Seed starting is off to a weird start for me this year. Instead of planting everything at once, I've taken it slow, starting things at random times & using what I have.

My setup is super simple this year. 

I'm just using my huge bay window as my "greenhouse." I found a super cheap metal shelf at the thrift store & it works perfectly for organizing my seedlings. Because I'm working in small batches, it didn't make sense to bring out my large flats, so I'm using containers I got at Dollar Tree. They work really well as a greenhouse within a greenhouse & keep everything organized. It's easy to take the containers to the sink for watering. As the seedlings get bigger & are transplanted into larger pots, I use the lids of the containers as trays. I'm also using a super cute mini greenhouse I got at the thrift store.

To transplant, I'm just using the cups I had from years past. I cleaned them out at the end of the season last year, so they were ready to go this year. I also got a few supplies at Dollar Tree.

The plant crew of 2022 is finally coming together!

It was so funny; we were at our local greenhouse last weekend & I admired their beautiful veggie plants.  I told my son, "This is what happens when you don't wait until April 15 to start your seeds!" 

My plant crew seedlings are still super tiny, but they're coming along.  I have been taking them out of the greenhouse every day to get a little sun.  The temperatures here have been fantastic & they're only getting warmer this week.  We're also going to have a stretch where it will not rain for 5 days! I'm looking forward to that!

In other planting news, the little greenhouse that could is coming along nicely.  I dug some supplies out from the basement & moved some plastic shelving out to the greenhouse for storage.  I need to do a greenhouse tour because it's just the cutest.  It's such a small space, but it works really well for me.

Seedling mode is in full swing over here.  I'm slowly 'leveling up' some plants--moving them into bigger containers as they grow.  I love coming out & looking at the little ' glow-ups' of the plants every morning!

The Zinnia seeds Braxton & I planted are starting to sprout!  They're doing so well that I already had to level them up into cups!

I'm seed starting upstairs where it's super warm but I'm quickly running out of space!  I needed to get my plant setup going in the basement ASAP!

I'm so far behind on my seed starting this year.  I always think it's going to be tedious, so I just never start.  Then when I finally start a flat of seeds, I realize it doesn't take very long at all!

I've been buying tons of random seeds on my Sunday Walmart trips.  Now I just need to take a day & devote to seed starting everything I have!  

The weather is supposed to be warmer next week so I might be able to shuffle some plants to the greenhouse.

It's just been a slow & lazy start to gardening this year for me.

My "setup" this year is super simple & not fancy at all. I wasn't even going to post it because it's so plain!  But the thing is...it works!  I had plans for a beautiful setup, but the lazy setup works just as well! 

Hey there, Besties! 🌟

Welcome to the most exciting time of the year - Seed Starting Month! Now, you might have heard the age-old gardening mantra suggesting to start seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost. But, in true Tiff fashion, impatience is the name of the game, and I'm diving in headfirst to get my green babies started a tad early – we're talking 12-13 weeks early! Sure, it's a bit more of a juggle to keep those tiny seedlings thriving, but isn't there something magical about nurturing life from the very beginning?

Drawing inspiration from my dear dad, the original green thumb in the family, I'm embracing the seed starting season with all the zest it deserves. Last year, Dad beat me to the punch, embarking on his planting journey a few weeks before I did. And this year? He's already nudging me about getting those peppers started – those slow pokes really do take their sweet time! Little did he know that my pepper seed stash was ready to go in January. Oh, I'm all in on this assignment!

Every year, I promise myself to keep it simple, yet somehow end up surrounded by a lush jungle of pepper and tomato plants. So, a little shoutout to my local Besties – if you're in the mood to adopt some plant babies, hit me up!

In the spirit of fresh starts and healing, I'm channeling the power of gardening this season. The folks at Mind & Soil have really opened my eyes to the mental health wonders of getting your hands dirty and connecting with Earth. Gardening has always been my sanctuary, but it's my lifeline this year, offering a slice of purpose as I tend to my budding garden.

Speaking of getting things rolling, my mission this week is to whip my basement growing area into shape. Armed with peat pellets, a shiny new reusable seed starting tray (because, sustainability), and a heart full of hope, I'm ready to embark on this journey of growth and discovery.

Reflecting on last year's seed-starting saga, I'm reminded of the playful rivalry between my dad's earthy approach and my peat pellet preference. With the clock ticking towards planting season, it's game on, Dad – let's see who gets their garden groove on first this year!

For all my fellow plant enthusiasts out there, I'm dying to hear about your seed-starting stories. When do you plant your seeds? What's on your growing list this year? Let's share our plans, dreams, and maybe even a few gardening mishaps because isn't that what Earth School is all about?

Catch you on the flip side, Besties, and happy gardening! 🌱✨

My most loved seed starting essentials!

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I have been seed starting for 3 winters now & I love it.  I think it's my favorite part of gardening!

I can't believe I used to be intimidated by starting my own seeds!  They do take a bit of work but it's so satisfying to see the smallest seeds turn into the most beautiful plants.

Over the years, I have developed my own seed starting techniques.  I'm sharing a few essentials that I've used every year so far.

This isn't a one size fits all guide--it's just what I do to start my garden.  My setup is super simple & I try to use the things that will save me time & money.

Here are 5 essentials I use in my seed starting:

I thought a super snowy day would be the perfect time to write about seed starting!  Haha!

Seed starting is one of my favorite things.  This will be my 3rd year starting plants from seeds & I just love it.  I began my seed starting journey in 2020 when the world shut down just for something to keep me busy.  I ended up loving it so much that I have been seed starting every year since!

I'll do another post with my favorite seed starting supplies, but I want to talk today about where I'll be seed starting.

I really wanted to start seeds in the greenhouse this year.  The greenhouse still needs some finishing touches to make it ready for plants.  A big thing is insulation.  It is a drafty nightmare right now!  

Another thing the greenhouse needs is electricity.  I really want to run electric through the entire greenhouse so I can use a heater, grow lights & heating mats.