Some plants are better started from seed indoors to establish better root systems. Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Cucumber, Eggplant, Lettuce, Onion, Pepper, Summer Squash, Tomato, Watermelon or Winter Squash.

Several container choices are available for starting vegetable plants from seed. Commercially sold containers are readily available and include flats, trays, cell packs, or flowers pots in a variety of inorganic or organic materials including peat, plastic, or paper. The most biodegradable containers available on the market today are consequently the easiest to use. They are made of vegetable based materials such as peat, moss or other vegetation that can be planted directly in the garden. Peat and clay containers tend to dry more quickly than plastic containers because they are very porous.

Any recycled containers or household items such as baking trays, paper cups, or egg cartons are also adequate for seed starting provided they are disinfected, have good drainage and are at least 2 inches deep.

Keep soil moist but not wet. Small, tender seedlings dry out very quickly and can die if not attended to regularly. Remember that roots always must have oxygen, as well as water. Water only when the surface of the soil begins to dry out. Improper watering can be a cause of seedling failure.

Bottom watering helps prevent damage, encourages deep root development and ensures the entire depth of soil receives moisture. Only allow the container to sit in water longer than it takes for all of the soil to become moist.

Seedlings require bright light immediately after germination. One warm-white, 40-watt bulb and one cool-white, 40-watt bulb used together are adequate for seed starting and seedling growth. Fluorescent lights can be used for one year before replacement is recommended. Special grow lights can be used,however, they are more also expensive.

The lights should be no more than 6" above the top of the seedlings. Requirements vary with different plants however, most plants that are started from seed benefit from 12-18 hours of light per day.

Keep seedlings in a cool, well ventilated, location. To encourage compact, bushy, vigorous growth while minimizing disease, the temperatures should be 55 - 60° F at night and 65 - 70° F during the day.

Seeds grown in flats must be transplanted into individual containers before planting outdoors. After the initial set of seed leaves or cotyledons that will wither, a new set of leaves that look like the plants typical leaves will appear. These leaves are called their "true leaves" and you will need to transplant them to their own individual containers when they appear.

Prepare the individual containers with growing medium and make small holes deep enough for the roots. Gently lift and seperate the healthiest looking plants form the seed bed using a narrow tool or utensil. Place the roots into the hole as quickly as possible and press the soil firmly, but gently, around the roots. Water thoroughly and allow to drain properly.

Tip: Sowing into cell packs bypasses the need to transplant the seedlings.

Most seeds should be sown 4 to 12 weeks prior to transplanting into the garden, but the time it takes for seedlings to be ready for transplanting outdoors will vary. Readiness for outdoor planting will vary with how quickly germination occurs, the growth rate and weather conditions. Quality and quantity of light, temperature and nutrients affect the growth rate. However, seedlings that are held indoors too long perform poorly once transplanted into the garden. Seed catalogs and packets provide information on days to germination and weeks needed to reach transplant size. Plants grown indoors must be gradually introduced to outdoor conditions. If seedlings are not hardened off, leaves may be burned by the intensity of the sun or damaged by wind.