In this case, a southern or western window is not that great of a source. You’ll get bright light but not the kind that vegetables require. They prefer full sun, and that’s tough to match indoors.
You can purchase grow light kits for indoor seed-starting, or you can make your own. There are lots of sites on the internet that have instructions on how-to build a simple light kit.
I use two-by-fours, 2-feet or 4-feet shop lights and chains to attach the lights to the wood structure. The key is to make sure that the light source is no more than a few inches above the top of the plant. The chains allow you to move the light source up as the plants grow.
You can get by with growing in the brightest window possible. The problem is that the plants begin to stretch toward the light and get a little leggy. Turn the plants as much as possible as they reach toward the light.
Growing tomatoes in the window is simpler because if they are leggy, you can plant them deeper to strengthen up the stem.
The next key to success is the soil mix. When starting seeds, a good lightweight mix recommended for starting seeds is best. It has drainage and air space for root development.
The container is also important. You can purchase seed-starting kits that have the flats and inserts for the individual plants. In addition, they have a plastic lid that creates the greenhouse effect (warmth and humidity).
You can also create your own system by using plastic take-out trays with a clear plastic lid. Poke holes in the bottom for drainage.
If you don’t have the plastic lids, a piece of plastic wrap placed over the seed tray works as well.
You don’t have to fertilize the seeds or the newly emerging seedlings. Begin to fertilize when the plants develop their first leaves.
If you purchase a potting mix that includes fertilizer in it, don’t fertilize until the label recommends it.
Watering is also quite important. Do not overwater! Overwatering can lead to root rot. The easiest way to water is to use a mister bottle until the soil surface is damp.
When it’s time to plant outside, harden the seedlings (prepare them for full sun and wind) by putting them in the full sun for a few hours a day.
Pam Corle-Bennett is an Ohio State University Extension
horticulture educator and the state Master Gardener volunteer coordinator.
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