With hopes that any significant snow fall is behind us and the longer days are here in Michigan, it’s hard to fight the urge to get hands into the dirt. With the ground still frozen or too cold for most crops, starting seedlings indoors is the perfect way to satisfy that urge to garden while waiting for the soil to warm up. In past years, I’ve planted my garden using all of my own seedlings, plants from a local greenhouse, or sometimes a combination of both, depending on what I had time to start. When I start my seedlings I always begin by pulling out whatever seeds I have left from the previous year, along with containers I saved from plants I purchased. There’s something grounding and satisfying about using what’s already on hand, giving those little remnants a chance to sprout new life while the garden itself patiently waits for its time.
Starting seeds has become one of my favorite spring rituals—it’s simple and satisfying. I fill each container with fresh, damp seed-starting mix, and drop seeds into every spot, making sure no container gets left behind. I then give a gentle watering, place near a sunny window and let the magic begin! Popsicle sticks can serve as practical labels—indicating the variety and date to make it easy to track what is growing. I will do one more round of seedling starters in a week to ensure I have enough plants for the garden if some seedlings don’t take and will give any extras to neighbors and friends. Starting your own seedlings is most rewarding when you look out at your thriving garden a short time from now.
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