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Seed Starting Guide

Start seeds indoors for stronger plants, earlier harvests, and access to unique varieties not found at nurseries.

Seed Starting Basics

  • • Timing: Count backwards from your last frost date
  • • Soil: Use sterile seed-starting mix, not garden soil
  • • Light: 12-16 hours under grow lights or sunny window
  • • Heat: Most seeds germinate best at 65-75°F

Tomatoes

Start 6-8 weeks before last frost for healthy transplants

5-10 days6-8 weeks early

Peppers

Need warmth and patience - start 8-10 weeks before transplanting

10-14 days8-10 weeks early

Herbs

Start basil, parsley, and cilantro indoors for a head start

7-21 days4-6 weeks early

Lettuce

Fast germinator that can be direct sown or started indoors

2-7 days4 weeks early

Cucumbers

Sensitive to transplanting - use peat pots to minimize shock

3-7 days3-4 weeks early

Basil

Warmth-loving herb that benefits from an indoor start

5-10 days4-6 weeks early

Spinach

Cool-season crop that germinates best in cooler soil

5-9 days4-6 weeks early

Kale

Hardy greens that transplant easily from indoor starts

5-10 days4-6 weeks early

Beans

Fast growers best direct-sown, but can start indoors

4-10 days2-3 weeks early

Squash

Large seeds that germinate quickly in warm conditions

4-7 days2-4 weeks early

Essential Seed Starting Supplies

Seed Trays

Cell trays or peat pots for starting individual plants

Seed Starting Mix

Sterile, lightweight mix that drains well

Grow Lights

LED or fluorescent lights for strong seedlings

Plan Your Seed Starting Schedule

Use our planting calendar to know exactly when to start each seed.

View Planting Calendar