Seed Starting on a Budget: Growing a Thriving Garden Indoors
Spring may still be a couple weeks away, but that hasn’t stopped me from getting a head start on this year’s garden! Living in Colorado, where the growing season is short, I like to start some seeds indoors to ensure the best yields when warm weather finally arrives. While I typically direct sow a lot of my seeds straight into the ground after the last frost, I’ve learned that starting certain crops early—especially tomatoes and peppers—helps maximize production.
This year, I decided to take my seed-starting setup to the next level by creating a mini greenhouse in my basement for less than $150! It’s been a game-changer, providing a controlled environment for my seedlings to thrive before transitioning outdoors.
What I’m Starting Indoors This Year
This season, I’m starting a mix of vegetables, herbs, and—for the first time—flowers!
Vegetables & Herbs:
Tomatoes: Bonny’s Best, Gardener’s Delight, Big Boy Hybrid
Peppers: Sweet Bell Peppers, Banana Peppers
Herbs: Bouquet Dill
Flowers (New for Me This Year!):
Milkweed: Soulmate
Calendula: Playtime Mix
Sunflowers: Red Sun, Chocolate Cherry
Chamomile: Zloty Lan
Marigolds: Crackerjack Mix
I typically direct sow flowers, but this year, I decided to start some indoors to extend the bloom season and give them a strong start. By transplanting established seedlings, I can enjoy earlier blooms and ensure they outcompete weeds in the garden.
How I Set Up My Mini Greenhouse for Under $150
Starting seeds indoors doesn’t have to be expensive! Here’s what I used to create my budget-friendly setup:
✅ Mini Greenhouse – A compact, tiered greenhouse keeps my seedlings organized and protected.
✅ Grow Lights – Since basement lighting isn’t enough, I use full-spectrum LED lights to mimic natural sunlight.
✅ Seed Trays & Domes – To maintain moisture and humidity levels.
I’ve linked all my favorite seed-starting supplies, including my greenhouse, grow lights, and beginner-friendly tools, here: Check out my Seed Starting & Garden list.
Where I Buy My Seeds
I love ordering heirloom and unique varieties from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. They offer an amazing selection of rare, high-quality seeds that thrive in home gardens. If you’re looking to expand your garden lineup, check out their catalog here: Baker Creek Seeds.
Why Start Seeds Indoors?
While I still direct sow many crops after the last frost, I start seeds indoors for a few key reasons:
✔ Short growing season – Starting indoors ensures a longer harvest window.
✔ Earlier blooms & harvests – Flowers and vegetables can mature weeks ahead of schedule.
✔ Stronger seedlings – Transplants are less vulnerable to unpredictable weather.
✔ More control – I can monitor growth, prevent pests, and give my plants the best start.
Starting seeds indoors has been a fun and rewarding way to get a jump on the growing season, and I’m especially excited to see how my flowers do this year! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, having an indoor setup makes it easy to grow healthy plants before moving them outdoors.
Are you starting seeds indoors this year? What are you growing? Let’s chat in the comments!
Happy planting!
