Seed Starting for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Grow with Confidence

There’s nothing quite as rewarding as watching a tiny seed sprout into a thriving plant. Whether you dream of a vibrant flower garden, fresh herbs on your windowsill, or homegrown vegetables, seed starting is the first step in bringing your vision to life. If you’re new to seed starting, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Let’s break it down into simple, easy-to-follow steps so you can grow with confidence.

Why Start Seeds Instead of Buying Plants?

You might wonder why you should bother starting seeds instead of just buying plants from a greenhouse. Here’s why:
✅ More Variety – You’ll have access to unique and heirloom varieties not found at big-box stores and you have access to cut flower varieties that are often harder to find in greenhouses.
✅ Cost-Effective – A single packet of seeds can produce dozens of plants for a fraction of the cost of nursery-grown transplants.
✅ Stronger, Healthier Plants – When you control the growing process from the start, your plants are healthier and better adapted to your environment.
✅ It’s Fun! – There’s something magical about nurturing a seed into a thriving plant—it’s the ultimate DIY project!

What You Need to Get Started

Before you start planting, gather a few key supplies to set yourself up for success:

1. Containers

You don’t need anything fancy! Try:
🌱 Recycled containers (like plastic lettuce boxes or yogurt cups—just poke drainage holes)
🌱 Seed-starting trays with cells
🌱 Soil blocks (a great plastic-free option!)

2. Seed-Starting Mix

Not all soil is created equal! Regular garden soil is too heavy for delicate seedlings. Instead, use a lightweight, well-draining seed-starting mix. Popular options include:
🌿 Pro-Mix – A peat-based mix that works well for most seeds(but isnt a great sustainable option).
🌿 Coconut Coir – A sustainable alternative to peat that holds moisture without compacting.
🌿 Sea Soil – A nutrient-rich organic mix for strong growth.

3. Light Source

Seedlings need 12-16 hours of light per day. If you have a large south-facing window, that might be enough. If not, use LED grow lights to give your plants the boost they need. Position lights a few inches above seedlings and adjust as they grow.

4. Water & Humidity

🚰 Keep soil moist but not soggy—overwatering can lead to mold and rot.
💦 A spray bottle or gentle watering can works best.
🌡️ Use a humidity dome or plastic wrap to maintain moisture until seeds sprout.

5. Heat (for Certain Seeds)

Some seeds, like tomatoes and peppers, need extra warmth to germinate. A seedling heat mat can speed up germination by keeping soil at the perfect temperature.

Step-by-Step: How to Start Your Seeds

1️⃣ Fill your containers with seed-starting mix and lightly moisten the soil.
2️⃣ Plant your seeds according to the depth listed on the seed packet. Some seeds (like snapdragons) need light to germinate and should be sprinkled on the surface.
3️⃣ Label everything – trust me, all those tiny sprouts will look the same!
4️⃣ Cover with a humidity dome or plastic wrap to keep moisture in.
5️⃣ Place in a warm spot (or on a heat mat if needed) until seeds germinate.
6️⃣ Once seedlings sprout, remove covers and place them under bright light.
7️⃣ Water gently as needed, keeping the soil moist but never soaking wet.

Common Seed-Starting Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!)

🚫 Overwatering – Too much moisture leads to mold and weak seedlings. Keep soil damp but not soggy.
🚫 Too Little Light – Leggy, weak seedlings mean they need more light! Keep grow lights 2-4 inches above plants.
🚫 Skipping Airflow – Lack of airflow can cause mold or "damping off" (a disease that kills seedlings). Use a small fan on low to keep air moving.
🚫 Not Hardening Off – Before transplanting outside, gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days to prevent shock.

What Can You Start Growing Now?

Check out our seed starting sheet for our favourite cut flower varieties (and those available in our Holiday Garden and Cut Flower Seed Collections) with dates to start based on our climate/zone in Edmonton.

You’ve Got This!

Starting seeds may seem intimidating at first, but with a little patience (and maybe a few trial-and-error moments), you’ll be well on your way to growing strong, healthy plants. There’s no better way to kick off the gardening season than by nurturing your plants from seed to bloom.

Have questions? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to help! Happy planting! 🌱✨