Seeds, plants and grow kits
What you can grow depends on your light. University of Minnesota Extension says low light isn't enough to start seeds, and it lists basil and thyme with the high-light plants (UMN Extension). Mushroom kits and sprouts need no window, and a young plant skips the seedling stage.
Seeds for containers, young plants that skip seed starting, and kits for microgreens, sprouts and mushrooms. Compare what each needs: light, space and how it ships.
9 of 9 seeds, plants and grow kits match
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Questions people ask
Should I buy seeds or a young plant?
It depends on the crop. Purdue Extension says gardeners can harvest tomatoes, peppers and eggplant much earlier by starting with young plants. It says lettuce, radish and spinach are best sown from seed (Purdue). More in seed or young plant?
Are home-grown sprouts safe to eat?
The FDA says harmful bacteria on the seed can grow to high levels during sprouting, even when you grow sprouts at home under sanitary conditions. It advises children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems to avoid raw or lightly cooked sprouts (FDA). We don't give food-safety advice of our own. Read our sprouts and microgreens guide.
What's the difference between sprouts and microgreens?
Penn State Extension says sprouts are harvested early, with the seed and seed leaves still attached, and are often grown in water (Penn State Extension). It describes microgreens as young plants cut at about 1.5 to 3 inches tall, leaving the roots behind. It gives 7 to 21 days from seeding to harvest, depending on the plant and the growing conditions (Penn State Extension).
Do mushroom kits need light?
No grow light or sunny window. University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension's guide to growing oyster mushrooms says to keep them at about room temperature and away from sunlight, and to mist them at least twice a day as they grow (UW–Madison Extension). Follow your kit's own instructions too.
Can I grow a lemon tree indoors?
With a lot of light. University of Maryland Extension says citrus needs at least 6 hours of direct sun a day, and preferably 8 to 12. In winter, a south-facing window gives the strongest light, and a grow light may be needed. Indoors, you have to hand-pollinate the flowers to get fruit (UMD Extension).
When can I plant on my balcony?
That depends on your last frost date, so check your area. Your state's extension service lists local frost dates, and USDA keeps a directory of state extension services.