How to Start a Garden from Seed: 10 Easy Tips for Beginners

There’s something special about starting a garden from seeds. You’re literally starting plants from day one and it’s so rewarding when they grow into a full plant that continuously produces fruits and vegetables that you get to enjoy! It’s not always easy though, so we’re here to give our best advice so you can grow the garden of your dreams. We’ll show you how to start a garden from seed with these 10 easy tips for beginners.

10 Tips on How to Start a Garden From Seed

Find out what zone you’re in

Have you heard of the USDA Hardiness Zones? The zones, numbered 1 to 13, divide North America into areas based on their average annual minimum winter temperature. 

Look up your zone here: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

The zones help determine what plants will grow best in each area. Once you know your zone, you can look up all kinds of info online about planting in your location. You can also join Facebook groups for your zone, where you can get advice and share experiences.

Choose your seeds

Once you look up what plants will thrive in your zone, make a list of those plants you’d be interested in growing. You can then go pick up a bunch of seed packets at the store or you can order a bundle from Amazon! I recently did this, and now I have all kinds of seeds I can try throughout the year. It was also less expensive than buying the packets individually at the store.

Carefully store your packets

You probably won’t use all of the seeds in each packet, so you’ll have to find a good method to store them. It’s also smart to keep them because they have important planting instructions on them. You’ll find directions on when to plant, how to plant, and what kind of light and water they’ll need. You should store the packets in a cool, dry place, ideally in an airtight container. You don’t want moisture or pests getting to them. The seeds can even be stored in the freezer! Another great storage solution is making a binder with clear sleeves you can put them into. 

Check this out: How to Organize Garden Supplies

Get a seed starter tray

This is a super easy way to start seeds. You can buy a pack of them on Amazon and they come with everything you need for starting seeds, minus the seeds and the soil. These starter kits typically include trays with cells to plant your seeds in, adjustable humidity domes, and some labels. 

Use seed-starting mix

It is recommended to use seed-starting mix to germinate your seeds, especially small, delicate seeds. It’s more lightweight, doesn’t compact, and allows for healthy root development. With that being said, I’ve had success growing seeds in regular potting soil and also plain soil from my backyard. So is it necessary? Not exactly, but it might increase the chances of your seeds growing successfully.

Label what you’ve planted

Whether you plant the seeds in the ground or start them in a tray, you’ll want to label what you’ve planted. You can do this with garden labels or you can make a plant map. I created my own plant map that shows me what I’ve planted in each spot. I’ve provided the map along with a seed tracker for you. This map was designed to go along with the trays linked above.

Sign up below to get a free copy of this plant map along with a seed starting tracker!

Don’t overwater

It’s important to keep the soil moist, but you don’t want to drown the seeds. Too much water can lead to root rot or fungal growth. You can use a spray bottle or mister to wet the soil. The humidity dome that comes with the starter trays will help keep the soil moist as well. 

Provide enough light

Once the seeds sprout, they’ll need a lot of light, ideally 14-16 hours per day. You can accomplish this with grow lights, putting the seedlings next to a window, or putting them in a covered patio area. 

Transplant carefully

Once the seedlings get bigger, you’ll want to expose them to sun and wind for a few hours a day to harden them off and get them ready for transplanting. This will prevent shock when you move the seedlings into their new home. 

Have fun with it

Make the process fun and relaxing. Don’t stress over it if it’s not working out so great. You may not be successful the first time around, so just try again with new seeds and see what works best for your environment. There’s a lot of trial and error when it comes to gardening. Don’t give up, you’ll find your own way and you’ll soon start to love it!

Overview

10 Tips on How to Start a Garden from Seed

1. Find out what zone you’re in
2. Choose your seeds
3. Carefully store your packets
4. Get a seed starter tray
5. Use seed-starting mix
6. Label what you’ve planted
7. Don’t overwater
8. Provide enough light
9. Transplant carefully
10. Have fun with it

Final thoughts

Starting a garden from seed is a process, but offers a deeply satisfying, budget-friendly way to fill your garden with fresh produce. As a beginner, it isn’t always obvious what you should do, so we hope our tips for how to start a garden from seed were helpful for you. With patience, sunshine, and some care, you’ll be harvesting in no time!