The 7 Easiest Seeds To Start Indoors
A lush, vibrant garden doesn't have to start outside. If you're trying to wait out winter, want to see sprouts before you commit, or want to start on a smaller scale, then starting your seeds indoors is a wonderful way to begin. It’s also much simpler than the seed packets make it sound. You won’t need expensive equipment or a degree in botany, just a little space and the right seeds to build your confidence.
Basil
You'll love how quickly basil rewards you. It’s widely considered one of the most gratifying herbs to grow from seed because it germinates in a matter of days, you just need to keep the soil warm and moist. Don't bury the seeds too deep since they’re tiny. Once they pop up, they’re fairly sturdy. It’s also a great choice because you can pinch off leaves to eat while the plant is still growing indoors.
Marigolds
These are fantastic for beginners because the seeds are large enough to handle easily. You won't need to squint or use tweezers to place them in the dirt. Marigolds are incredibly tough plants that can handle a few mistakes with watering. They sprout quickly and grow into sturdy little seedlings that don't get leggy as fast as other flowers. You’ll appreciate having these reliable flowers ready to transplant when the weather finally warms up.
Zinnias
Zinnias are eager to grow. Like marigolds, they aren't fussy about soil conditions and they germinate very fast. You'll often see green shoots within a week, but they’re forgiving if you forget to water them for a day. The seedlings grow rapidly, so it’s best not to start them too early in the winter or they’ll outgrow their pots. If you want a cut flower garden later in the year, this is absolutely the best place to start.
Cherry Tomatoes
Everyone loves home-grown tomatoes, and starting them indoors is the best way to ensure a big harvest, with cherry tomato varieties being particularly vigorous. They're aggressive growers that need a bright light source to stay happy, but they aren't complicated past that. Watching a tomato plant unfold its true leaves is a rite of passage for gardeners. Just make sure you’ve got a big enough pot ready for when they get huge.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtium seeds are very big and easy to plant, which makes the process much less stressful. Nasturtiums are also unique because the whole plant is edible. They dislike being transplanted if their roots are disturbed, so it’s wise to start them in biodegradable pots that go straight into the ground later. They sprout with a distinct, round leaf that looks like a miniature lily pad, which is a fun shape to watch develop!
Kale
Greens are generally easy to grow, but kale is the toughest of the bunch. It doesn't mind cool indoor temperatures and it isn't as fragile as lettuce. You can start kale quite early because it can handle a little frost when you move it outside. The seeds are small spheres, but they have a high germination rate. You'll likely get a sprout from almost every seed you plant, so it’s a practical, high-yield crop for any garden.
Cosmos
If you want height in your garden, cosmos are the answer. These seeds look like little pine needles and they don't need to be buried deep in the soil. In fact, just barely covering them is enough. They're known for surviving in poor soil, so they won’t complain if your potting mix isn't premium. They grow tall and lanky very fast, so give them good light, but beyond that they're hard to fail.
Gardening should be a joy, not a chore. Starting small and waiting to see results is a good way to kickstart your motivation for larger-scale gardening. It's okay if a few seedlings don't make it. That’s just part of the process. By choosing these more forgiving varieties, you’re still setting yourself up for a win, and you’ll learn a lot just by watching them grow on your windowsill.