2. Anticipate some losses. Though it is good not to plant too much for your garden space, it’s also good to assume that some of your seeds will not germinate or that they will die off later. Plant a few extras, just in case.
3. Use a grow light to control light requirements. Most veggies need between 6 to 8 hours of direct sun (minimum), so it’s important to have a grow light if you are sowing your vegetable seeds indoors in late winter. A grow light will also keep your seedlings from getting too leggy.
4. Start with clean containers. Most seed catalogs offer seedling flats, peat pots, and other growing containers, but egg cartons make good containers for the earliest stages of seed starting, too. Be sure to poke holes in the sides near the bottom of the containers you use to allow excess water to drain. Keep in mind that you might need to transplant your seedlings into larger containers at some point before moving them into the garden.
6. Some seeds require soaking, scratching, or chilling before planting, as directed on the packet.
8. Rotate your seedlings. If you keep your seedlings next to a window, remember to rotate the containers every so often to keep the seedlings growing evenly. If you’re using a grow light, remember to raise it a few inches above the tallest seedling every couple of days.
