When Should I Start Seeds Indoors?

If you are looking to start seeds indoors you can. However, it all depends on the kinds of seeds you are planting. If you are planning to work on vegetables, then the best time to start gardening indoors is 4-6 weeks before the end of the frost. The end of the frost usually occurs within the first week of May. 

Sometimes it goes into mid-May. Four to six weeks before that is mid March. So if you wish to plant vegetables inside your home, start within the first or second week of March.

Also, if you want something like sweet potatoes this year, then you can start this process inside your home too. It takes quite a while for the leaves to sprout before planting, sweet potatoes can be planted in your home as early as today. By the time May comes around, you will have enough slips to plant in your garden.

On the other hand, if you wish to start growing herbs, you can start that 12-14 weeks before the first week of May. In next week’s post I share more details about growing herbs indoors. 

Since we are still early to plant vegetables just yet, you can start planting herb seeds now. Growing herbs is valuable. They can grow to be dried and used as spices later, or you can use them while they are fresh for  cooking. By the time you start planting vegetable seeds in your home, the herbs indoors will already start growing.

Make sure to offer a lot of space for each seed so that it grows without any restrictions. The more seeds you have in a small space the less likelihood they have a chance to flourish properly. If you are using a small container, plant only one seed in there. You will be surprised how wide it will grow. Slowly start getting the tools you need to plant your seeds.

When Should I Start Seeds Indoors?

What You Need Before You Get Started

1. Seeds

What Seeds Should Not Be Started Indoors?

Generally, carrots, beets, squash, radishes, turnips, dill and peas should only be directly sown in the garden.

Know which seeds you want to plant and have a set number you are willing to work with per herb or vegetable. Avoid over planting extra seeds. I made this mistake as shown in expecting gardening success and get your home garden ready. 

2. Containers

It is better to start off right planting the seeds in a larger container. This will give it a chance to use up all the space it is given and grow strong. If you are growing herbs, the planting pots do not need to be as large.

3. Soil

A bag of garden soil is between $3.00-$5.00. If do you not have soil at home, buy a bag to plant your seeds indoors. Whatever is leftover can be used in late spring when it is time to garden outdoors.

4. Water Bottle Shower 

Create a mini water shower with a plastic water bottle. The flow of the water is much more gentle to baby seeds that are in the process of sprouting. They need water poured onto them gently in order for them to grow. An easy effective way to do this is by using a simple plastic water bottle. Poke a few mini holes in the lid. Fill the bottle up with water and pour onto your plants. It works like a charm.

5. Plastic Bags

When you are planting indoors, set your area up on top of plastic bags. This is to avoid bringing any dirt onto the floors of your home. After you are done using them, take the plastic bags outside, shake them off and put them away to use another time. Without something on the ground to let all the dirt fall on, expect it to go inside your home. The work is a little messy.

6. Gardening Gloves

If you are not a fan of getting your hands dirty in some soil, use gardening gloves. They will keep the dirt away and will keep your hands clean. 

In Conclusion

You are now ready to start planting seeds indoors. More information coming up soon.

February 24, 2022