Start small.
Start from seed.
From packet timing to seedlings ready for the next stage.
Start here
Plan your start
Use the crop instructions and a locally suitable planting date.
When should I start seeds indoors?Make room to grow
Choose a manageable setup, and check light as seedlings develop.
Why are my seedlings tall and thin?Prepare for the next stage
Learn when to pot on and how to make the move outdoors gradually.
When do seedlings need a bigger pot?
Choose a path for your conditions
Common tasks & questions
Go deeper with your plants
Container growing
How do I start growing herbs in pots?
Choose a herb for your space and care routine.
Read guideContainer growingCan I grow salad leaves in a container?
Start with baby or cut-and-come-again salads.
Read guideExternal sourceOther seed-grown plants
Crop instructions in the Minnesota seed-starting guide.
Read source guidanceCheck the individual plant and your local conditions. RHS guidance is written for the UK; Minnesota dates are regional too.
Tools & supplies
Sources behind this page
- RHS: How to sow seeds indoorsUnited Kingdom. Use crop-specific packet instructions and local planting dates.Source checked 7 October 2026
- University of Minnesota Extension: Starting seeds indoorsMinnesota, United States. Indoor seed starting. Regional calendar dates are not universal.Source checked 7 October 2026
We summarise published guidance. We have not independently tested these methods or the products discussed.