And blow your Instagram followers' minds with your home-grown plant porn.
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All you need to get started is a container, a clear cover, seed starter mix, seeds, a spray bottle, and a little patience. Herewith, our eight-step guide to cultivating a plant from seedling to supper:

1. PICK A CONTAINER

Always start with the base layer. You can use a seed tray, which usually has segmented areas for different seeds or you can use shallow individual pots (no more than 3" deep). Whatever container you choose, make sure it has a drain hole and make sure it's clean (wash out and sterilize any used containers before planting seeds). We love these (above) for their modern, geometric twist on the classic terracotta planter.

2. GET SOME SOIL

It's important to use fresh, clean soil so that bacteria won't grow on the new seeds. If you don't have seed soil, you can make your own by combining potting soil with peat moss or coconut coir, perlite or vermiculite. 

3. ADD THE SEEDS

What do you like to eat or cook with the most? Basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano are all good options. Veggie options that are incredibly rewarding and easy to grow include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and eggplant. You will notice that each seed packet you purchase might have more seeds than you need for the year. Keep in mind that not all the seeds you start will germinate. If they do, your extra planted herb or veggie makes for a great gift—hello Mother's Day! You can always save some of the seeds for next year, too. Read the seed package and plant at the appropriate depth. Then cover lightly with seed starter mix. We usually plant two seeds per pot or peat pellet and then remove the weaker of the two after they start to grow.

4. WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

One of the most important parts of growing seeds is finding the correct balance of moisture. A spray bottle with a fine mist is handy for easy watering, but also makes it harder to over water the little guys. You should aim to keep the seeds moist, but not soggy. Covering the seeds with a clear cover is recommended to help maintain humidity. If you don't have an actual seed dome cover, you can use clear plastic wrap and cut holes in the plastic for ventilation. Check your seeds daily (or even twice a day!) and add water as needed. Once your seedlings emerge, allow the top of the surface to dryslightly between watering. 

5. THE FINE ART OF LIGHT AND HEAT

Your new seeds need about 65 degrees F in order to sprout. You can use a heating mat or place them on top of a refrigerator. Until your seeds sprout, do not place them in the direct sun. After they sprout, they will need plenty of direct sun, but just make sure you ease the plant into the light so as not to shock it. Also make sure you open any covers on the seed trays so the seeds don't cook in the sun. Remember to rotate your plants—they'll grow toward the light. If you don't get direct sun in your house or apartment, consider investing in plant lights. 

6. HOW TO KNOW IT'S FERTILIZER TIME

The first set of leaves, called cotyledons, don't require any fertilization. Once you see the second set of leaves begin to form, then you should fertilize. Use a high potassium fertilizer at a very diluted strength for the first few weeks (this only needs to happen about once a week). 

7. "HARDENING OFF"

"Hardening off" is the gardening term for introducing your seeds to the outdoors. This is usually done a week or two before the last frost date. On the first day, protect your seeds from the direct sun and avoid the wind. Give them just a few hours outside. On the second day, give them a little more time outside—and also a little protection from the wind and strong afternoon sun. On the third and fourth days, ease them into the afternoon light. Let them stay outside most of the day, but bring them in at night. Now you're ready for transplanting! You can either re-pot directly into a garden bed or into a larger growing pot.

8. CARING FOR YOUR NEW OUTDOOR PLANT

Now that your edibles are outdoors, remember to check them daily for watering. Keep them lightly moist, but not soggy. Morning is the best time to water. Fertilize every couple of weeks and transplant into larger containers as needed. Some plants will need support systems such as tomato cages, bamboo stakes, or trellises. Pruning is also a must, so make sure to read up on the edibles you're growing to see how they should best be harvested and pruned.

Unfortunately, dealing with plants pests is also part of being a gardener. Neem and garlic oil are indispensable at preventing and treating most plant pests and fungi. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Nothing tastes better than homegrown food, especially when you've started from seed.

From Elle