Thank you to Lee Ann Lilly and the Oshkosh Garden Club for sharing their sage advice.

Why is it beneficial to start seeds indoors?
Some plants take a longer time to sprout and grow to a size that will allow you to harvest or enjoy their flowers during the summer. By starting seeds indoors, you can grow some of these longer season plants in our shorter Wisconsin growing season. Also, by starting your own plants from seed, you can choose from a wider range of vegetable and flower varieties than you can find plants in the garden center. If you love that special tomato, you can have it!  

Seed starting can be an economical way to get a number of plants for a large garden at a relatively low cost. And starting seeds indoor provides an outlet for winter-worn gardeners itching to get growing again. Indoor seed starting comes at a time of the year when many gardeners are dreaming of spring.

Which vegetables or flowers typically do well when started inside?
Tender or heat loving plants that transplant well are perfect for starting indoors. Peppers and tomatoes are two great examples. By starting these plants indoors, gardeners give these plants the extra time they need to mature well before the weather warms outside.

Cold hardy plants and those that are quick to sprout are better planted directly in the garden. These include beans and peas as well as marigolds and zinnias. Seed planting outdoors in our area ranges from late April for frost-tolerant plants like lettuce to late May.

What supplies will gardeners need?
Plants growing indoors have the same basic requirements as those in your garden. Gardeners starting seeds indoors should plan to provide soil, light and water. Supplies include 1) seed starting mix (or a preformed option like peat pellets), 2) plastic wrap or a plastic cover while seeds are sprouting, 3) clean planting containers, 4) a sunny window or grow lights, and 5) a mister for watering.

When is a good time to start planting indoors? Is there a general rule?
Six weeks before the last frost is a good general time for starting seeds indoors. The Old Farmer’s Almanac offers an on-line calendar that details when to start seeds indoors based on your exact location.

What are some simple steps to get started?
Start seeds indoors using seed starting mix. Seed starting mix will hold water while letting new roots pass through it easily. Moisten your starter mix with water and put it into clean containers that will allow excess water to drain. Peat pellets or something similar will work well too.

Follow the directions on the seed package when planting the seeds in the soil mix. Take note that the seed package may recommend special handling such as soaking the seeds overnight before planting.

Cover the seeds loosely with plastic and place them in a warm place to sprout. After you see green growth, remove the plastic and put the seeds in a sunny window or beneath grow lights.  Most of the plants you’ll want to start from seed indoors thrive in full sun outdoors and will need 6-8 hours of light indoors as well.

Depending on the size of the containers you used to start your seeds, you may need to move the young plants into larger containers to continue growing until you are able to plant them in your garden.  Several weeks before the plants will be planted outside, begin giving them gradual exposure to the outdoors in a process known as hardening off.

Any other tips or resources you can recommend to those who are new to indoor seed starting?

Check out this nice booklet from Seed Savers Exchange.