COLUMNISTs: KATRINA & CLAYTON
You don’t, however, need to rely solely on standard seed trays or expensive equipment. With a little effort you can create effective and budget friendly setups that make seed starting an enjoyable, creative process.
Here are three inexpensive ways to start seedlings indoors before spring.
Starting seeds doesn’t have to require fancy supplies, many everyday items can be transformed into perfect seed starting containers. Using repurposed materials is not only cost effective but also an environmentally friendly way to reduce waste.
Save your toilet paper inner tubes and stand them upright in a shallow tray, fill with soil, and plant your seeds. These can also be planted directly into the ground when the time comes.
Reuse yoghurt pots, margarine tubs or other small plastic containers. Poke drainage holes in the bottom, fill them with soil, and use clear plastic wrap or lids to retain humidity until the seeds germinate. They also make great bottom trays.
If you’re feeling extra creative, hollow out orange or lemon halves to use as seed starting pots. Once the seedlings are ready, the citrus peels can be planted directly into the soil, where they will break down and provide nutrients to the growing plants.
By repurposing materials from around your home, you can create unique and functional seed starting setups without spending a thing.
If you want to take your indoor seed starting game to the next level, consider creating a small scale indoor greenhouse. These setups provide a controlled environment that mimics the warmth and humidity needed for seeds to germinate and thrive.
Use a small shelving unit - a small wire or plastic shelf works well, or shoe shelf racks are the perfect size - add clear plastic sheeting or a clear bag, packaging material, or a clear shower curtain over it to keep in the heat. Arrange seed trays or pots on the shelves, ensuring each tray has enough space for air circulation and light exposure. Keep a shallow tray beneath each container to catch excess water.
Use tops of bottles to make little greenhouses to keep the warmer air in and regulate the temperature, especially on a windowsill when they can become cold.
Use old packaging or clear storage boxes which are ideal to stack up on the windowsill to create a perfect cold frame to grow in or even just wrap bubble wrap around.
We also add foil backdrops to keep any light coming in from the windowsills bouncing back onto the seedlings from all sides.
A DIY indoor greenhouse can dramatically improve germination rates and give your seedlings a strong start. Plus, it’s an exciting project that lets you experiment with growing conditions and techniques.
For a modern twist on seed starting, consider going soil free. Hydroponics and paper towel germination are innovative methods that require minimal space, eliminate messy soil, and often speed up the germination process.
This simple method is an excellent way to germinate seeds before transferring them to soil. It’s especially useful for seeds that require a warm, moist environment to sprout, and ideal if you want to grow microgreens in your home while you wait for those other greens to start growing outside.
Paper towels
Containers
Water
Moisten a paper towel with water (not soaking wet).
Place the seeds on one half of the towel and fold it over to cover them.
Slide the towel into a ziplock bag or place it in a container to retain moisture.
Store the bag in a warm spot. Check daily for signs of germination, and ensure the towel stays damp.
Once the seeds sprout, gently transfer them into soil or another growing medium. If growing microgreens, allow them to grow on in a dish on the paper towel, wetting often.
Paper towel germination allows you to observe the seedling process up close, making them great learning experiences for beginners and children.
Starting seedlings indoors before spring is the best way to kickstart your garden and enjoy the thrill of nurturing plants from the very beginning.
Whether you’re repurposing household items, building a DIY indoor greenhouse, or experimenting with soil-free methods, there are countless ways to get creative with seed starting.
By taking the time to give your plants a strong head start, you’ll not only extend your growing season but also set the stage for a thriving garden full of vibrant blooms and large harvests. So roll up your sleeves, gather your supplies, and let the seed sowing adventure begin!
Katrina and Clayton live with their family in East Ayrshire and share their daily life in the garden on Instagram, practicing permaculture principles in the garden, reducing and repurposing waste whenever they can.
Clayton is 16, autistic, non-verbal, and has been home-educated for the last 5 years. Home-educating in nature has helped Clayton thrive: he has completed the 'Grow and Learn' course with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society and is working on Level 2 'Nurture'.
You can hear directly from Katrina on home educating in nature and on permaculture principles on the Scotland Grows Show.
Katrina and Clayton featured on BBC 'Beechgrove' (Ep23 2022, and Ep17 2023), and are authors of the children’s series 'Clayton's Gardening Adventures: Stories of Autism and Gardening' available on Amazon.
You can keep up with Katrina and Clayton on Instagram, Facebook, and on their website.