kristinpothast]

This was extremely helpful, thank you so much for sharing all of the info! Watching seeds sprout and grow into mature plants is one of the great joys in gardening. Plants are absolutely magical!

[@dustyfuller5632]

Good morning!Good information!!I've found the red solo cups are the best for me to start seeds in. I didn't have a good experience with toilet paper rolls. I did find a clear over the door shoe holder that the solo cups fit in perfect for hanging the plants in the window worked great. I have a small house lighting isn't great and I have cats that don't want to share my sunny window with anything, but this worked and kitties still can sunbathe too lol,without getting to my baby plants.

[@thomasonmike7170]

Hi pretty lady. How are you doing today? And how is the weather over there?

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

We use LED shop lights for seed starting and they work well. They are 3000 lumens each.

[@johnjdumas]

2 and 3-liter bottles can be used as cloches. To get things going and to harden and protect small plants from spring cold. And, 1,2, and 3-liter can be cut into pots. I have put 3-liter cloches over 2-liter pots for a perfect fit.

[@BradfordHomestead]

FYI: a Rubbermaid container lid, makes a great tray

[@celticseaalchemist7667]

I use boot trays too! Someone was moving and gave them to me. I like that they aren't completely flat (have a bit of texture) and raise the seed trays a little off the bottom. 😊

[@colliecoform4854]

Yes. I also have used foil trays from the dollar store. Cookie sheets or the big rectangular roasting pan and they last.

[@tiffcat1100]

@@celticseaalchemist7667 Ikea sell them too :)

[@1TsuNami]

You make this sound so easy and I am smart enough to do this. 👍🏼. Thank you Jess for all you teach us. You’re such a blessing.

[@Thankful_.]

Setting an alarm as a reminder to check on seedlings is a fantastic suggestion, Jess! 😊❤🌱✝️

[@jeanettethiessen2476]

Last year I started my flowers and tomatoes in my front east facing window. No grow lights and they did just fine. It’s the warmest spot when the light shines in. I had beautiful plants I just needed to turn them occasionally.

[@cherylkruse500]

Love the beautiful music in the background, they sound happy knowing what’s coming for them

[@hollindorf1007]

I used peat pots in a cake pan. Bottom watered them, and used a medical heating pad underneath them they sprouted ON the day, according to the packaging

[@stellaz2595]

I use potting mix and sterilize moistened batches in plastic bags in the microwave. Works for small batches.

[@Small-Talk]

I'm so glad I found this video, right on time and same zone!!!!!

[@heathernotzdaniels6350]

Being keto for several years, we have used cottage cheese containers like Jess did with her solo cups. Great for the bigger plants. I tend to save them for up-potting, just in case. We gave up egg cartons right away, they were hard to keep moist and they were tiny, unfortunately. I've had to start cheap, just like many, and any time I can re use a container, I definitely will. I have even cleaned out the heavier meat trays and made those into pots for things like tomatoes that I can divide out once they are big enough to be potted separately. I can get lots of babies started in a small space and then that also helps with rotating my limited space.

[@angelaraum1545]

Luv the noises of the farm 🥰. I use Walmart LED shop lights on a 4 teir shelf in my apt. I don't have a basement or garage & it works out just fine. Even better its right in front of me most of the day so i can keep an eye on it. Gary from The Rusted Garden suggested it. You need a timer in the lights 16 hrs in 8 hrs off.

[@krissifaith6709]

We collected juice bottles and water jugs from friends and hang them... our hanging garden is allowing us so much more space and cost effective. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@witwaltz]

I’m in zone 9, & I decided to create my own seed calendar a few weeks ago. Apparently I’m already almost a month behind. 🤣 But I’m earlier than last year!!

[@carolynwatson4301]

I love the bovines. And I got most of my seeds a month ago or saved them back in the fall. I get so excited for my garden every year that my husband laughs at me.

[@carolynwatson4301]

I plant mine in red solo cups. A lot of stuff I direct sow most things. April 24th is our last frost date.

[@carolynwatson4301]

Another good thing that you can use newspaper. There is a dohicky that help make them.

[@Blessed3F0Xes]

I’m brand new to seed starting and this was so fantastic. I learned so much! Thank you.

[@my3bsfarm863]

The cow song was a perfect accompaniment to the blog today. Thank you for that! I’ve been gardening for more than 25 years. But I still learn new things from you Jess so thank you.

[@happypappy]

Thank you Jess! I’ve watched a lot of seed starting videos and started seeds for several years (still learning) but this was one of the most practical and helpful ones I’ve watched in having a good balanced understanding and getting a good start. I have several takeaways to put my mind at ease and make better decisions this year!

[@CaptainsLady]

Thanks for the info! Here we come, zone 8! Let’s do this 🥬🍠🧅🧄🥕🌽🥒🌶🍅

[@thatlibertygal]

Last year I did a modified Kratkey method. when I started my tomato and tomatillo seeds in my solo cups, I put Fox Farms soil (it’s what I had on hand in abundance for my tropicals) in the bottom 80% of the cups and then peat at the top, planted the seeds, then domed them. By the time the roots were long enough to need the nutrition, the plant was strong and healthy to handle the fertilizer. They were 9”-12” tall in 2 weeks, hand to God, and not bc they were stretching.

[@slh9564]

I love the cow chorus and the girls on the other side making their presence known during this video. You covered all the bases for seed growing. If a beginner gardener watches this, they have all the necessary info for a successful seed start. If you keep up with the process from starting the seeds to planting, you will be successful. When it comes time to plant your seedlings in the garden, you feel the pride that you did this! Great classroom video.

[@marylouslittlehomestead4644]

Thank you Jess! When it come to my gardening success I just can never get enough of you. Getting ready for my 4th gardening season and you have been apart of each one.

[@debbieperks882]

I shared half a Rachel ray bowl full of seeds that I have saved for many, many years. I was sorting through and re labeling, etc my plastic shoe box size containers and the many bags of saved seeds that I store in my little refrigerator in my potting shed with grow lights. Soo, I think I’m going to have a lot, a lot of volunteers this year and so will the neighbors. I scattered a few handfuls in a bed that d area where I dug up a pear tree and the rest of that big bowl I mixed in with the bird feed. Lmao.

[@ross5066]

Had this playing in the background as I was starting ground cherries in solo cups. Fun morning!