Jan. 7, 2026, 2:42 p.m. ET
- It’s winter, but you can start germinating flower seeds indoors now to prepare for spring gardening.
- Basic supplies include seeds, a starting soil mix, containers, water, and a light source.
- Once sprouted, seedlings need to be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before being planted in the ground.
Once the winter weather passes and spring weather starts appearing, it will be time to begin gardening season. But you can get a head start by preparing your flowers early, right in your home.
Here’s how to germinate your flower seeds in time for spring.
What you need to start a garden in winter
If you’re looking to germinate your own seeds instead of scouting a greenhouse in the spring, you’ve come to the right place. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, you need just a few basics to get your garden growing in winter:
- Flower seeds
- Seed-starting soil mix
- Vermiculite (optional to cover seeds)
- Sunlight or grow lights
- Water
- Planting containers
- Labels and waterproof marker
Tips and tricks for preparing your garden
Now that you have all of your items to bloom some seeds in time for spring, here’s what you need to do:
- Pre-moisten your soil by taking your starting mix and placing it into a small bin or mixing bowl. Make sure your seed-starting mix has vermiculite (a water-retaining mineral) or perlite to help hold moisture and aid in drainage. With water, incorporate it into the mix until it holds together when you make a fist, and make sure it’s not soggy.
- Choose containers to germinate your seeds. Put 2-3 inches of pre-moistened soil into the bottom. You can recycle used egg cartons, salad containers, yogurt cups, or another container of your choice that can hold at least 2 inches of seed-starting mix and can be covered easily with plastic wrap.
- Plant the seeds. Depending on the kind of flowers you plan to bloom, seeds can be sprinkled on top or sown under the soil. Make sure each seed is at least an inch apart. Use a chart to help you decide which of the easiest flowers you want to grow.
- Cover the container in plastic wrap. Covering the containers traps moisture and allows the seeds to soften their protective covering, which will help swell the seed embryo and break open. After at least 60% of the seeds have germinated, you can remove the covering.
- Some seeds may need warmth. You can use a heat mat, a sunny and warm windowsill, or the top of a refrigerator or appliance that puts off a bit of heat.
- Make sure your seeds have a light source. Put them on a windowsill or somewhere in direct sunlight.
- Water your seeds as you watch them grow. Watching and watering are important.
- Transition your seeds outside before planting them. When the weather gets better, allow your seedlings to acclimate to the weather before planting them into the ground. This process is called “hardening off.”
Your job isn’t finished after your plants are in the ground outside. You may need to keep an eye on the weather and prepare to protect your plants from an early-spring cold snap.