My First Indoor Seed Starting Experience

As a novice gardener, my journey into the world of seed starting was nothing short of an adventure. My setup was modest - a mini table by the window, armed with nothing but paper pots and enthusiasm. I kicked off my season in the middle of July, naively choosing celery seeds as part of my debut. Little did I know, celery and July were not the best matches. Needless to say, I didn’t get to harvest any celery that year.

My first year was riddled with failures, yet it was rich with invaluable lessons. My approach was uniformed and impulsive. I had watched my mother, a seasoned gardener, work her magic on a tiny plot of land, yielding a lush garden year after year. I thought, “How hard could it be? Just put some seeds in dirt, right?” Looking back, I can’t help but chuckle at my naive assumption.

However, every misstep was a learning opportunity. That year, I discovered how quickly squash seeds germinate. I also observed the way seedlings stretch towards sunlight when they crave more. My inexperience showed when I planted my seedlings outside without acclimating them to the harsh summer sun and providing insufficient water. My decision to plant five squash plants side by side also taught me a tough lesson on the importance of spacing. And then, there were the squash bugs……

Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be sharing more of my journey and knowledge in my upcoming seed starting series. We’ll dive into indoor growing, the use of grow lights, and so much more. Stay tuned for tips, tricks, and the wisdom gained from a journey that started with a simple seed and a dream.