Gardening - Starting Seeds Indoors

As soon as the holidays are over, it is time to start planning your garden.  Dig out your seed trays and start checking your supplies.  It is too early to get any basil or tomatoes going, and if started too early the seedlings will turn into pathetic, lanky, weak plants that won't do anything outside except embarrass us.

The trick to successful seeding is planning, starting the right seeds at the right time in the right conditions.  Generally, the right time to start seeds depends on when the seedlings can be moved outside safely in your specific area.  No matter which zone you garden in, there are plants that can be started indoors during the month of February, and moved outside before the end of May.

Here is a list of vegetables that can be started indoors in January and February, and moved outside in early spring (March - April) if you garden in zones 4 - 8, or late spring (April - May) if you garden in zones 2 - 3. The chart lists the approximate indoor starting date, the germination temperature needed, the seed's required conditions, and the approximate number of days until germination.

The planting dates are based on John West's experience in Denver, Colorado (40 degrees north latitude with a 5000-foot elevation), so the planting times will be suitable for most northern climates.  John uses an assumed planting date of April 15 for "early spring." If you live in zone 5 or above, you might want to seed two to three weeks earlier if you like taking chances.  Seeds listed as needing dark for germination will germinate in bright light conditions (such as in a bright window, greenhouse, or under fluorescent lights positioned no more than six inches directly over the flats) if they're covered to several times their thickness.  Seeds listed as requiring light need to be uncovered and in bright light.

Remember; the seed dates are approximate. If you haven't seeded Chives or Onions yet, this doesn't mean that it's too late. You will notice from the chart that these three vegetables are ideal seeding companions, as they all need the same germination temperature.

You can actually start lettuce (including mesclun) a little earlier than this.  Seed directly into large shallow clay pots, which can be put out in a sheltered location after the greens have gotten big enough.  House temperatures cause lettuce to wilt.  You can start leaf and butter lettuce now and transplant it into a cold frame or plastic tunnel in early March... sowing seed radish, spinach, and bok choy directly into the frame or tunnel when the lettuce is transplanted.

Know Your Zone!

The very first thing you need to do when you have decided to plant a garden is to find out what gardening zone you are in.  Gardening zones are areas of the country that have the same temperature and growing conditions.

 For the best tips and tricks for starting seeds, creating healthy soil and tending your garden.

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