Organized Gardening: Starting Seeds

February 28, 2025

Since moving down to New Mexico, I have been even more excited about starting my garden than ever before. Since Christmastime, when we had some really nice and warm days, I have been planning and prepping, and have actually started quite a few seeds indoors. Outdoors, my broccoli, beets, chard, kale, and lettuce look like they are pulling through despite some really cold days we’ve had this winter. I’m not sure about the cauliflower yet, but my violas are blooming and looking amazing! I go out and water and give my plants some love every morning that isn’t below freezing. Growing a garden requires good organization, time management skills, and consistently following through. In this post, I’ll give you some tips on how you can organize your space and plan for your garden.

Organize your thoughts about what you want to garden. Make a list of all the plants you want to plant this year. I am focusing on herbs, veggies, fruit, and flowers. You could also use this time to plan cacti, succulents, grasses, trees, or whatever else you want to start growing, although you may not be starting those from seeds.
Plan where in your yard (or indoors) you want to grow these plants. Will you be using containers? Raised beds? Planting directly into the ground? Building a plant hanging system? When I lived in a small apartment, I used a curtain rod that I attached to the ceiling so I could hang potted herbs in my sunny window. Map out your space so you know what’s going where. Keep in mind how much sun/shade each plant requires. You’ll also want to consider what type of irrigation (if any) you have in place. Talk to other local gardeners who are willing to share their experiences of what works well where. In New Mexico, I love going to the Roswell Seed Company, which has been family owned and operated since 1898! I’ve received a ton of great advice since gardening here is radically different than in the Northwest. I also love shopping for plants at CARC’s Country Store. In Seattle, I always love shopping for garden supplies at Swansons Nursery, which has been in business since 1924.
Create a planting calendar. Research the ideal times to plant either the seeds or starts. You may want to consult your local gardening store, read gardening books that pertain to your area, or look it up online. Write these dates down so you can be sure to prioritize what gets started when. Some plants do better when they are planted directly in the ground (like carrots and radishes) and some can be started indoors.
If you’ll be starting seeds, plan where in your home you’ll be doing this. I recommend using at least a 4’ long table, unless you just have a few plants you want to grow. You may need to do some decluttering or reorganizing to accommodate your table. If you’ve got a lot of seeds you want to start, consider utilizing wire shelves so you can maximize your vertical space.
Collect your supplies. I recommend using a seed starting kit that includes a heating mat and a dome for keeping in moisture. The one I have is made by Hydrofarm. You’ll also need:

-seed starting soil and regular potting soil

-plant lights (unless you have a very sunny window). These are the lights I use.

-a spray bottle for water

-nursery trays (for when your seedlings get bigger). I use these.

-simple tools such as a trowel and a knife (for removing seedlings from their tiny containers) and scissors (for opening seed packets). I also like using a single chopstick for planting seeds.

-plant labels (garden markers/popsicle sticks and a Sharpie). Choose waterproof options when possible.

-a notebook or calendar

-your seeds!

You may also want to use paperclips or tape for closing seed packets, and Ziploc bags for containing your bags of seeds.

Fill your little seed starting tray with seed starting soil. This type of soil is ideal for germinating seeds because it is nutrient-balanced to support early roots and is aerated so seedlings have an easier time establishing healthy roots. Place the seed starting tray on the heating mat so you can provide a consistent warm temperature for the seeds to sprout.
Make name tags for each of the seed types you are starting, and put those in place. Then add your seeds! Check the instructions to see how deep the seeds need to be.
Water your seeds. I like to use the spray bottle set to the stream setting to gently water each cell. When the plants start to emerge, I will also use the spray setting. I also add water to the inside of the tray every few days.
Put the dome on top and turn on the light. Seedlings need 14-16 hours of light per day. If they don’t get enough light, they will get leggy and weak. Make it easy on yourself and use a timer to help you stay consistent.
Take notes. Track when you planted your seeds and any changes you make. Note what’s worked and what hasn’t.
Store your extra supplies. Use containers and shelves or drawers to help you keep your gardening supplies easily accessible this time of year. Store extra seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Water your seeds daily, and leave the dome on. When they get too big, transplant your seedlings into nursery pots. Keep those watered and illuminated so they will grow up healthy and strong. Be careful to not over or underwater your seeds.
When you’re ready to move your plants outside, harden them off. This will help gradually ease them into a new environment so they don’t get too shocked.
Nurture your plants. Continue to water and fertilize your garden as necessary.