Hey folks, let's kick off the 2025 garden season with some advice on how to get your plants growing strong and beautiful by time that last freeze hits.
Personally, I am in zone 6a, I know a lot of my friends and family in Michigan are in the same zone, so this is a shoutout to all of you as well!
The general rule is to start seedlings indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. This doesn’t mean you can’t start earlier, just be prepared to re-pot or start running out of the room inside. So, Mother’s Day has always been the safety net. I have put seedlings out the day before Mother’s Day and lost them all to frost. This is just my superstition now, but I would keep them in trays so you can bring them in for whenever that last frost hits your region.
These are the plants I would be starting indoors by the end of February. A lot of these are cold crops but also you have Tomato, Pepper, and Eggplant that need to be started indoors anyways. You might ask why? They have a long growing season, and they love the heat, so meeting them in the middle by starting inside with a heating pad or sharing your household heat will give them the kick start they need.
· Broccoli
· Cauliflower
· Cabbage
· Carrots
· Peas
· Spinach
· Kale
· Lettuce
· Tomato
· Pepper
· Eggplant
· Bare Root Strawberries
What are the best seeds to use?
Honestly, save your scraps from fruits and vegetables you buy at the grocery store. This is the most budget friendly way to grow, if you are not worried about “organic” being on the label.
Check the quantity on the seed packets, along with reviews if you can.
Personally I am trying all types of brands this year, including the seeds from local produce I saved seeds from. Seed packets from home depot have always germinated for me if you want to start there. There are also kits online for herb gardens and peppers, you name it, they have it. BUY ORGANIC AND HEIRLOOM IF YOU CAN.
The way to do this on a budget the following year is to save the seeds from plants you put in this year. I promise it is worth it!
If you are only planning on a few (2-4 plants) of each, make sure you still put in about 10 seeds to make sure you get enough that germinate for you. Most packets will tell you to put two seeds in each.
What is the best soil to use?
General potting soil or a peat moss and perlite mix will work. If you are on a budget, you could always try half peat moss and half native soil in your backyard.
What are the best grow lights?
Ideally any basic grow light will work since you are just starting them indoors and will transport outside. Single ones or 2-4ft ones depending on your shelf space. You need to worry about lighting when they become mature and to a flowering state. This is discussed elsewhere, such as the grow room I have. A PAR meter comes in handy to demonstrate how well your room is lighted and if it is sufficient to grow veggies / flowers.
My favorite lights (cheap) I have shelves - https://amzn.to/41hEpYp
What can I use to start seedlings in?
If you are on a budget, well.. normally egg cartons would be cheap.. but here we are trading eggs for our mortgage in 2025.
· Egg cartons
· Paper cups
· Plastic cups
· Plastic water bottles
· Paper plates with wet paper towel for some germination
How often do I need to water?
I use spray bottles with water, as soon as they feel dry I give them a misting
Alternatively, this year I am using a full blow irrigation system with plastic trays underneath to keep watered, you can do this too. More complex with a time, a pump... NOT budget friendly ;)
Do I need heat pads for seedlings?
We use them because our house is colder than it is supposed to be... not going to lie but we used a heated blanket on low setting one year... just make sure you hve one that turns off automatically :)!
What happens when I get a little mold on top of my soil?
· Purchase a small fan to keep air flow going
· If you have the mold already, scoop off top layer
· If it is a lot, spray it with a 3% hydrogen peroxide mix in a spray bottle. Spray the soil, not the plant!
What happens if my seedlings get "leggy" or stringy and tall? (see photo below with tomato seedlings)
If you catch early just move your grow light closer to seedling, they are literally reaching to the light
If it is too late, you will notice them stretching and almost breaking near the root, it is ok, now you know for next time to keep a closer eye on them.
Guess what, that is it! Let them harden on Mother’s Day and get yourself gardening on hopefully a beautiful Sunday morning this year!
P.S. Share some pictures of your seedlings!
~DIY With Chelsea
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