Seed-starting first-year cost estimator
Pick garden size, packets vs bulk seed, starts vs direct-sow mix, trays/lights DIY vs kit, soil-mix bags, optional heat mat, and trial beds vs full-season intent. You get honest USD ranges for year-one seed orders + start gear. No account. No email. Runs in your browser.
Complements free seed-saving notes and seasonal planting order. Numbers are typical U.S. catalog / farm-store / big-box street ranges (2024–2026); free seed swaps, leftover packets, and sunny windowsills will move your number.
Your seed / start plan
Small is the usual first real trial. Pots alone rarely need a systems PDF.
Packets are fine for a trial. Bulk wins on beans, cover crops, and mid+ gardens — if you will use the seed.
Direct-sow keeps gear low. Indoor starts add trays, mix, and often lights. Nursery transplants cost more cash, less gear.
Window-only is honest for a few starts. DIY shop lights beat cute kits for most year-one budgets. Skip lights if you mostly direct-sow.
2
Bags for trays or potting on. 0 if you already have mix or only direct-sow into existing beds.
Often skip. Peppers/tomatoes germinate faster with heat; cool crops and direct-sow beds usually do not need one.
Honest signal: one-packet miracle stays free doors. Cool, warm, trial, or full-season means you will actually plant and succession.
Optional cash path when you skip indoor starts. Honest, but stacks with seed orders if you buy both.