Starting Seeds Early. Why some and not others . . .

Jordan Freytag + photo

Jordan Freytag

Jan 24
3 min read
bubble 0

The initial thing a lot of folks wonder after they've decided to grow a garden that season is "Where do I start?" And then the more complex question follows, "Which vegetable crops do I start indoors and which do I plant directly in the garden?" Well, it really depends on the climate conditions of your area, but the gist of it is that the closer you are to the equator the more likely you will be able to sow tender vegetable crop seeds like tomatoes and peppers outside because that climate is predictably warm. But if you are in a more temperate climate (like many of us in the U.S.), you'll need to start your tender crops indoors (either in a greenhouse or growing space in your home) until outdoor conditions are warm enough for you to transplant your seedlings.

That being said, the true first step is to pin point the last frost date of your area and calculate 2 weeks beyond that to get estimate a transplant date for your potential seedlings. Then, countback 8 weeks from that projected date and that is your latest possible indoor sowing date for your tender garden seeds.

Tomatoes, peppers, summer squash, and cucumbers are among the popular tender crops. So, decide how many tender crops you'll want this year and how many cold hardy crops. Once decided, set aside your cold hardy seeds and focus primarily on starting your tender crops. Cold hardy plants and root crops are prime candidates for direct sowing because, as the title implies, they can withstand colder temperatures—in some cases require it, such as broccoli and cabbage. Other directing-sowing prime candidates are determined by the plants inability to withstand root damage when transplanting. So, keep that in mind but seed those seeds aside for a later date.

Before you sow indoors, you'll want to make sure that you have these supplies:

32 Cell Starter Tray
72 Cell Starter Tray
288 Cell Starter Tray
10"x20" Trays Without Holes
Seed Sower
Spray Bottle

Make sure you have adequate shelf space and breathing space; good airflow promotes healthy growth in the seedlings. We recommend starting your seedlings up to 11 weeks before your projected transplanting date and sow a few each week until the last possible sow date. This gives you the chance to pick the best specimen(s), the ones with the most promising growth, to go in the ground. Maintaining temperature and watering correctly are the most important steps over the next few weeks. Below is a chart of garden crops and flowers with the lowest possible temperature they can stand to germinate.

Seedlings set outside to transition into outdoor environments

Water lightly and maintain a moist but not soggy feel. Once your seedlings poke through the soil, begin giving them at least 8 hours of light—many folks provide their seedlings with up to 12 hours of light. Watch your seedlings grow and begin determining which specimens are the most ideal for transplanting. When the time draws near for transplanting, begin checking the tempeprature of your garden bed to minimize transplant shock when you plant your seedlings in the earth. And most importantly, around that time you need to begin hardening off.

Early Girl Seedling Ready For Transplant

Early Girl Seedling Ready For Transplant

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

0 Comments

No Comments yet! Be the first to start a conversation

  1. Cultivating Christmas TraditionsChristmas gifts, pine sprigs, and ornaments on dark background

    Cultivating Christmas Traditions

    Written By Lara Wadsworth The phrase “Christmas time is here!” will soon echo through your speakers and messaging all around. Most American families, regardless of religion, seem to be celebrating this massive holiday in one way or another. Some may fo...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-11-26
    8 min read
    bubble 0
  2. Giving Tuesday: Turning Gratitude Into Actiongiving tuesday header and person handing off a box of greens

    Giving Tuesday: Turning Gratitude Into Action

    There are a million ways to make the world better. But nothing can happen without action. The best way to make a difference is to start serving, donating, and seeing the people who are within your reach. Big, honorable stories often begin with someone ...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-11-19
    3 min read
    bubble 0
  3. Giving Thanks: The Origins and Traditions of ThanksgivingThanksgiving Day Spread

    Giving Thanks: The Origins and Traditions of Thanksgiving

    Written By Lara Wadsworth One of the most quintessential American holidays is Thanksgiving. With families gathered together, sharing copious amounts of food, and many groups watching either football or televised parades, it is hard to see the true orig...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-11-15
    8 min read
    bubble 1
  4. Power Up with Nutrient-Dense Superfoods to Optimize Your HealthSuper Food writing with fresh produce around it

    Power Up with Nutrient-Dense Superfoods to Optimize Your Health

    Written By Lara Wadsworth Everyone is looking for the easiest and quickest ways to be healthy. Yet, everyone seems to have a different opinion about what that means and how to get there. Superfoods are those few foods that are scientifically backed by ...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-11-15
    8 min read
    bubble 1