Starting seeds in my house

Broccoli Sprouts

I started one tray of seeds indoors about two weeks ago in order to get a head start on the grow season. Portland's shorter warm season means many plants, especially tomatoes, need to be started indoors. I started broccoli, basil and tomatoes in my closet where I have hung two grow lights on a small shelf. It's nothing special, but I have lined tin foil above and along the sides to increase solar radiation. It's actually very bright and hurts my eyes if I stare into them too long - which I tend to do because it's fun to see the tiny sprouts growing. I can't believe they will give me so much food later!

Tomato sprouts

My tomato seeds finally started to sprout today! The broccoli sprouted several days ago, and the basil is barely peaking through. Feels good to have something growing in 2012!