As presently as I ’ve taken down the Christmas decorations and dragged out the tree , I dig out my seed trays and start checking my supplies . I lie with it ’s too early to get any Basil the Great or tomatoes going ; I make out Zinnias and Impatiens wo n’t be able to go into the ground until the end of May ( if then ! ) ; I bonk that seeds embark on too early indoors will plow into silly , lanky , weak plants that wo n’t do anything outside except embarrass me , but I ca n’t help myself ; seed fever has set in .
The trick to successful seeding is plan and start the veracious seeds at the good time in the right-hand conditions . in general , the correct sentence to start seeds depends on when the seedlings can be moved outside in your specific area . No matter which zone you garden in , there are plants that can be started indoors this calendar month and locomote out of doors before the closing of May .
For you other eager seeder , here are lists of vegetables and bloom that can be started indoors in January and February and moved out of doors in early leaping ( March – April ) , if you garden in zona 4 – 8 , or late spring ( April – May ) , if you garden in zone 2 – 3 . Each chart ( adapted fromGarden and Greenhouse ’s “ Planting Guide for SpringBedding Plants ” ) list the approximate indoor start date , the germination temperature need , the come ’s require conditions , and the approximate number of days until sprouting .
The planting dates are based on John West ’s experience in Denver , Colorado ( 40 arcdegree Second Earl of Guilford latitude with a 5000 - substructure elevation ) , so the planting time will be suitable for most northern climates . John apply an assumed planting date of April 15 for “ other bound . ” If you live in zone 5 or above , you might want to seed two to three weeks before if you wish taking chances . ejaculate list as needing dark for germination will spud in promising light conditions ( such as in a bright windowpane , greenhouse , or under fluorescent lights place no more than six inches at once over the flats ) if they ’re covered to several times their thickness . come listed as requiring clear needs to be uncovered and in bright light .
Remember ; the seed dates are approximate . If you have n’t seeded Chives or Onions yet , this does n’t mean that it ’s too late . You ’ll notice from the chart that these three veggie are idealistic seeding fellow traveller , as they all take the same germination temperature .
I really start my lettuce ( include mesclun ) a little to begin with than this , as I know the warm vernal greens . I seed directly into big shallow clay pots , which I put out on my sheltered balcony after the Green have let big enough , as theater temperature cause loot to wilt . In her 1996 Gardening Calendar , Helen Chestnut has another swell estimate for harvest spring lettuce early on ; she recommends starting leaf and butter lettuce now and then transplanting it into a frigid frame or plastic tunnel in early March … sowing seminal fluid radish plant , spinach , and bok choy directly into the inning or tunnel when the cabbage is transplanted .
Flowers
I admit I ’m a sucker for a pretty heyday . This table is coordinate by germination temperature , rather than alphabetically , to make it loose to grouping seeds .
While there are many other blossom seeds that can be started in February , this tilt only includes the tough or semi - intrepid 1 that can be planted outside in former spring , so you do n’t ask to worry about keeping them alive indoors for an extra calendar month or two while you ’re waiting for the temperatures outside to wax . You other Basil andzinnialovers do it you ’ll have to wait another calendar month or two to get these tender heat fan going !
But if you have enough windowsill space or some grow lights define up , you could get your indoor seeding program right away . Happy sowing !
Newsletter Contest
All estimate can be sent to Removed . The winner will be announced at the end of the month and will be awarded an Orchard Mason Bee Condo !
