Before starting to plant your seeds indoors, it’s best to assemble all the items you’ll need for the task. In this video, Barbara shows you what those items are. Scroll down beneath the video for Barbara’s summary.

Here’s what I use to start my plants inside:

1. 3 or 4” plastic pots – filled with soilless mix to start seeds, cuttings and transplants that are too large for 4-pack cell packs.
2. Cell packs – 4-packs are better than 6-packs – more room for the roots. Cell packs are used to start seeds and for transplanting seedlings.3. Solid Plastic trays – used with cell packs, 4” pots along with propagating dome (or without for larger plants).

4. Propagating Dome – used with plastic trays to retain moisture when starting seeds and growth of small plants.

5. Soilless Mix – there are many different mixes available. A general mix without fertilizer with a combination of peat, vermiculite and perlite is just perfect.
6. Ziploc® Bags (large) – can be used in place of propagating dome for single and double pots. Handy for perennials – keeps new seedlings out of squirrels’ little digging paws.
7. Florescent lights – any regular cool florescent light will do. They should be suspended over a flat service and be able to be raised or lowered depending on the height of the plants, 2-4” away from the leaves.
8. Fertilizer – your choice here. I use an organic for my vegetables and Miracle Grow® (15-30-15) for my flowers.

9. Plant tags & waterproof pen – must stand up to water. Plastic tags work better than wooden tags.

10. Scissors – it’s safer to open the seed packages with scissors rather than rip the packages open. One quick rip and the contents can end up flying across the floor. Best to cut the package open carefully.
11. Watering can – I like a small plastic watering can. I like how I can control the water flow over and around small plants and seedlings.

With these items – many that can be used for many years to come – you will be able to start plants inside and join us on your plant growing journey.

P.S. from Helen: One thing we didn’t talk about was the Tidy Tray. That’s the green tray Barbara uses to fill the pots with soilless mix, plant the seeds themselves and even mix the soilless mix with water. It’s a great all purpose tool that keeps everything tidy as you work. You can buy it online using this link: