NEW VIDEOS: Seed starting inspiration from our systems at home

Seed trays of peppers and tomatoes.
Photo: Julie Weisenhorn, UMN Extension

Spring is in the air, and it's time to start your seeds! Many of us are starting to feel restless at home, and seed starting is a great way to get your hands dirty and feel connected to nature. (For those of you who are not stuck at home - healthcare workers, farmers, grocery store employees - thank you so much for your service!)

To give you some inspiration, this video series shows three different seed starting systems at the homes of Extension educators. These systems highlight different options for starting seeds - from lighted, heated systems to sunny windows, and materials ranging from specially created seed starting pots to objects found around the home. 

Your access to materials is likely limited during the COVID-19 closings, so don't be afraid to get creative!

A few things to keep in mind:

1. If you have a really great seed starting system, consider growing extra for your neighbors. It's a great way to show some kindness to those around you, and also a great way to build friendships and connections in your neighborhood. 

2. It's okay if it doesn't work. Be gentle with yourself, and see this as an opportunity to try something new. If your seedlings die, you can always try again. Similarly, many farmers are starting extra transplants this year and finding creative ways to get them to gardeners. You'll likely be able to find transplants at your local farmers market this summer, and some farms are starting to explore online orders with curbside pickup. Or, maybe you'll have a kind neighbor with seedlings to share. 

3. The more heat and light, the better. If you have heating pads and supplemental lighting, great! If not, try to find the sunniest and warmest spot possible. Seeds planted in warm, humid, and sunny places are more likely to germinate, and are less likely to get diseases like damping off. 

And now, the videos!

Take a look at Extension Educator Annie Klodd's seed starting system:

Extension Educator Natalie Hoidal's seed starting system:

Extension Educator Julie Weisenhorn's seed starting system:

Additional resources

UMN Extension guide to starting seeds indoors

Author: Natalie Hoidal, Extension Educator, Local Foods and Vegetable Production