First, you must choose what plants you would like to start indoors. You will get the best results if you purchase fresh seeds that have been packaged for the upcoming growing season. Many seeds do very well when started indoors. Different plants should be started earlier or later in the year. For example, broccoli should be started in mid to late February, while watermelon should be started in mid April.

Second, you must choose appropriate containers for your seedlings. They best ones to use are wood pulp pots or peat pellets. You can find these at your local gardening store (including places like Lowes and the Home Depot). These kinds of pots are less trouble for you and healthier for the seedlings, since they can be planted directly into the ground. If you can't find these or don't want to spend the money on them (they area a bit more expensive than plastic containers), you can use any small containers like egg boxes, yogurt cups, etc. Jus be sure to poke holes at the bottom of each container for drainage.

Third, you must fill the pots with healthy soil. You can use any well-drained soil, but the best to use would be good garden loam (three parts), peat moss (two parts) and sand (on part). It would be best not to use soil from your garden outside, as you may be transporting any fungus or illness which could kill your young seedlings.

Fourth, you can plant your seeds in the pots. Follow the instructions on your seed package for planting depth. You do not need to put many seeds in a pot. Just a few will do. Be sure to water your seeds when you have finished planting them. When you are done, cover the pots to keep the moisture in and then place them in a warm location. They do not need much sunlight at this stage. Remember to check them often to see if they need to be watered.

Fifth, once the seeds have germinated, they will need more sunlight. You will need to water them more often now, but take care not to drown them or break them by watering too fast. If you do not have a window that will shed enough light on your plants, consider investing in some cool-white florescent bulbs. If growing your seeds in a windowsill turn the containers often to encourage straight stems (otherwise the plants will grow towards the light, causing a very crooked and weak stem).

When you have a week or two before you would like to plant them in your garden, bring the seedlings outside to harden them to the weather. Do not put them in direct sunlight at first, and bring them back inside during the night. Ease the seedlings into the weather of the outdoors by increasing their time spent outdoors each day.

And now it's time to plant! Be sure that the danger of frost has passed, and then carefully plant your seedlings in your garden. Enjoy!