A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Growing Flowers, Veggies, and Herbs Indoors

Starting seeds indoors is one of the most rewarding ways to kickstart your garden. Whether you’re dreaming of colorful flowers, fresh herbs, or homegrown vegetables, growing from seed allows you to cultivate a wider variety of plants while ensuring strong, healthy growth before they reach your garden. This guide will walk you through the essentials of seed starting, from when and where to begin to the best practices for success—featuring high-quality Botanical Interests seeds, a favorite among gardeners for their premium selection and informative seed packets.

When to Start Seeds Indoors

Timing is everything when starting seeds indoors. Most seeds should be sown 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. To determine your timeline:

• Find your USDA growing zone (Nunan’s Garden Center serves Zone 6a).
• Check the seed packet for specific timing recommendations.
• Count backward from your area’s last frost date (typically mid-April to early May in Zone 6a).

For example, tomatoes and peppers often need 8 weeks indoors, while fast-growing flowers like zinnias or cosmos may only need 4-6 weeks.

Where to Start Your Seeds

To give your seeds the best environment to germinate and grow, consider these factors:

✔ Light – Use a bright, south-facing window or invest in grow lights to ensure seedlings get 12-16 hours of light per day. Without enough light, seedlings become leggy and weak.

✔ Temperature – Most seeds germinate best between 65-75°F. Using a seedling heat mat can help speed up germination, especially for warm-weather crops like tomatoes and peppers.

✔ Containers & Trays – Use seed-starting trays, peat pots, or recycled containers with drainage holes. Botanical Interests offers biodegradable pots, making transplanting easier and more eco-friendly.

✔ Seed-Starting Mix – Use a lightweight, well-draining seed-starting mix rather than regular potting soil. A mix designed for seed starting retains moisture while providing proper aeration.

How to Start Seeds Indoors

Step 1: Prepare Your Containers & Soil

• Moisten the seed-starting mix before filling your trays or pots. It should feel damp but not soggy.
• Fill each container, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top.

Step 2: Plant Your Seeds

• Check the seed packet for planting depth (some seeds need light to germinate and should be sown on the surface).
• Gently press seeds into the soil or cover them lightly with mix, following packet instructions.

Step 3: Water & Cover

• Mist the soil with water or bottom-water by placing trays in a shallow dish of water until the surface is evenly moist.
• Cover trays with a humidity dome or plastic wrap to keep moisture in until seeds germinate.

Step 4: Provide Light & Warmth

• Once seeds sprout, remove the cover and move them under grow lights or near a bright window.
• Keep lights 2-3 inches above seedlings, adjusting as they grow.

Step 5: Thin & Transplant

• When seedlings develop two sets of true leaves, thin them by snipping weaker ones at the soil line.
• If roots become crowded, transplant them into larger pots until they’re ready for the garden.

Choosing the Best Seeds: Why Botanical Interests?

For the best results, choosing high-quality seeds is key. Botanical Interests seeds stand out because:

✅ Non-GMO & Untreated – Safe for organic gardens.
✅ Extensive Selection – From heirloom tomatoes to vibrant zinnias.
✅ Detailed Packets – Every packet includes planting depth, timing, care tips, and botanical illustrations.
✅ Great for Beginners – Easy-to-follow instructions and helpful growing information.

Whether you’re growing delicious basil and cilantro, classic marigolds, or juicy heirloom tomatoes, Botanical Interests provides reliable germination and strong, healthy plants for your garden.

When & How to Transplant Seedlings

After weeks of careful tending, your seedlings will be ready to harden off and move outdoors.

✔ Start Hardening Off: About 7-10 days before transplanting, set plants outside in a shady spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their time in the sun.
✔ Transplant When Ready: When nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F, move your plants to their permanent garden home.

Ready to Start Growing? Visit Nunan’s Garden Center!

At Nunan’s Garden Center, we carry a wide selection of Botanical Interests seeds, seed-starting supplies, grow lights, and expert advice to help you succeed. Stop by to pick up your seeds and supplies today!

📍 Visit us at: 269 Central Street, Georgetown, MA
📲 Download our app for exclusive deals! Nunan’s App

By starting your seeds indoors, you’ll have a thriving, early garden ready to enjoy as soon as the warm weather arrives. Happy growing! 🌱🌸🥕