Successfully Starting Seeds Indoors

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Last year I successfully started my tomatoes, peppers and more inside! Granted, I started them way earlier then I should have, but I don’t regret having 3 foot tall tomato plants at the start of the planting season! Starting seeds indoors is a HUGE step up from my old methods of purchasing whatever plants I could find in stock or even winter sewing. I believe all methods are great ideas so long as they work for you and you get a garden going.

My scrambling in planning always starts with something like this:

After my initial excitement of coming across a display like this, I start my garden planning. My basic planning has stayed the same. I make notes each year in my garden journal to help remind me what worked and what didn't work. I still have my same setup for starting seeds indoors again this year, but I have added some new pots for starting as well as adopted two new thoughts on starting seeds inside.

My new containers are a bit smaller so I can squeeze in more plants. Woowho! I was considering adding a zillion more tomatoes, because if you’ve been around my blog long you should know my love for tomato variety. Instead I refrained, stuck with the basics and moved some herbs and other warm loving plants inside.

My two new innovative ideas is to NOT fill the container with soil to the top. As the seedlings grow, I am filling in soil. This has helped to reduce my shallow root issues with most of my plants. My seedlings are stronger! My other idea is to start my companion planting inside as seedlings. This mostly pertains to my tomatoes. I have planted an herb called Borage next to each of my seedling tomatoes. When they move outside, they will stay together.
So I started out with the above photo. Moved on to this:

And quickly this:

Now I’ve thinned out my plants and they are between 2 – 5 inches tall depending on the plant. I’ll have to get on updated pictures. I’m having a hard time getting my Orange Peppers started any growing though. Very frustrated with them actually. Not sure why they are fighting me so much.

My cold frame is also spilling over with plants!

So have you started plants inside early before?
Have any awesome tips to pass on?
 
This post is linked up to the Tuesday Garden Party over at An Oregon Cottage. Head on over there to check out more awesome gardener's, tips and ideas.

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