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The challenges of starting seeds indoors
I’ve written before about the benefits of growing plants from seeds rather than seedlings, but over the years, I’ve learned that this approach comes with its own set of challenges. Some people might think it’s as simple as putting a seed in some soil and watering it, but it takes much more than that. For seeds to germinate and grow, the conditions need to be just right. Temperature, light, water, humidity, and the soil itself all need to be carefully planned and controlled to give yourself the best chance of success. Serious home gardeners often go to great lengths to build elaborate seed propagation setups, but if you have a small city apartment, that may not be an option. Luckily, there are still plenty of things you can do in a small space. I'll share my best tips on how to start seeds indoors for balcony gardens.
Choosing your seed-starting medium
The first choice you have to make is what material you will use to start your seeds. There are two main options: soil or peat pellets. I have used peat pellets before with mixed results. Last year, I had success with Thai basil but not with my perilla seeds. This year, I’m trying out soil to see if I have better luck. When choosing a soil for germinating seeds, you can use your standard potting soil, but there are also soil mixes specifically made for starting seeds. These seed starter mixes are generally lighter, with better drainage and fewer nutrients. It helps provide a sterile environment where most seeds should be able to grow easily. Since I’ve already written about starting seeds in peat pellets, I’ll focus on this method here.
Preparing your seed trays
Once you have your soil selected, whether it’s standard potting soil or a seed-starting mix, you’ll need something to put it in. You can use a wide variety of containers, such as leftover small seedling pots, but I prefer smaller seed starting trays that take up much less space. They’re also easy to move around and fit into different spaces. The ideal growing conditions change as a seedling grows. Smaller trays make it easier to adjust the plant's location as needed. They also fit nicely into special covered seed-starting containers.
Planting your seeds
When you’re ready to plant your seeds, fill your selected containers with soil. I like to hydrate the soil before adding the seeds. It can take a lot of water to fully hydrate dry soil. Pouring that much water in all at once can shift the seeds around or even wash them out completely. By wetting the soil first, you won’t need to add as much water after the seeds are planted, helping to keep them in their intended place. Pour just enough water to make the soil damp. Then, place a few seeds in each spot and cover them with a thin layer of soil before gently watering again.
Make sure to put several seeds in each planting site—it’s common for some seeds not to germinate, so this provides a bit of insurance that each site will have at least one viable seedling. Also, make sure to water your container thoroughly the first time. If parts of the soil are left dry, they can become hydrophobic (water-resistant), which is not ideal for gardening.
Creating the right environment for germination
Now that your seeds are planted, you need to find the right spot for them. Most seeds don’t need much light until they sprout, so don’t worry about placing them near a light source at first. What they do need is warmth and moisture, the two most important factors for successful germination. I’ve struggled with this in the past, mainly because my apartment wasn’t warm enough. For this reason, I recommend using a heated germination pad to keep your germination trays warm. This works best in combination with a covered germination tray, which helps retain humidity for that nice greenhouse effect. Just keep the soil damp, being careful not to overwater, and then all you have to do is wait for your seeds to sprout.
Moving from sprouts to seedlings
I’ve had my share of failed germination attempts, so it’s always a relief when the young seedlings finally peek out above the soil. It’s also a sign that their needs are changing. First, if you’re using a covered seed tray, remove the cover to reduce humidity, which can damage the plants at this stage. Second, give your young plants access to plenty of light. At the very least, place them on the sunniest windowsill in your apartment. Even better, invest in a good indoor grow light, which provides consistent, healthy light that you can easily control. Keep the lights as close to the plants as possible without touching them. This helps prevent the seedlings from becoming long and skinny, or “leggy,” which can lead to weaker, disease-prone plants.
Troubleshooting tough seeds
Not all seeds are easy to work with. Some, like shiso, are notoriously slow to germinate. In these cases, alternative methods like the paper towel technique can boost your chances of success. Just be careful when transplanting these delicate sprouts to avoid damaging their roots. This year, I had little success with germinating shiso seeds, so I resorted to buying starters which I was lucky to find at my local farmers market.
Patience will pay off!
Even with careful planning, not all seeds will thrive, and that’s okay. Some plants are more finicky while others prefer to be sown directly into their final containers. Experiment and learn from your setbacks. Growing from seeds can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Hopefully, these tips on growing seeds indoors will help you expand the variety of plants in your garden.
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