Seed to Harvest Made Easy

Nervous About Growing Edibles From Seed to Harvest?
Start Here.

If “seed to harvest” feels like a big leap, you’re not alone. The good news? You can start sowing right now, and with a few key tools (and the right steps), you’ll be set up for a strong, bountiful season.

This year, we’re diving into:

• Smart seed-to-harvest tips (made simple)

• New + innovative seed companies worth trying

• A century of growth worth celebrating

• And the magic of Pro-Mix soils like you’ve never seen them before

Ready?
Let’s get your indoor seed-starting setup dialed in.

Did You Know You Can Start Sowing NOW?

Yes, many veggies and herbs do best when they get a head start indoors. The key is using the right supplies, following the seed packet timing, and giving seedlings the environment they need to thrive.

Let’s break it down into three stages:

1) Seeding Tools (Your Setup)

Containers

You can start seeds in many types of containers, as long as they’re:

• At least 2–3 inches deep

• Have drainage holes (this is non-negotiable for healthy roots)

Soil

Choose a fresh, sterile seed-starting mix. This helps prevent common seedling problems (like damping-off) and gives your seeds a clean, lightweight environment to sprout.

Light

Seedlings need a lot of light to grow strong and sturdy. Without enough, they’ll stretch (get “leggy”) and become weak.

Tip: Grow lights are your best friend in early season, especially during darker months.

2) Seed Starting (The First 2 Weeks)

Seeds

Not all seeds should be started indoors. Before you plant, check your seed packet for:

• Whether it should be started inside

• How many weeks before transplanting

• Germination timing and temperature needs

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist (not soaking). A great beginner-friendly method is bottom watering, which:

• Hydrates roots without splashing leaves

• Helps reduce rot and fungus issues

• Encourages deeper root growth

Warmth

Warmth speeds up germination. To create the perfect microclimate:

• Cover trays with plastic wrap or a humidity dome

• Remove the cover as soon as seeds sprout and leaves appear to improve airflow

3) Seedling Growth (From Sprout to Garden-Ready)

Fertilize

Once seedlings have their second set of true leaves, they start needing nutrients beyond what’s in the seed-starting mix.

Use a gentle feed (the same type you’ll use in your summer garden), and start light, then increase as they grow.

Strengthen (Build Tough Seedlings)

Before moving outdoors, seedlings need a gradual transition, otherwise they can shock, stall, or burn in direct sun.

A tool like a garden analyzer can help you understand your conditions before transplanting.

Expose (Harden Them Off)

“Harden off” your seedlings by gradually introducing them to the outdoors over 1–10 days:

• Start with a short time outside in a protected spot

• Increase sun + wind exposure daily

• Bring them in if nights are too cold

Tip: For warm-season crops, wait until overnight temperatures are consistently mild (many gardeners aim for 10–15°C nights, depending on the plant).

You’ve Got This 🌱

Seed starting isn’t about perfection, it’s about setting up a simple system and letting consistency do the work.

With the right soil, light, and routine, you’ll go from nervous… to “Wait, I can totally do this.”