Are you looking to start your own garden this season and want to learn how to construct an indoor seed starting setup? In this list, we will go over some of the essentials you will need to help you start your seedlings indoors. Fortunately, making a complete setup doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive! By gathering these materials, you will have a professional setup that will allow you to grow thriving plants in a convenient space!
Table of Contents:
Purchase Soil and Seeds
If you’re looking to begin your own garden at home, the first step is to choose what types of seeds you are going to want to grow. You can find a wide range of seed options online or at home improvement stores. Once you have your seeds of choice, it’s important to choose the right soil to fill your seed starting cells. Different plants will have differing requirements of soil types, so be sure to choose one that fits your plant’s needs.
Wire Shelf
When it comes to creating an indoor seed starting setup, a sturdy shelf is a must have item. Especially if you are going to want to start multiple trays of seedlings. An adjustable wire shelf is a versatile and very affordable option that we recommend. You will be able to easily attach your grow lights to the wires using hooks or zip ties, which will allow you to create a customized setup for your specific plants. Plus, with an adjustable wire shelf you will have the option to choose how many shelves you need, as well as being able to choose the spacing of the shelves. This allows you to make sure your lights are the appropriate distance from your plants as they grow.
However, if you prefer a more traditional look, a wooden shelf will work as well. Attaching your grow lights to wood will be less convenient and require more work. Whichever type of shelf that you choose, make sure that it is stable and can handle the weight of your plants. Once you have this necessary item, you will be well on your way to creating an amazing setup!
Grow Lights
Purchasing good grow lights is an essential part of your setup, after all this is what makes your seeds grow and thrive. For the average seed starter, we recommend Barrina Grow Lights, which are available on Amazon for an affordable price. These lights come with a variety of materials to attach them to various kinds of shelving. You need to be sure that the length of your lights match the size of the shelves you have.
We Recommend: Barrina Grow Lights
When choosing a grow light, it’s important to look at certain specs. CCT describes the color temperature, such as the level of yellow (warm) or blue (cool) of the grow light. Sunlight has a CCT of 6500K, so you will want to aim to get as close to 6500K when selecting a grow light to buy. Many grow lights will list this spec in their description. CRI will tell you how the grow light compares to visible sunlight. You will want to aim for a CRI of a least 85 but the closer to 100 you get the better.
Read more information on choosing grow lights!
Plant Trays and Seed Starting Cells
For your indoor seed starting setup, you are going to want to purchase containers or seed starting cells for your plants to begin to grow in. We recommend purchasing large or extra-large seed starting cells, which can be placed in a 1020 plant tray. This tray will catch any excess water and keep your seeds contained in an organized way that is convenient for transporting as well. Fortunately, the trays and the cells are typically very inexpensive and easy to find.
You may opt for placing a dome over your plant tray, but it is not a necessity. It can aid in the initial germination and growth by keeping heat and water inside, similarly to a greenhouse. Once you have your cells, fill them with moist soil and sow your seeds of choice into the soil according to the packet instructions. Place your cells into the tray and place them under the grow lights to begin their growing journey!
Heating Mat
A heating mat is not strictly necessary for starting seeds indoors, though it can be a useful addition to your setup. A heating mat can speed up your seed germination time and assist your initial plant growth. It can also be helpful in colder environments if the surrounding temperature isn’t quite room temperature or above. Most seedling do like warm soil temperature, so make sure the room you choose to grow them in isn’t too cold.
It’s important to note that some types of seeds require warmer soil temperatures to germinate and grow properly. Always read about the species of plant you are growing and their individual needs.
Example of an Indoor Seed Starting Setup
