[CH] Seed Starting

Matt Evans (tmattevans@gmail.com)
Tue, 24 Jan 2006 08:58:46 -0500

Hi All --

In the past (i.e., in my old house), I started seeds in the basement
on heating pads in 72-cell starter trays.  I would use plain old
fluorescent lights after germination.  Typically, I put seeds in about
two months prior to the date when I planted in the ground.  So, I
didn't have a very fancy or complicated setup, but I consistently got
200-250 viable seedlings which subsequently made it to the garden.

Well, I don't quite have the space (no basement, smaller garden) for
this type of starting this year.  So, I am thinking of going pure
minimalist.  What is the least I can do to get seeds started early?  I
still have the hot pads, so I can use them for germination, but what
about light once they sprout?  Can I just set the trays in a window?

Any advice is appreciated -- I'm just looking for the simplest method
I can find.

Matt