Should you start your own seeds? I think so, yes! It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision. My garden is a mix of seedlings I’ve started at home and transplants from nurseries. Even my favorite greenhouses carry a limited variety because their supply reflects customer demand. If I want a specific zinnia color or a unique chile for my fermented hot sauce, I’ll need to grow it myself. Plus, there’s something healing about the glow of grow lights and the ritual of tending to tiny plant babies—it literally brings life to the dreary depths of winter.

What’s the best way? That’s a trick question—there’s no single right answer. The best approach varies not only by gardener but also by what you’re growing. It’s all about finding what works for you, your goals, and your space. With endless methods, tools, and opinions to choose from, the research can be more overwhelming than the actual process. My aim here is to help you find the right path for you.

Setting the Stage for Success

Your seed-starting setup will be a bit of an investment. Whichever method you choose, all indoor seed-starting setups will benefit from:

broad-spectrum lights to give seedlings the light they need to thrive
seed-starting nix (not potting poil) for the right balance of drainage, nutrients, and disease prevention
good ventilation (like a fan) to prevent mold and moisture related diseases
heat mats to ensure consistent germination, especially for heat-loving seeds
seed cell trays or soil blocks with trays

Let's take a deeper dive into seed trays and soil blocks. While I use both to start seeds, you may find that you prefer one over the other. (For the sake of this discussion, we’ll stick to materials specifically designed for seed starting. While reusing household items can be an amazing way to reduce waste, that’s a conversation for another day).

Traditional seed trays: I’d recommend this approach for beginners or anyone looking for a lower maintenance approach. They are affordable, easy to source, and are easily fitted with sturdy humidity domes for consistent moisture, making them less fussy and more forgiving of watering inconsistencies. They’re great for plants with deep taproots (like natives), offer predictable germination timing, and are easy to transport. However, they often involve plastic materials that require cleaning and storage, which may not be ideal if you are limited on space or prioritize sustainability, although the trays can be used year after year.

Soil blocks: I start 90% of my seeds this way, but I’d suggest first having some seed-starting experience under your belt. Soil blocks are space-efficient, eliminating the need for traditional seed trays and allowing you to start 72–200 seedlings in a standard 1020 tray. They promote air pruning for strong, healthy root systems and are often ready for transplant earlier, which requires some adjustment in your timing. They also dry out faster and require careful watering, have a learning curve, and come with a higher start-up cost, which can be offset by a sense of humor and an investment in the process. All that said, it's my preferred method of starting seeds and I won’t go back! With space at a premium in my Manhattan apartment seed-starting setup, soil blocks win major points for allowing me to start hundreds of seedlings in a tiny footprint.

The Finest Education

There is a lot of information out there and it can lead to analysis paralysis, never mind disappointing results. When it comes to seed starting basics (and beyond), I highly recommend Sow Smart Seed Starting School, which I completed last month. Created by Nicole Jagielski, the founder of Patio Produce, this $47 course is thoughtful, methodical, and full of practical advice. It’s what you need to start seeds with confidence. What’s included: four on-demand video modules (with lifetime access), a setup guide, planting calendar, plus a live class for personalized coaching support.

This time of year, you’ll find Nicole in Chicago, buried under three feet of snow and finding solace with her seedlings under grow lights. She is onto something- a little green is the perfect antidote to winter grey. For a little sneak peak into Nicole’s approach, check out her blog post about the seven most common seed starting mistakes.

As a bonus for our community, you can use the code GARDENWELL for 10% off. While I’m not affiliated with Patio Produce, Nicole is a dear friend and a trusted colleague, and I believe in the value of her course.

Soil Blocking

A few years ago, I tried the Ladbrooke soil block maker, but it was tough on my middle-aged joints (sigh) and felt very slow-going.
When some of my favorite gardening content creators started showing off their Detroit made Swift Blockers, I decided to invest in the 27-blocker. It was very fast, efficient, and—most importantly—pain-free to use. *Full disclosure: This spring, Swift Blocker generously gifted me their Nano series to use with my veggie starts. Nano 9 Cell is pictured here.*

The Bottom Line

Whether you choose seed trays, soil blocks, or a mix of both, the most important thing is to find a system that fits your space and supports your gardening goals. With the right tools, quality guidance, and a touch of patience, your indoor seed-starting adventure can lead to a vibrant, productive garden all year long.