Seed starting is such a joyful and empowering experience for any plant parent. The reward of successfully taking a dormant seed, germinating it and nurturing it into the full plant that it’s destined to become encourages more mindfulness and joy in the garden. However, it can also be intimidating and stressful for many. In this episode, Joe Lamp’l of Joe Gardener discusses some common seed-starting challenges and how to overcome them, as well as some tips for starting your own seeds.In this episode, we learn:[02:02] Jessica's Zweig’s Be. book and branding agency[03:03] Why seed starting is a lifelong skill[05:43] About Joe Lamp’l[09:42] Why starting your own seeds and doing it organically is very important[17:45] Maria’s definition of “Gardener's Itch”[20:53] How to keep track of your seeds over multiple seasons[28:16] The key date to understand when starting seeds[34:14] For a home gardener, these plants are too hard to start indoors[39:52] How to read a seed packet[40:50] How deep should you plant seeds?[53:25] Things you need to know before buying a germination mat[56:08] How long do seeds last?[01:02:38] The importance of dampening your seed starting mix before you plant your seeds[01:03:52] Which light is best suited for your seeds?[01:07:13] How do you water your seedlings?[01:12:19] How to avoid overwatering and underwatering your seeds[01:15:24] Joe Lamp’l greenhouse updatesGet $100 off Joe’s Master Seed Starting Digital Course!Discount only applies through January 30th, 2023 so grab it while it’s live!Mentioned in our conversation:Joe’s Master Seed Starting Course (click this link to get $100 off)BE by Jessica ZweigFarmer's AlmanacPhoto holders at Michael's Craft StoreGreenhouse MegastoreJill McSheehy's GreenhouseHeat Mats, Grow Lights, Propagation Dome on Territorial Seed CompanyEspoma Organic Seed Starter MixEspoma Organic Potting Soil MixWind River ChimesJoe Lamp'l Growing A Greener World on PBS TVJoe Lamp'l Online Gardening AcademyFor a detailed list of must-have and must-know when seed starting,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsors:Territorial Seed CompanyIt's time to start planning for growing season 2023! If you’re looking for plants for your garden, skip the lines at the garden center and let Territorial Seed Company deliver top-of-the-line, healthy and hardy vegetable plants right to your door! They have a great line of pre-grown plants, an expansive seed catalog, and over 40 years of experience delivering the best seeds and plants for everyone's garden.Get 10% off by visiting territorialseed.com/growingjoy - discount applied at checkout.Espoma OrganicEspoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly.Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.Wind River ChimesBring more peace, serenity, and magic into your home with chimes. Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. If you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition for your home or garden.Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes.BearabyWeighted blankets have been proven to improve sleep, ease anxiety, and relieve stress through the therapeutic power of deep touch pressure (DTP), and Bearaby has completely changed the game. Bearaby takes a design-focused approach to bringing medically beneficial products into people’s lives by creating products in different sizes and variety that you'll be proud to display throughout your home. Treat yourself to a weighted blanket because everyone deserves good sleep!Use code GROWINGJOY for free, faster shipping at bearaby.com.Follow Joe: WebsiteInstagramFacebookPodcastTwitterPinterestFollow Maria and Growing Joy:Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!Instagram: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria