Seedling heat mats can warm the soil and help seeds sprout more quickly.

Plant lights give off heat as well as light. Be careful not to burn the plants.

Some plants, especially greens, prefer light with cooler temperatures. Too much direct sunlight can cook a plant right through a window.

Too much heat can also cause a plant to flower too soon. Watch out for heat vents that are frequently located near windows. (Magnetic vent diverters are easy to attach to redirect the warm air.)

Some plants, such as tomatoes, flourish with light and warmer temperatures.

Seedlings grown indoors must be “hardened off” as you transfer them to the outdoors. Take them outside for gradually increasing periods of time until they have adjusted to the new environment.