🌱 Everything I’m Using to Start My First Garden

If you’re thinking about starting a garden but feel overwhelmed… I get it – because I’m right there with you.

I’m a beginner, figuring this out as I go, and instead of overcomplicating it, I decided to keep things simple and just start.

This is everything I’m using to start seeds in my home here in Lancaster, PA – and the best part? Almost all of it is affordable and easy to set up.

🌿 My Goal (Keeping It Simple)

I didn’t want a complicated setup or anything that required a ton of space.

My goals were:

Keep everything small and manageable
Fit it on my windowsill
Use tools that are beginner-friendly
Not spend a ton of money

So if you’re looking for a realistic, no-stress way to start seeds… this is for you.

🪴 My Seed Starting Setup

Here’s exactly what I’m using!

🌱 12-Cell Seed Trays with Dome Lids

I’m using small 12-cell seed trays with self-wateriing bases and humidity dome lids, and honestly, these have been perfect.

What I love:

The size fits perfectly on my windowsill
The dome helps keep moisture in while seeds are starting
The self-watering tray makes it really hard to mess up

If you’re new, this is such an easy place to start.

👉 12-Cell Seed Trays with Dome Lids

🔥 Heat Mats

I added 3” x 20” heat mats, and they fit perfectly under my trays on the windowsill.

These help:

Speed up germination
Keep soil warm (especially important here in PA)

I didn’t realize how helpful these would be, but I’d definitely recommend them if you’re starting early in the season.

👉 Heat Mats

🌱 Seed Starting Soil

You can grab this at a local store or I’ve also ordered this Jiffy seed starting mix from Amazon when I wanted it to come to my doorstep.

I’m using a basic seed starting mix, which is lighter and better for seedlings than regular potting soil.

If you’re new—this matters more than I expected. Regular soil can be too heavy for tiny seedlings.

👉 Seed Starting Soil

💡 Grow Lights

Okay this is where I kept things super simple.

I used grow lights and zip-tied them to the bottom of my window blinds—and it works perfectly.

Why I did this:

Saves space
Keeps the lights close to the plants
No complicated setup

If your house doesn’t get perfect sunlight (mine doesn’t), this makes a big difference.

👉 Grow Lights

💧 Watering Method

I’m doing two things:

Bottom watering:

I fill the tray underneath
Let the plants soak up water from the bottom

Misting:

I use a spray mister for the leaves and top soil

This combo has been really easy to manage and helps avoid overwatering.

👉 Spray Bottle

🪴 4” Pots for Up-Potting

Once my seedlings get bigger, I move them into 4-inch pots with drainage holes.

Again—nothing fancy, just simple plastic pots that get the job done.

👉 Pots

🌼 What I Love About This Setup

This setup works because it’s:

Simple
Affordable
Not overwhelming
Easy to maintain

I didn’t want to wait until I had the “perfect” setup… I just wanted to start—and this made it possible.

🌱 If You’re Just Starting…

Here’s my advice. Start small. Don’t overthink it. You don’t need a perfect system—you just need to begin. I’m learning as I go, and I’ll keep sharing what works (and what doesn’t).

🛒 Quick Links to My Setup

Seed trays with domes → https://amzn.to/4sr0Fe4
Heat mats → https://amzn.to/4vrQDfr
Grow lights → https://amzn.to/422djFz
Spray mister → https://amzn.to/3OASr59
4” pots → https://amzn.to/4vFRHN0

🌱 Everything I’m Using to Start My First Garden

🌿 My Goal (Keeping It Simple)