The Ultimate Beginner's Guide To STARTING SEEDS Indoors

[@TheMillennialGardener]

If you enjoyed this video, please "Like" and share to help increase its reach! Thanks for watching 😊TIMESTAMPS for convenience: 0:00 Why You Should Grow Plants From Seed 1:21 The Best Plants To Start Indoors From Seed 3:16 Seed Starting Supplies For Transplants 4:27 Prepping Seed Starting Trays 7:20 How To Sow Seeds In Seedling Trays 12:22 How To Use Seedling Heat Mats 16:12 Seed Germination Results 17:38 Adventures With Dale

[@michaelsreviews]

Great video. I subscribed to help your channel grow. 👍🙂👍

[@nerotoxen]

Great video! Excellent editing, clear voice, no cheesy music, camera wasn't on you 24/7. Thank you for posting this informative video dude!! Keep up the good work!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome! I'm glad it helped you.

[@MrSBGames]

Oooh it is that time of year again! Have a great growing season everybody!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Starting the new year with sowing seeds is starting the new year on the right foot!

[@YourGardenGal]

I’ve been growing pomegranate seeds in my room. Planted 26 seeds so far 8 are growing!!!

[@MrsB197something]

Thanks you too

[@didierchapelot5671]

I love as you explain simply and clearly things. Being not fluent English speaker, it's great to understand everything. And your gesture is precise and inspiring.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you! I'm happy to hear the videos are helpful.

[@lovelearn5158]

Beginner gardener here, very much appreciating your teaching of these skills. Thanks 😊 😊

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're very welcome!

[@bellaviolet6236]

Great video, great info! Learned so much! I'd like to add for beginners like me, that when using grow lights, place them a couple inches from the seedling to prevent them from getting leggy. I somehow missed that in my research and learned that last year with my first attempt at growing from seed. lol

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I also recommend setting an oscillating fan and running it 2 hours a day. It simulates a breeze and thickens them up and also prevents damping off disease. Don't run it more than a couple hours a day, though, and keep it oscillating, not blowing straight.

[@joannc147]

Perfect seed starting video for beginners! ❤ You are a clear and concise teacher….well done! I like your “prep” shots on what is needed, but oops, didn’t mention the drip-proof tray under the seed tray. Last year was my first time starting veg seed and I did very well indeed. The humidity dome did what was needed. My BIG mistake was not being aware of various germination rates, ugh. Slow-to-start next to 1” tall. You showed that issue very well in your video. I pre-dampened my starter mix before filling the tray and found that worked a bit easier for me. Well, didn’t have that nifty watering can so I had to “make do”! 🤣

[@CustomCroshae]

Thank you for the step by step and product showing in this video. Starting try To start a garden with not much of a green thumb so this is much appreciated

[@debbierhode6291]

I absolutely love your videos! So we'll done, informative and enjoyable! I have been growing for years, sometimes major successes and others major failures, but I love watching your videos to get me excited about the upcoming year!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I’m so happy to hear that! Nothing makes me happier than knowing the videos are inspiring folks to grow.

[@justincase1152]

Juat as I was going to get on YT to scroll bavk to some of your videos on seed starting, this came up on my notifications. Perfect timing!@ thank you for the info. Ordering heat mats to get started

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad to be timely 🙂 Heat mats are a game changer!

[@themyersfamily942]

I love how you speak at just the right pace! I hate lonnnng videos that you have to keep forwarding.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@crazibeautiiful]

Best and most helpful gardening video for a beginner like me!! Thank you

[@anniebancroft1175]

That SMART DALE!! I just loved watching him hit that button to get his supper, which looks terrific. Thank you for sharing your recipe! I started making my own dogfood, too. After watching you use a chopstick for seed planting, I have to get one.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

It's incredible how quickly he's learned how to use them. Cooking your dog's food has been a revelation. Dale is so healthy. But, you need to be careful. Don't use over the counter chicken broth because of all the salt and spices, don't use meat that is too fatty, be careful that the vegetables are safe for dogs, etc. Lots of "healthy" things for us are not healthy for them. We won't even use long grain rice, because it's enriched with artificial vitamins. We buy jasmine rice, because it's only rice, no enrichment.

[@GabrielleFontaine]

Excellent video! I learned two new tricks (and I've been starting seeds for years) - the Sharpie distinction and the chopstick trick - brilliant! Thank you.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome! Those oil based Sharpies last, literally, 10x longer than the water based markers.

[@lucasfaulkenberry1359]

Yo man! Local Wilmington native starting my first garden. Your videos are super helpful and relevant given your location. I just got my first seeds started thanks to this video. Keep up the great work!

[@kristen_jackson]

So glad I happened upon your channel. Local South Carolinian so not far down the road. I can't wait to get my seeds started. I love the chopstick trick. Genius!

[@leendaroberto]

Great informative video. Got my trays out today and you reminded me of the heat mats. Love the chopstick idea. Dale is such a smart boy! Thank you for all of the help.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I'm glad it was helpful! Dale says hello 🐶

[@joannc147]

Yeah, that chopstick tactic is quietly brilliant. I’ve used a pencil as a dibber……gosh, chopstick for individual seeds….👍🏻

[@FosterFarmsOk]

Next to my greenhouse and grwoing lettuces insdoors Seed starting is some of the best therapy I can have in the middle of this winter depression.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Absolutely. With the holidays over, there isn't much to look forward to in the short term. Starting seeds is the thing that makes me feel like spring is coming!

[@teenagardner3623]

I've been following your channel for so long now I can't remember when I started, lol. I still enjoy everyone and always get great tips or reminders. I always wait to see Dale as well. 😊 he is such a love

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for your support! I really appreciate it!

[@jmboyd1213]

This was a great video!!! I started seedlings last year with absolutely no knowledge and was pretty successful but wanted to step it up a notch!! I’m a bit behind starting but still have high hopes seeing how fast these seedlings grew!! Thanks for the content!!

[@kimf.5409]

Thanks for an in-depth video! I feel I can do better this year.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@sonnysome3201]

Loved this one! Very clear instructions, thank you for that. I have good success with parsley with surface sow. Just moisten the surface and cover with a hood. It needs loads of light to germinate.

[@TravisTarver60]

Awesome! So ready! Some of my seeds out for delivery now. Need more Dwarf tomato videos. Hardy anything out there besides yours which I’ve watched repeatedly 👍

[@TheMillennialGardener]

One of my orders just shipped, too! Tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers are on their way! I recommend looking at Victory Seeds for Dwarf Tomato Project varieties. They have the best selection.

[@etchman224]

Really enjoy your content, and it keeps getting better. Your angles and editing are noteworthy. Question: Why did you use watering can that can move seeds instead of sprayer? I haven't had luck with large streams as much as the spray. I don't start enough to know which is better. Thank you brother

[@joealta3450]

I can't wait to see your setup given everything you figured figured out last season..... Let the games begin!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I'm going to try my best! Lots of fruit trees are coming in this year.

[@Gonzalo_M]

Great video! :D It would be nice to have an update later one! And thanks for all the valuable information. Very helpful! :D

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I’m sure I will as things progress. I usually have some transplanting content each season.

[@Gonzalo_M]

@@TheMillennialGardener Nice! Thanks for that! :D

[@raynichol8959]

Brilliant video! Love the chopstick trick. Do you have a link for your watering can? How do you like it and does it pour well and not leak? How much water does it hold and is the opening large enough to fill easily? Happy new year to you and all your loved ones. I try to watch everyone of your videos. I’ve learned a lot. Thank you. Great job. 👍👍👍 Cheers. 🥂

[@JenniferBritton-bi6is]

My mom has the same one. She got it at Walmart.

[@coscar2]

Thank you for the video! Super helpful. Can’t wait to plant in the garden! 🌱☀️

[@ToddSmithPartners]

Happy New Year, great information on starting seeds indoors. Here in the Atlanta area I’ve been following you for the past few years. Always informative. Keep up the good work. I received a greenhouse for Christmas. When can I begin utilizing my greenhouse for my seeds starting campaign?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad to hear the videos are helpful. Our climates are very similar, so dates and varieties should work out about the same. Congrats on the greenhouse! You can use your greenhouse immediately, but depending on the type, please be aware it may not hold in warmth at night. If it's a small hobby greenhouse, they usually only warm up during the day and lose 100% of all warmth at night, so if it falls below freezing, anything freeze sensitive left inside will be killed. When I used an inexpensive pop-up greenhouse, I carried my seedlings into it during the day and carried them back inside at night when it was going to freeze.

[@ToddSmithPartners]

Yes our climates are very similar. Thanks for your advice. Will be touching base very soon.

[@ptngarden]

thank you for sharing.It's great to see the tree growing day by day

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome!

[@sylvia10101]

Such great information and very helpful..all the time! 😊👍👍

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you so much! I'm glad I can help.

[@lordbacon4972]

Thanks! I'm complete beginner and this was very helpful! I want to grow the seeds from last summer's flower i bought from the store.

[@tnfishkeeper2]

Getting anxious for the new year! :) I learned from this video, I was pushing the soil to firm in the cell.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

It's time to get started!

[@VeryGreenly]

I’ll be planting onions, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage seeds tomorrow. Thanks for the info. Soon I’ll start I the warm weather seeds.

[@Madrigall74]

Excellent video! Thanks so much! Exactly what I needed.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@muhammadahmed9402]

Love your videos. Thanks for inspiring me to start gardening.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I’m so happy to hear that!! Nothing makes me happier than knowing the videos are inspiring!

[@angelaweeks5207]

So grateful for this video! Thank you!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@roberthutchison8416]

Really good information thanks so much. Ive made so many mistakes and this explains them. Peace.

[@grandpanorton5785]

Very well made video. Thanks so much!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome!

[@michaelcolors]

Thx for sharing your expertise with all of us!!💜

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome!

[@michaelcolors]

@@TheMillennialGardener I recognize ur Philiy accent!!❤️ God's Blessings to u in all ways!!💜

[@michaelcolors]

@@TheMillennialGardener When u are in loving service to u and your neighbor, then this is fulfilling the Unconditional Law of Moses!❤️🐸

[@nildaotero2933]

Thank you so much for all this great info.

[@williamwoodhouse5711]

Great video, as usual. I live up the road from you, in the Topsail area. Do you have a calendar for our frost dates and when what can be transplanted / seeded outside and a correlation with reverse countdowns for starting seeds indoors per category of vegetable? I'm sure you do it accurately from memory, but I reinvent the wheel every year, and often it comes out a triangle.

[@simplyice7283]

I'm in onslow county. I use the nc garden extension calendar.

[@suzanneseely7167]

Thank you for this great instructional video. I have wanted to start my own seeds for some time but was hesitant because I wasn’t sure how to do it. Now I feel empowered and will give it a try. Where can I find a guide to which plants need which temperature to germinate?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I'm glad the video was helpful! The best way, honestly, is to just google it. Example: "Temperature for broccoli germination." A good rule is that frost sensitive plants like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, etc. want warm soil temperatures in the 75-85 degree range, and cool crops like broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, etc. like room temperatures in the 70-75 degree range. Something like SUPER HOT peppers are the exception. They like it hot with 80-90 degree soil temps.

[@Mr.Truesdale95]

Really great informative video. Thanks!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You’re welcome!

[@MK-ti2oo]

I use a chopstick too but wooden shish kabob skewers work great as well. China marker oil pens work great to write on tags and wipe off with a magic eraser. I think a fine mist sprayer works much better for watering in after placing seeds but I also generally dampen my mix just slightly to negate the hydrophobic properties (not even quite damp sponge consistency). I think my seed tends to move around a lot of the mix is dry then I add water, especially in stream form at all.

[@Patricia-v7z]

Thanks for the video. Great information on seed starting.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You’re very welcome!

[@MistressOnyaCox]

❤🚨 onions, leaks and lemon grass make great companion pants to keep pest off fruit trees and other plans. Direct sew seeds around all new plantings it looks cute and keeps bugs away🎉 happy gardening

[@addictionlures4122]

I'm west of winston salem in zone 7b. Should I delay my seed sowing from the date you sow yours? If so, how many weeks? Just found your channel recently, and its about all I watch now! Great work fella!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

It depends what you’re sowing. Frost tolerant crops, probably not. Tomatoes and peppers, probably delay them 2 weeks.

[@brianrhubbard]

This channel is awesomeness. My wife probably thinks I'm becoming a gardening addict.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you! I appreciate it! I like to justify it by calling it a *healthy addiction* 😀

[@brianrhubbard]

@@TheMillennialGardener lol

[@lenorabearer5764]

Wow, that Dale's food looks good enough for dinner, for sure 😂 What a lucky dog!

[@MrsB197something]

Ive got chopsticks and i didnt think of that Thank You i will try this as i tend to only put 1 seed and then get heartbroken when they dont come up. Also i put my seedlings out too early last year and they gor stunted so not taking aby chances this year. Love you channel and i appreciate all your wisdom😊

[@geoffdandrews]

Hi! great video, thanks! When you move the seedlings to the grow lamp or direct sunlight, are you also removing them from the heated grow mat? Or, do you leave them on the heated grow mat while they are in sunlight/grow lamp? thanks!

[@mogbaba]

In fact, i was just wondering if I have to put one or several seeds in the compartment. I checked several videos with titles like Complete Guide, etc, but no one mentioned what to do from the beginning. Thank you for your detailed and informative video.

[@amymartin7508]

Thanks for the leggy tips!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome!

[@patkrueger7353]

Thanks for this info. We in parts of Pa are expecting a snow storm Saturday and Sunday. My earliest outsde planting is maybe March around the 17th for peas etc. happy New year 🎊. Dale is really cute! Love dogs. They love you back unconditionally.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

There looks to be a parade of storms that are going to pass through Central PA. The next 14-days look to have 3-4 storms passing right through the Harrisburg/State College area. If you're central to the state, be prepared.

[@chadswife6226]

@@TheMillennialGardener Central Pa girl here too -gotta love the snow :) ..You have definitely made me feel a little more confident in my beginner gardening skills ! THANKS SO MUCH !!!

[@paulasiefert2059]

This is great information. I must admit that I used those types of trays for starting my seeds,then made a total disaster of them while trying to move them to a larger container until they were ready to go into the ground. Do you have any suggestions for me? Living in SE Pennsylvania, we have to hold off planting outside.

[@andreacastelli6296]

Newbie here.. Mine are getting leggy so this is great! 2 questions if anyone can help 1) Do I direct plant after this or plant into a larger container before putting in garden. 2) what to do if some white mildewy/moldy stuff starts to appear on the top of soil. Do i have to toss everything? Thank you fellow gardeners. I aspire to one day know a fraction of what you all know!

[@turntablesrockmyworld9315]

Good questions that I have as well! Can anyone help? But what does "leggy" mean? It's confusing because one of my seed packets assumes you are seeding in a large pot and then transferring to one of these pod things. Almost feel like giving up lol

[@taylorknoll8946]

This is so helpful, thank you for this! Do you think I’m able to put my seedlings on the counter of my husbands shop? There’s a wood stove in there that he heats the building with (it’s usually 60 ish degrees in there or a little lower) and just have it on a heat Matt? Or should I put it inside somewhere?

[@xinyuewang518]

Thank you for the information!!! A quick question. Is the seeding heating mat a must? Or is optional?

[@lauracoover3738]

Great video, very clear. I'm far from a beginner but have had some problems starting seed. I like the peat pot 6-packs but I think I might be overwatering them because they tend to dry out quickly. Any tips?

[@JM.TheComposer]

Peat pots always have watering issues because the peat itself heavily retains water. Better to use reusable plastic pots.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

When you say peat pot, do you mean you buy individual peat pellets, or you are buying those pre-made biodegradable flower pots? I don't have experience with the latter. I build my own peat pellet stations using the following two items: Pellet Greenhouses: amzn.to/3NO89pY 42mm pellets: amzn.to/3S58yG7 The greenhouses are very heavy duty and outstanding quality. The peat rings hold multiple sizes of pellets. The standard peat pellets sold in-stores are 36mm. I do not use that size anymore. I now only use the 42mm size. The 42mm size is vastly superior and maintains more even moisture for longer. I've never had an issue with them drying out too quickly. I'm guessing either you're putting them under fluorescent grow lights very closely that are drying them out too quickly, or the pellets are too small relative to the size of your seedlings. LED grow lights don't dry out the mix like the fluorescent lights do, because they don't give off all that heat. I'm not having any issues with these pellets. They're awesome. Please note the links I provided above are Amazon affiliate links from my Amazon store, where I have these items listed. If you choose to use them, I would receive a small commission at no cost to you.

[@machinegreen1911]

Nicely done !!

[@bch9124]

This was like fifth grade basic. I needed that. 😂 Thank you.

[@prissypacheco2860]

Very informative video! Lots of love involved in your gardening.. ❤️💙🤍

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@Eric-gi9kg]

Well.. That answered a few issues that I had. Thanks

[@karricompton]

I’m starting my pepper and tomato seeds this week! Probably will add in some zucchini soon, too.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Wow, that’s early! You must be in a warm climate ☀️ Jealous!

[@karricompton]

I live in Hampstead. 😂 I have agricultural fabric over my raised bed and a little heater in there for when it’s cold and the broccoli and carrots I already have in there love it! I just have to be careful with them!

[@ameliadavis9813]

Hello there, great video. I found you a month ago right when I am trying to start a garden. My question is instead of the mustard can I place collards instead to pair or grow next to the others in your video. Thanks in advance.

[@flowersrusflorist1520]

Thanks for helpful tricks tips!!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@melissahughes2652]

Great info!! What about sunlight?

[@nowinnc]

So I watched this video and started planning for a growlight station indoors. Then I saw your video about using a pop up greenhouse tent outdoors as an easier way of starting seedlings. Did you just build your indoor grow station to educate us, or do you prefer it over a greenhouse? I bought a pop up greenhouse, so I'll try it that way, but just curious which you prefer.

[@eddieable]

love your vids, always on point, no BS to fill the damn 10min mark. anyway, how intense does the light need to be? I was thinking when the seeds sprout, to bring the seed tray outside into a green house big enough to cover the dome and a little bit more, and plonk it on my south wall. would that work?

[@Gardeningchristine]

Just started some more micro🌱greens, and I planted 4 supposedly tiny tomato plants and 2 beit alpha cucumbers to grow inside this winter.

[@ChoresWithCarly]

Love the video! :)

[@jackiekelley9751]

Super helpful!! Thank you!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome!

[@chadswife6226]

Beginner seed starter here ...once they germinate and its time to move them into direct sun- do you still keep them on the heat mats too? THANK U SOO MUCH !!! :)😀

[@TheMillennialGardener]

No. I use the heat mats for germination only. Once they germinate, I don't use bottom heat anymore. Too warm of soil can make them thin, leggy and too tall. You actually want strong light and cooler temps after they germinate, because that will lead to shorter, stockier, stronger seedlings.

[@chadswife6226]

when you say cooler ;) - how cool are you thinking ?@@TheMillennialGardener

[@georgelowellohhdgg63nnd96]

Where do you find the ideal germination temp for a seed?

[@daniandjoanna]

What are your thoughts grow lights, do you use proper lights or as some people say use LED garage lights? We just purchased some and will be putting them up this weekend.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I use an actual LED grow light. No awful fluorescent shop lights. This is the setup I built: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmLVo3uibdSGgLssi=4jQVAWKZptzIohoV

[@latriciablakey8752]

Morning. You used a heating pad. But can you use the same steps if you are using a heating lamp. Does it make a difference?

[@davidcray4037]

Great information.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks!

[@Jennifer-gu4yv]

I have found the best way to water after planting the seeds in the cells and up to transplanting in the garden is to use a turkey baster. You can easily limit how much force you use in adding the water to the cells.

[@JM.TheComposer]

Honestly the best thing is bottom watering. The first time, before adding the seeds to the cells, it might take some hours to fully hydrate. Bottom-watering during the seedling stage is best because it keeps the top of the soil dry, discouraging fungus and fungus gnats. And it encourages the roots to go down and get the water, rather than staying shallow and going for surface water.

[@janispope1513]

Great video thanks so much

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You’re welcome!

[@Rachad2317]

Awesome video. Thanks

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome!

[@mariap.894]

You have a good chopstick. I have the bamboo kind with a wide tip😔 Love for Daaale!!❤🐕❤

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I recommend getting a set with a pointy tip. Mine are probably 12 years old and I use them to sow seeds and make cold brew coffee 😂

[@NeboAllen]

Love the chopstick trick!😊

[@TheMillennialGardener]

It works great!

[@AnnAthey-d6h]

Great video, what distance should i place my LED seedlings lights from the plants?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

As closely as you can without burning anything. Raise them as needed.

[@LynnGerhart]

Chopstick! ❤ What a fantastic tip

[@TheMillennialGardener]

It works so well.

[@stephenclausen3494]

@TheMillennialGardener - How do you water? Do you fill the bottom tray or mist/spray to tops?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I just top water as needed, usually. Some of my trays have drain holes, so they cannot be bottom watered.

[@bradleysimpson9819]

I have a few 4ft 6 bulb t5 lights and I usually have great success. This year I received some really crappy potting soil that was like mud and totally ruined by streak of luck lol. No biggie just start over.

[@thefoodiesjourney1249]

Hello, I’m new to the channel, new to SC and also new “gardener” 😂 I have a very leggy problem with my broccoli (3 weeks old” because I didn’t know that that was a bad thing 😢 Any recommendations???? They’re 4-5 inches long but the leaves are really tiny baby leaves.

[@lsardin1973]

Do you move them to bigger containers again before transplanting outside???

[@adriansutton6880]

When you have multiple germinations in one cell is it best to try to separate them and replant or just clip the extras. I hate to see any of them go to waste but if its harmful to separate ill just have to do what I have to do. (Specifically tomatoes and peppers)

[@JanetAFL]

I’m in Zone 6a in Colorado. I suppose my indoor planting date for broccoli and cauliflower would be later than yours?

[@PlantsFood4]

Thank you for the chopstick trick!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You’re very welcome!

[@celinevanneste1634]

A question regarding condensation in the seed trays in the first 2-3 days: should we remove the covers all together to let the excess water evaporate, or just open the valves?

[@danmontoya1102]

Just did the same here in Southern California.

[@itst0000]

is it necessary to pre moisten starter mix before sowing if bottom watering? or does hydrophobicity still apply?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I would recommend it. Hydrophobic mix takes *a long time* to absorb water from the bottom.

[@amberjay5361]

When they start to sprout are we suppose to move them off the heating pads to lights? Or put lights on top of them on the heating mats? Thank you so much!

[@renel7303]

In the video he said move them.

[@Motherofbullies]

I don’t think anyone was wondering about your apparent oversized heating mat good info tho!❤

[@CustomCroshae]

Which one is the blue mat is that the first link also do you keep the holes open the whole time

[@janetforster2484]

Great video

[@PepperplacewithShawna]

Thank you.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome!