1 ) The Usual Basics
I.e. Water and Light. Direct sunlight is ideal, but strong fluorescent lights or plant lights would also work. If you're growing using sunlight, make sure to turn the seedlings and final plant container every few days to prevent the plants from reaching too much in one direction.

2) Potting Mix
Grow your seedlings using an organic seed starting mix, or an all-purpose vegetable potting mix. We recommend a mix from Coast of Maine, which can be purchased online or at most gardening stores. Coast of Maine uses locally-sourced marine residues to make compost-based products that are great for starting plants. Here's a good seed starting mix, and an all-purpose vegetable potting mix. Also, if you're up for a challenge, you can try and make your own potting mix!

3) Plastic Bags or Covers
These are ideal for trapping warmth and humidity, which the seedlings need to thrive. Plastic wrap works well, or do it like the pros and get a humidity dome. 

4) Containers
You can use seedling flats, or you can re-use containers, like egg cartons or empty yogurt containers. If you're deciding to re-use a container, make sure to wash the container with soap and water first. Note: Parsley, cilantro, and basil should be planted directly into the final pot.

Loosen and dampen the potting mix before putting it into the seedling container of your choice. This will give it a uniform texture, which will give the seeds a great start! The potting mix's consistency should be damp, but not wet, with no dry lumps. 

From there, fill your container with the pre-dampened potting mix. Don't pack the potting mix down; instead, fill each section 2/3 of the way, and then lightly tap the bottom of the seedling container against a hard surface to settle the mix down. Then, gently firm the mix using your fingers.

Tip for parsley and cilantro: since you will be planting the seeds directly into their final container, you can add a bit of sand to your potting mixture (a rough ratio of 1:3 sand-to-soil) to allow water to move more freely through the soil. However, if you don't have access to sand, you can skip this step: It's a nice-to-have, but not a need-to-have!

Step 3: Get your seeds out and get started!

We recommend seeds from Johnny's Seeds! Try starting with parsley, basil, cilantro, lettuce, mint, and kale–they're hearty plants that can thrive indoors or outdoors.