5 Quick Tips for Starting Seeds

No matter the season or level of expertise, anyone is able to quickly start seeds year-round. Seeds basically need two things to get them started: moisture and heat. Sources vary on techniques, proper conditions, and soils required for healthy plant growth; however, moisture and heat alone can get you started immediately. Following are a few tips and methods I used to start my patio garden.

Tip 1: Simplify Your Choices. Don’t over-think it.

My first seeds were germinated during the winter. I did not have a plan for what I wanted to grow or the supplies needed to get started. I simply used what I had around my apartment. I used seeds from peppers that I had in my freezer, given to me from friends. I also used a few lemon seeds I saved from a delicious glass of iced tea I ordered while dining at a local restaurant. I started saving seeds from fresh fruits and peppers as they were given to me.  Months later I began to purchase seed packets from the store.

Caution: Seeds harvested from fresh produce should be cleaned off and allowed to dry completely before planting. This helps reduce early rot and mold that could hinder the seeds from sprouting and maturing.

Tip 2: Choose to Recycle

The rules are very few when selecting a container to start seeds. I did not have soil or pots ready, so I recycled salsa jars lined with moistened coffee filters to jump-start my seeds. These jars served as a mini greenhouse, trapping moisture and heat, forcing the seeds to sprout. The jars were kept on my kitchen counter until the seeds sprouted. Once roots and leaves were visible, I opened the jars and set them on a sunny windowsill for a few hours throughout the week.

Jalapeño and citrus seeds started in recycled salsa jars.

 When I determined the seeds were ready for soil, I moved them into small recycled water bottles. The tops of the bottles were removed and seedling soil was used to allow the seedlings to acclimate to the new growing conditions. The bottle tops were placed over the seedlings to continue the greenhouse effect, but removed throughout the week. Sometimes the tops were removed when the seedlings were placed on the windowsill.

Last year’s potting soil can also be used, but there are several cautions to be aware of when doing this. 

Citrus seedlings growing in mini recycled bottles.

Tip 3: Choose a Growing Method

Whether you decide to start your seeds inside, outside, in containers, in raised beds, or haphazardly on the ground, it really doesn't matter; at least initially. Since I live in an apartment community, my choices were a little limited. I started several seeds indoors and transplanted them into outside pots when warmer weather was consistent. I have also planted seeds outside in store bought pots, recycled bottles, strawberry containers and cookie dough tubs.

Seed packets provide guidelines on the back of them for optimal growing conditions. You can choose to follow them exactly or be a little adventurous. I chose to be adventurous with many of my seeds, since I wanted to grow the most produce for the size area I had available. I simply filled a container with seeds to see how many would grow. Surprisingly, they all did.

Any growing method will work. Here I planted seeds in varying containers with and without following the specified spacing recommendations listed on the seed packet.

Seedlings successfully sprouting when using various containers and using both recommended specifications and adventurous planting.

Tip 4: Prepare for Future Needs

The ultimate goal is to produce healthy plants. It’s never too early to gather essentials now for the different stages of growth. The more supplies you have on hand, the faster you can be available to supply the need.

I started saving plastic bottles for when my plants were to be transplanted outside. I knew I wanted an outside container garden, so I recycled different sizes and styles. Now I have a selection to choose from. I also saved egg shells, coffee grounds, and other natural substances that could be used as fertilizer and pest deterrents. Now is also a good time to save organic matter for a DIY compost.

These four tips should help you have a successful start with starting seeds during any season.  If you are still in doubt, follow this extra tip.

Tip 5: Don’t be Ignorant. Do Your Research.

Only you know your limitations. If you are the type that requires detailed information before venturing out on a new gardening quest, by all means research your heart out. There are millions of YouTube tutorials, blogs, gardening clubs, local farmers, libraries, friends, family, and acquaintances that can provide the information you need to feel comfortable.  It is beneficial to stay connected to a local gardening community that status abreast of changes that may affect your ability to grow certain plants. I just found out that my city government had initiated a watering restriction several months ago to regulate water usage. Lucky for me I chose a container garden.

Still in doubt? Continue below to see how I put these tips in use for my bell peppers.

I love bell peppers, especially sautéed in a skillet with fresh onions. That was exactly what a friend was preparing at a dinner party in which I was invited. We were discussing the success of my citrus seeds when she asked if I wanted the seeds from her bell peppers. This was a no-brainer. I gladly placed them in a Ziploc bag (tip 1). I washed off the seeds, but placed them back in the bag and kept them on the dining table. The next day, I decided to plant a few of the seeds. I chose a recycled strawberry container (tip 2) and sprinkled a few seeds on the top, loosely covering them with soil (tip 3).

A week later I saw the seeds were sprouting in the plastic bag and decided to plant all of them. All 150+ seeds. I was feeling a little adventurous. Surprisingly, most of the seeds quickly sprouted. I watched amazed as my containers filled with little plants. I began collecting extra bottles as I realized more seedlings were growing (tip 4) and searched YouTube videos on growing bell peppers (tip 5). I especially wanted to know how big these plants could get. I quickly realized I may have a small forest on my apartment patio.

Containers filled with three month old bell pepper plants.

Half of the first set of seeds planted. These are also about three months old.

These bell pepper plants were transplanted into this strawberry container from the crowded pots. 

A side-by-side comparison. From left to right: plant from first group of planted seeds; seeds planted a week after the first group; and plants transplanted from the middle container.