SEED STARTING SUPPLIES

I started my seed starting ~journey~ with a basic kit from my local hardware store. Included was a larger tray to be used as a saucer, a humidity dome, and a grow light. The only additional supplies I bought were seed starting soil (which is different from regular indoor potting mix) and little 6-cell trays where I actually plant the seeds. I reuse these year after year and have had no issues with them. 

This was a great place to start and I still use all of these supplies today. My only frustration with the beginner kits is that the only way to hold up your light is by using the humidity dome. There is a divot in the dome where the light lays nicely, however humidity domes are only supposed to be used until the seeds germinate (so probably on average ~7-14 days) but then what was I supposed to do for the rest of the 8+ weeks I needed to provide light for these plants? Also, you’re supposed to raise the lights as the plants grow and the dome is at one set height. 

Penelope showing off the humidity dome

My initial solution was to have the lights supported by books and just added new books every few weeks as the plants grew taller. While this technically did work, it was wobbly and probably dangerous and I wouldn’t recommend it. So, for 2021 I came up with three better solutions:

1. I got an additional humidity dome and cut a bunch of holes in it so it allowed for airflow. This fixed my humidity problem but not my light height problem.

2. I bought new grow lights that have flexible arms that allow you to raise and lower the lights as needed. It clips on to the side of the table and is very easy to use. Amazon has a ton of choices but these are the ones I have.

3. I’m lucky enough to have a stepdad who is a carpenter that is always looking for a way to use up scraps of wood. I asked him to make me 8” and 12” high stands that would hold the lights. It’s perfect and free. 

The other recent “investments” I made in my seed starting journey were plant labels and a pump sprayer (similar to this one). The labels are easy to write on and the pen is waterproof so I can take these labels and put them outside once I’m ready to transplant. The pump sprayer is just to save my fingers some work. Basically you just pump the spray bottle and it gives you a continuous spray of water instead of having to squeeze it a million times. Standard spray bottles work perfectly fine but I found mine for fairly cheap at Lowes. 

And that’s it! There’s not too much you need for successful seed starting. I store everything in my garage when it’s not in use and have it all set up in my spare bedroom during the winter and spring.