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Planting seeds indoors (Zone 9a - Houston TX)?

Hello all, I've seen so much about planting seeds indoors, it seems the cost is way to expensive to even try it (just get the transplants). The problem is I really don't want transplants this year, but I really don't wanna spend crazy amounts of money on getting seeds started. From what I've read I need grow lights, mats, seed starting mix, organic containers to put them in. So my first thought is....what did people do thousands and millions of years (or maybe even my grandpa's generation) ago before gardening became "commercial"? My question is... Do I really need a heated mat, lights, blah, blah blah. I've read a little about putting seeds on top of the fridge (which is waaaay cheaper than the mats and lights!) So please let me know! Do I need all the expensive stuff from burpee.com or is there old fashioned, tried and true ways I can get my seeds going? BTW - I a container gardener this year :) Thanks! So for seeds all I need is miracle gro potting soil and not some seed starting mix???

Public Comments

1. No, just some plotting soil ,small containers (egg cartons work well), seeds and that's it. Plant the seeds and make sure the get some sun. you can move them out side when it's warm. I do this every year ! Transplant when they out grow the starter pots. Here's a little secret. Save your coffee grounds and egg shell, mix in your large pots and your tomatoes will the best around. good luck
2. I used to teach in an elementary school and we started a small garden from seeds. The best way to start the seeds off is to get a regular kitchen sponge and dampen it. Place it on a tray and sprinkle the seeds on top. Then wrap the tray in plastic wrap and place in a sunny spot. The plastic wrap will create a tiny greenhouse with the moisture from the sponge and within a few days the seeds should sprout. After that, take the strongest seedlings and transplant them into soil. You may want to continue wrapping the plantings in plastic wrap because it really does maintain the heat in your little "greenhouse". Good luck!
3. Yes, just good old miraclegro soil and small pots. I like using these: http://lawn-and-garden.hardwarestore.com/77-494-trays-and-peat-pots/jiffy-7-greenhouse-101760.aspx Wallyworld, homeyD, lowz have them as well as the bulk peat pellet refills for $5 or less. Two will fit easily in a window sill - suggest South facing window. (Then you don't need grow lights.) You can germinate your seeds by placing them on a wet paper towel, towel in clear plastic zip-type bag, place on sunny South window sill. When the seeds sprout, transplant. have fun.