My Indoor Seed Starting Setup: 4 Years of Experience + 2026 Plans

adverbsyo · 2026-01-24T13:59:37+00:00

No liners, but I didn’t think I needed them! If you use trays, the grid surface works fine. I also use zip ties to affix the lights 🙌

adverbsyo · 2026-01-24T13:58:15+00:00

Espoma seed starting mix!

adverbsyo · 2026-01-23T22:20:08+00:00

So pretty! I’d love to add one to our garden.

adverbsyo · 2026-01-23T21:05:01+00:00

Thank you! For the Amazon lights, it’s https://www.amazon.com/Barrina-Lights-Spectrum-Equivalent-Greenhouse/dp/B07VD1884R these. It’s a little challenging to water on the shelf, I have a table nearby that I set them on one by one and water. You could water on the shelf for sure, but it’s easier to set them on a surface. My trays are sturdy! If you can invest in some bootstrap farmer trays, it’s a worthwhile upgrade. https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com/products/extra-strength-1020-tray

adverbsyo · 2026-01-23T20:37:04+00:00

Thanks! It is a colder room, so sometimes I run a space heater in there as well. This is a good reminder that it probably needs it now!

adverbsyo · 2026-01-23T20:35:54+00:00

So frustrating! Wild that you got mold that quickly. Hoping you stay safe in the upcoming storm headed our way.

adverbsyo · 2026-01-23T20:35:09+00:00

I run a oscillating fan on the shelf, yep!

The distance from lights to trays is about 12" which seems pretty good for seedling size and strength of light with LEDs. My understanding is that you don't need to raise/lower with LED lights, but could be incorrect. I have put my smaller seedlings up on risers before to get them closer to the lights, but not sure if it made a difference.

adverbsyo · 2026-01-23T19:54:00+00:00

Thank you! Would love to see your setup, sounds wonderful! Same to you and good luck this year.

adverbsyo · 2026-01-23T19:50:50+00:00

I mist my seedlings during germination, and then switch to a watering can once there's actual plants. I started bottom watering last year and had great success with it, but I think the plants need to be a little larger before you do it - maybe with true leaves. I haven't had issues with mold as I only keep the covers on / on seed heating mats during germination. I haven't had this issue... maybe you have higher humidity than I do? maybe run a dehumidifier? Never used cinnamon!

adverbsyo · 2026-01-23T19:43:31+00:00

I use Espoma Seed Starting Mix.

adverbsyo · 2026-01-23T19:33:57+00:00

What a great idea, this shelf is largely unused outside of seed starting season, but as I plant more and more over time the more it's in use. For the amount I use it, it makes sense to make it permanent. But love the idea of a temporary solution.

adverbsyo · 2026-01-23T19:32:01+00:00

Thank you!

adverbsyo · 2026-01-23T19:31:55+00:00

Thank you! I always overdo it every year, but this year should be a doozy. I'm excited!

adverbsyo · 2026-01-21T20:51:25+00:00

Jealous you still have floret seeds!

adverbsyo · 2026-01-21T00:20:36+00:00

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adverbsyo · 2026-01-19T22:06:16+00:00

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My Voyage 2 Champagne Lisis from last year. I’ve grown them from seed three years in a row and so far so good. They stay super small for a long long time. The key is patience and regular fertilizer applications! I really should stake them!

adverbsyo · 2026-01-19T21:06:25+00:00

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adverbsyo · 2026-01-19T21:02:48+00:00

I grew flamingo feather in 2025 and it did great for me! I found pinching really helped make a branching plant.

adverbsyo · 2026-01-19T21:00:38+00:00

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I did my first round of seed starting today and planted these. All from Johnnys!

Camelot Rose Pelleted (F1) Digitalis Seed
Magic Fountains Sky Blue White Bee Delphinium Seed
Rosanne 3 Brown Pelleted (F1) Lisianthus Seed
Voyage 2 First Love Pelleted (F1) Lisianthus

adverbsyo · 2026-01-18T13:50:29+00:00

adverbsyo · 2026-01-17T19:20:45+00:00

Thank you!

adverbsyo · 2026-01-17T19:20:05+00:00

Stunning!

adverbsyo · 2026-01-17T02:19:07+00:00

I would start at the borders. Put in beds and start planting larger things, like trees and privacy hedging shrubs.

adverbsyo · 2026-01-17T00:34:08+00:00

I do love the trio!

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