Spoiler alert: No. Definitely no.

You have to be willing to carve out space, time and effort for two months out of the year to make this endeavor work.  That might not seem like a huge amount (two is a pretty small number), but that’s a full 1/6 of the year.  Think about the other things in your life you’d be willing to do for 1/6 of your time – now tell me if caring for plants fits the theme.

So, what’s the big problem?  Start with the equipment – grow lights, fans, containers – which will probably put you on a drug dealing watchlist and possibly strain any domestic relationships you currently have.  Add in dirt and water IN your house when you’re used to fighting to keep them OUT of your house.  Then, remember you can’t take breaks (another spoiler: plants will die), so you must be present and diligent or have someone that can help you be those things (thanks Mom!).

Oh, and hardening off plants is THE WORST.  Like, this is clearly a dastardly step from Mother Nature just to emphasize you’re being a dufus.  “I’ve given you soil, sunlight and rain in the beautiful outdoors, but yeah, sure, you should totally try to bring all that into your little building there.”

Yes, there are certainly some positives.  You generally have a broader selection with seeds vs store bought plants.  You can tell people you’re starting your garden from seeds (H/T to the hipsters).  Or, perhaps you are like Vince Vaughn and just want to be around beautiful babies.

But let’s be honest – the logistics don’t matter here.  Clearly, someone else can do this much better and with fewer headaches for about $1 per plant.  This is purely an existential question.

Are you an indoor seed person?  That’s it.  That’s the decision point.  No cost/benefit analysis needed.  You’re either an indoor seed person or you aren’t. 

Look inside your heart, and ask yourself: Self, are you ready to spend hundreds of dollars on equipment, dirt, electricity and water along with countless hours nurturing tender, vulnerable seedlings just to navigate a pitfall-laden path to filling an outdoor garden? 

If you’re the type of person that hears that, shrugs and says “yeah, that sounds interesting,” then start planning your indoor grow area. 

Some people walk through life making logical decisions, properly prioritize their time commitments and try to limit stressors in their immediate surroundings.  Other people start their garden seeds indoors.

Which one are you?