Due to the COVID-19 situation, many homeowners have started gardening to reduce stress and pass the time. Plus, by growing vegetables at home, you won't need to visit the grocery store as frequently, and can supplement your pantry in case of shortages. After you pick up your garden supplies, plant the seeds indoors first for the following reasons.

Why You Should Plant Seeds Inside First

Eating more vegetables will help you maintain a healthy diet. They are a great source of folic acid and contain potassium to help keep your blood pressure low.

By planting vegetable seeds outside, you might not reap these benefits. Mice and other pests could dig up and eat the seeds, or birds could knock them out of place while searching for worms. Seeds could also wash away in heavy rainfall.

Growing seeds indoors and planting the seedlings outside reduces the risk of these complications. If you live in an area with a short growing season, plants will also have more time to grow.

How to Start a Vegetable Garden Inside

Broccoli, lettuce, tomato, and eggplant seeds can all be planted indoors. As not all seeds will germinate, make sure to get a few extra packets. You can plant the seeds in recycled egg cartons or pick up seedling flats in the garden supplies aisle. The vessel should have holes in the bottom and sides for water drainage.

After cleaning and labeling the containers, fill them with moist potting mix. Follow the recommendations on the packet and plant seeds at the recommended depth, pressing them into the soil. Cover the containers in plastic wrap with holes for air circulation so they don’t dry out.

Once you start to see sprouts, move the containers to a window that receives several hours of sunlight each day. Otherwise, make sure the seedlings are under grow lights. As they grow larger, you’ll need to transfer the seedlings to larger pots before they’re ready to plant outside.

For seeds and other garden supplies needed to enjoy fresh vegetables at home, visit Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center. Serving farmers and homeowners in Ohio’s Clermont and Brown counties since 1984, the Bethel-based company is a leading supplier of custom-ground livestock feed, gardening equipment, field fencing, and pet supplies. To ask inventory questions, call (513) 734-2246. See store photos on the company’s website and Facebook page.