How to Navigate the Stages of Indoor Seed Starting

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through our links we are compensated at no cost to you.

What Exactly Is Involved With Seed Starting?

To have the best experience and success with seed starting it’s helpful to have an overview of all the stages. In this post I share the 7 stages.

Having this knowledge will help you:

• Know the supplies needed
• Know what to expect with each stage so your not caught off guard
• Improved success rates

Let’s Dive right in.

7 Stages of Seed Starting Indoors

I’ve divided the process of indoor seed starting into 7 stages:

• Stage 1 Preparing Supplies
• Stage 2 Planting the Seeds
• Stage 3 Germination
• Stage 4 Initial Growth
• Stage 5 Potting Up
• Stage 6 Hardening Off
• Stage 7 Planting Out

Stage 1-Preparing Supplies

Gather the following supplies:

• seeds of choice
• seed starting mix
• water
• spray bottle for misting
• seed trays
• heat mat
• grow lights

Here’s some of my favorite supplies in this photo!

Four Cell Seed Trays 6 Cell Seed Trays

1020 Universal Flat Trays

Stage 2-Planting the Seeds

It’s important to remember that your seedlings will need to be potted up to larger pots before being planted out in the garden. Once they are potted up, they will still need time under the grow light. For this reason, it’s important to not sow more seeds than you have space under the grow lights.

1. Label Trays with the plant type. I like to do this first, so I don’t forget.
2. Dump seed starting mix into a big plastic dishpan. I add a few tablespoons of worm castings (optional). I then moisten the seed mix by pouring in about a cup or so of water. I stir until consistently damp, but not waterlogged.
3. Fill the seed trays with the seed starting mix.
4. Follow the seed pack for the recommended sowing depth and spacing for each type of seed.
5. Place the seeds on the surface of the mix and gently press down if needed. I often use a chopstick to help me with this process.
6. Cover and mist the seeds with a thin layer of seed starting mix according to seed packet instructions.
7. Mist the surface with water to settle the mix and provide initial moisture.
8. Cover trays with a plastic humidity dome or plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse effect. This helps retain moisture and warmth.
9. Place on heat mat. This encourages germination. I leave mine on about 12-16 hours and turn off when I go to bed. You can also use a timer for this.
10. Monitor the moisture levels regularly. The mix should remain consistently moist, but not soggy. Mist if needed.

My Favorite Seed Starting Mix

Stage 3-Germination

Most seeds take anywhere from 7-10 days to germinate. Once  seedlings have sprouted it’s time to remove them from the heat mat and transition them underneath  grow lights. I also take off the humidity dome cover or plastic wrap to improve air circulation. 

Stage 4-Initial Growth

This stage begins after the seeds have germinated. During this time, it’s important that the seedlings get plenty of light. This generally means the seedlings be about 3-6 inches from the grow lights around 12 hours a day. They also will need water during this time. I prefer bottom watering. For details on bottom watering [read here]. The seedlings will develop their first and consecutive true leaves at this stage and their seed leaves (called cotyledons) will turn yellow. This initial growth stage last anywhere from 2-3 weeks. 

Stage 5-Potting Up 

This stage involves transferring the seedlings from their original seed trays to a larger container before planting out in the garden.  I usually pot up to 4 inch trays or larger.

A note regarding fertilizing: Fertilizing before the seedlings have grown their first set of true leaves is not recommended. True leaves look different than the cotyledon or seed leaves. Choose a mild fertilizer.  Chose a mild fertilizer with a formulation like 10-10-10 or similar. Ensure it’s diluted to half or a quarter of the recommended strength or follow the fertilizer instruction for young seedlings. 

Stage 6-Hardening Off

It’s essential that indoor plants have a gradual acclimation to the outdoor environment for a period before planting out in garden.  Learn details and tips of Hardening off seedlings [in this blog post.]

Stage 7 -Planting Out

 Congratulations! It’s the big day! Proper timing of transplanting your seedlings in the garden is essential based on your weather forecast. 

Here’s what to do they day of transplanting to the garden:

• Choose a day when the weather is mild and overcast if possible
• Early morning or late afternoon is often the best time, as it reduces stress on the plants from intense sunlight. 
• Ensure that your garden bed is prepared with well-draining soil and remove any weeds or debris.
• Dig individual holes spacing them according to the size of the plants. The depth of the hole should be similar to the depth of the pots.
• Remove seedlings from pots by gently tapping the bottom and sides to loosen the seedlings. Carefully remove each seedling, holding it by the leaves to avoid damage to the stem. 
• Place each seedling in its respective hole and backfill with soil. Press the soil gently around the base of seedling to secure it in place. 
• Gently water the transplanted seedling immediately after planting to help settle the soil around the roots. 

Conclusion

So there you have it, all the stages of seed starting indoors:

1. preparing the supplies
2. planting the seeds
3. germination
4. initial growth
5. potting up
6. hardening off
7. planting out

While not fool proof, knowing the different stages of seed starting will help set you up for success!

While not fool proof, knowing the different stages of seed starting will help set you up for success!