For a gardener who wants to start from scratch, there are certain methods to use when gardening seeds that are not used if starting with seedlings or more mature plants. In order to garden seeds, there are certain gardening accessories that are needed in order to be successful. Most gardening tips say to garden seeds indoors so that the seeds have a chance to germinate and grow for a time before having to face not only the elements outside, but also the creatures that can eat them and damage them, such as insects, birds and deer.

Steps to Starting Seeds

The first step to gardening seeds is to decide what types of plants to grow in the garden and then purchase those seeds from a reliable supplier, such as a gardening catalogue, nursery or gardening supply store. Most types of seeds can be found this way without having to be special ordered. If it is a rarer or exotic species of plant, then it may have to be special ordered by the seed supply company. In addition, the gardener needs to decide if she wants to do organic gardening, and if so, if she wants to make sure the seeds she purchases are organic as well. Organic seeds have to be purchased through an organic seed company in most cases since typical gardening supply stores and nurseries do not carry them

The next step to gardening seeds is to decide what type of soil to use. There is plenty of potting soil that is readily available, but when potting seeds, it is important for the soil to be high quality so that the seeds have enough nutrients for good growth. The soil should also drain well yet hold moisture so that the seeds can get just the right amount of water. If the gardener wants to do organic seed gardening, then the potting soil needs to be organic, with no foreign chemicals used to add the nutrients. This is usually a little more expensive than the other potting soils.

Containers of all different sizes can be used to garden seeds as long as they are able to drain. Egg cartons and butter containers can be used as long as there are holes in the bottom so that the water can fully drain out. In addition, these containers need to be washed out well before planting the seeds in them to prevent mold or bacteria from contaminating and killing the seeds. The best way to do this is to wash them out and then disinfect with a bleach solution.

Finally, sunlight indoors is usually too weak to adequately garden seeds so an artificial light source must be used. Fluorescent lights should be used in order to promote strong and healthy seed growth, whether it is rows of lights or a regular light fixture with fluorescent bulbs in it.