It seems like starting seeds should be easy: throw some seeds in the ground, park them by a window, and wait for your new green friends to join the party, right? Unfortunately, that’s not the case. It’s certainly doable, but it does require a little bit of preparation to be successful. There are a lot of reasons to really consider whether you’re ready to get started with seeds, but if you do decide you’re ready, you’ll need the right equipment to make sure you have enough warmth, moisture, light, and space.
How to Build a Seed Starting Station – GROW LIGHTS! || Black Gumbo
There are many ways to grow seeds, and if you have a method that works for you, please don’t let me stop you from continuing with it. But I have used a method that doesn’t take a lot of time or physical labor, with little waste, and a high success rate. My methods have been compiled by many great gardeners that I have had the privilege of learning from over the years, and now I am happy to pass that knowledge on to you.
To start, plan out your shelves. You’ll likely be growing your seeds in what are known as “1020” trays (more on these below), which are a standardized size of 10 inches by 20 inches. The key here is to plan out shelves that are the correct depth and width to accommodate those trays. Whether you buy commercial shelves or build your own, a shelf depth of at least 11 inches means you can only place the trays lengthwise, and a depth of at least 21 inches means you can place the trays side by side in the short length.
Boards that serve as seed starting stations:
