7 Seed Starter Kits That’ll Take Your Plants From Zero To Hero

Once you’ve got your seed starting kit sorted, these pro tips can help you use it more effectively:

Read your seed packet: Jefferson says it’s essential not to skip this initial step, since the seed’s instructions will tell you “how many seeds to plant, how far apart to plant each seed, how deep, and when to plant your seeds,” she tells mbg. “There is typically a plethora of information on your seed packet that will help you avoid tons of seed starting mistakes.”

Label everything: This is another simple step that really shouldn’t be skipped: “Not completing this task can cause a lot of issues, for obvious reasons,” says Jefferson. “I like to use wooden popsicle sticks to mark my seedlings.”

Don’t overwater: Once they’re in soil, you’ll want to water your seeds consistently to promote growth but also be careful not to overwater. “This will help you avoid the occurrence of diseases, root damage, and stunted growth,” says Thomas. Master gardener and author of Gardening Hacks Jon VanZile adds that those who are using peat soil should use an extra light touch, as this material can hold a lot of water. He recommends always watering from the bottom instead of the top to further avoid overwatering.

Use nutrient-rich potting soil: Starting your plants in the right soil is key: If your kit doesn’t come with pellets, use an organic seed starting mix. Once you start to see small leaves, Thomas says you’ll also want to give your seedlings a low dose of balanced fertilizer (equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).

Adjust for temperature and humidity: Once you see that first bit of sprouting, Kostovick says you’ll also want to remove or adjust your kit’s cover to reduce the humidity. “Also, just as some seeds need warmth to germinate, others need cold before they’ll sprout,” she adds, giving poppies, oregano, catmint leeks, and many wildflowers as examples. “It’s best to not use a heating mat when starting those specific seeds.”