When to Start Seeds in Minnesota
In Minnesota, seed starting can begin as early as mid-February and continue through mid-April, depending entirely on what you’re planting. Slow-growing plants like peppers, onions, and some flowers benefit from an earlier start, while faster growers like cucumbers and squash can wait. One of the best resources for timing is the University of Minnesota Extension, which offers a detailed, crop-by-crop guide on when to start seeds indoors. Bookmark it—you’ll use it every year.
Seed Starting Basics: What You’ll Need
If you’re new to seed starting, don’t worry. You don’t need anything fancy—just the right essentials:
- Sterile containers: Peat pots or peat pellets are favorites for a reason—they’re clean, easy, and beginner-friendly.
- A tray: Most seed-starting systems include one. The key is keeping containers off direct contact with the heat mat.
- Soil-less seed starting mix: Look for light, fluffy blends like Dr. Earth, Espoma, or Black Gold.
- Light: Fluorescent or LED grow lights are a must.
- Heat mat: Available in multiple sizes—choose one that fits your space.
- Fan: Small but mighty when it comes to strong seedlings.
- Your favorite seeds
- Vermiculite: For lightly covering seeds and retaining moisture.
- Labels: Trust us—everything looks the same once it sprouts.
Light: The Ultimate Game Changer
Supplemental light is non-negotiable for indoor seed starting in winter. Natural daylight simply isn’t strong or long enough.
- Hang lights using chains so they’re adjustable as plants grow.
- Keep lights 2–4 inches above the tops of seedlings.
- Provide 12–16 hours of light per day.
- Turn the lights off at night—plants need a dark period too. (Amen, we all need rest!)
Leggy, floppy seedlings? That’s almost always a lighting issue.
Heat Mats & Healthy Germination
Heat mats serve a dual purpose:
- They speed up germination, especially for warm-season crops.
- Bottom heat helps prevent damping off, a dreaded fungal disease that can take out seedlings overnight.
- Once most seeds have sprouted, you can remove the heat mat to prevent seedlings from growing too quickly.
Don’t Skip the Fan
When your sprouts graduate to seedlings, introduce a fan. A gentle breeze blowing across them for about an hour a day strengthens stems and prepares plants for outdoor conditions.
Additional Pro Tips for Success
- Always plant seeds according to the directions on the packet—depth matters more than you might think.
- Label everything immediately. Memory is unreliable once green leaves appear.
- Water from the bottom whenever possible to encourage strong root growth.
- Thin seedlings if multiple seeds sprout in one cell—crowding leads to weak plants.
- Fertilize lightly once true leaves appear, using a diluted liquid fertilizer.
- Harden off plants before transplanting outdoors by gradually introducing them to wind, sun, and cooler temps.
Choosing Seeds (aka The Hardest Part!)
Let’s be honest—this is where things get dangerous. There are so many choices. The most important rule? Read the seed packet. The back of that tiny envelope is packed with information on:
- Germination time
- Light requirements
- Days to maturity
- Transplanting tips
Everything You Need, All in One Place
Spikes & Houles has everything you need to successfully start seeds indoors—from quality seed-starting mixes and grow lights to heat mats, containers, labels, and (of course) seeds. Whether you’re starting a few herbs on a windowsill or planning a full-on seed-starting setup, our team is always happy to help you choose the right supplies for your space and your garden goals. Plant the seeds, experience the sprouts, and enjoy that first little taste of spring—even while winter lingers.
Stop by to stock up on seed-starting essentials, explore our wide selection of seeds, and get expert advice to set your garden up for success this season.
Happy seed starting!