Starting plants from seed

Hello! I got myself a grow light last year and am wondering if anyone has any pointers about starting seeds. Last year I started things a bit late so did get some things to grow but not much thrived. I don't have a greenhouse (yet) to transition things to but am growing things for a plant sale at my kiddo's school on May 2nd so could maybe move some things to the school greenhouse, but not much.

Thanks in advance!
Beth

Youtube probably has some good tips.  Maybe search: starting seeds organically

My tips would be.... you need the light to be 1 inch from the soil once they sprout and then it needs to always stay within an inch or three of the sprouts as they grow.  Otherwise they get thin and tall(leggy) and don't survive well.

Second... you need a warm spot to warm the soil to help the seeds sprout.  if you have your house temperature at 75F ... that is probably plenty.  if your house is 55F-60F like mine... then choose a place like on top of the fridge to get started/sprouted... then your second warmest spot in the house(and where you can plug in/hang the grow light) for the next few weeks.

Third... seeds are cheap... space isn't always as cheap.... So unless you are certain every seed will germinate(you have tested a sample of seeds for their germination success) .... go ahead and put two or three seeds in each cube/pot/division.  Maybe in opposite corners of each cube(to try and divide a cube and save all sprouts)... AND be willing to pinch off and remove extras if more survive than are needed/ than you have space for.

Good luck!!!

I have started a bunch of seed because I can start earlier, and it's fun.  It depends on where you live.  If you have a long enough growing season you will find the seeds you plant directly in the ground do way better then transplants.  Last year I bought some marigolds in early spring.  I planted them in opposite corners of a raised bed, and seeds in the two empty corners.  The transplants were nice little plants that bloomed of through the season.  The seeds grew pretty fast and were healthier, bloomed more.  I had to wait longer for the seeds planted in the ground, but man did they out shine the transplants!  What ever you decide to do good luck.