- 1). Examine the back of the seed packages and look for the days until maturity number, which varies. Decide when you want to harvest the fruit or vegetables, or see flower blooms, and count backward that number of days. The date you arrive at is the date you should plant the seeds indoors.
- 2). Fill a sink or tub with a mixture of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water. Place a seed tray into the bleach mixture, and allow it to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the tray, and allow it to air-dry. This sterilizes the tray and kills any bacteria or fungus that could affect the seeds.
- 3). Fill each compartment of the seed tray 3/4 full with a sterilized potting soil that is formulated for starting seeds.
- 4). Using your finger, create a 1/4-inch deep hole in the center of each compartment in the seed tray.
- 5). Drop one seed into each hole, and fill in the hole completely with soil. Cover the seed tray with a piece of plastic wrap to hold in moisture.
- 6). Water the seed tray until the soil is completely wet and water runs out the drainage holes on the bottom of the tray. If the seed tray came with a bottom tray, set the seeds into the bottom tray to catch the water runoff. Otherwise, place paper towels under the tray.
- 7). Place the seed tray on a seed warming mat, and plug the mat into an electrical outlet. Adjust the temperature to approximately 80 degrees, and keep the tray warm until the seeds sprout. When you see sprouts, remove the plastic wrap from the tray and discard it.
- 8). Wait until the seedlings reach 1/2 inch tall, then move the seed tray to a sunny indoor location near a window. Water the seeds daily, and do not allow the top of the soil to dry out. If additional light is needed, purchase T12 or T8 fluorescent lights at the hardware store, and position them 3 to 4 inches above the seed tray.
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