INSTRUCTIONS FOR PLANTING INDOORS:

1. You'll need to find a set of small seed starting containers (think small paper cups, or newspapers rolled into small cup shapes). Arrange your seeding containers on a large flat tray.
2. Pour soilless ("seed-starting") mix into a large bucket and moisten with warm water.
3. Fill seeding containers to the top with moist seed-starting mix, and then press down on surface to eliminate air pockets. Add more mix, up to within one-quarter inch from the top.
4. Plant your seeds according to your seed packet. LABEL your plants now (and avoid frustration later).
5. Prick holes in the bottom of containers with a toothpick for ventilation.
6. Cover your trays of seeding containers loosely with plastic wrap, or enclose them in translucent plastic bags.
7. Water your plants as directed, being extra careful with newly started seedlings (a mister bottle might work better than a watering can for the first couple of weeks).
8. Find a place in the kitchen where there is natural bottom heat-on top of the refrigerator or near the oven--move the tray if the oven is on, as it may become too hot. Seeds sprout best at temperatures of 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C).
9. Remove the plastic covering at the first sign of germination, and then shift your focus to giving your seedlings lots of bright light. Window light is usually too weak and directional; veggies need intense overhead light, so you might want to place a fluorescent light fixture above your seedlings at this phase of growth.
10. When the seedlings get their second pair of leaves, prepare individual pots filled with a potting mix with plenty of compost. Move the seedlings carefully to the new pots and water well. Keep pots out of direct sun for a few days, then allow them to get at least 6-8 hours of sunlight every day. Follow specific directions on the seed packets for the light and feeding requirements of each individual plant.