How to Germinate Without Sunlight

Fill a seeding tray or cell packs with multipurpose potting soil. Level the top so it is even with the rim of the tray or cell packs.

Sow your desired seed over the soil. Insert the seeds in the soil to the depth specified on the seed packet.

Spray the top of the soil with a mister filled with tepid water. Hold the mister about 4 inches away from the soil and begin spraying. You only want to settle the top of the soil, not completely water the seeds with the mister.

Fill a container with tepid water and then place the seeding tray or cell packs into the water. Leave the seeding tray to soak up the moisture until the top of the soil is visibly moist.

Remove the cell packs or seed tray from the water and allow it to drain. Transfer them to a tray for easier carrying. A tray also keeps spilled water from ruining the table below.

Cover the seed tray with clear plastic and place it in area that remains around 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place the seeding tray under the grow lights so the top of the cell pack or seed tray is 2 to 4 inches below the lights. If the seed tray is placed too close to the lights, the heat will bake the seeds.

Turn on the lights. Grow lights are usually left on for 16 hours, then shut off for eight hours.

Inspect the soil every day for moisture. Mist the soil to keep it moist but not soggy.

Remove the plastic after seeds germinate and leaves begin emerging.

Adjust the grow lights as the the plants grow, keeping them 2 to 4 inches away from the lights.