Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
TO ENJOY THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE HARVEST, I like to start certain crops indoors. Some seeds — tomatoes come to mind — require fairly warm soil in order to germinate; if I had to wait for the heat of June to plant them in the Kitchen Garden, I probably wouldn’t see any fruit until the end of summer. Furthermore, established transplants are less likely to be murdered by invading insects. For handy reference, here is a list of what to plant and when:
INDOOR SOWING SCHEDULE OF VEGETABLES & HERBS
Count backwards from your average last frost date:
Twelve weeks: Brussels Sprouts
Eleven weeks: Leeks, Artichokes and Cauliflower
Ten weeks: Celery, Celeriac, Jicama and Lemon Grass
Nine weeks: Broccoli, Cabbage and Kohlrabi
Eight weeks: Eggplant, Tomatoes, Chiles, Sweet Peppers, Chives, Sage, Stevia, Thyme and Parsley
Six weeks: Fennel, Onions, Shallots, Tomatillos and Basil
Four weeks: Melons, Winter Squash, Summer Squash and Edible Gourds
Of course, the above list is only useful if you know the average last frost-date for your zone. The National Climatic Data Center will provide this information for you. Here in zone 5-b, the average last frost date is May 17.
As I have mentioned elsewhere on this blog, I don’t depend on windowsills for indoor seed-sowing projects. My sunniest windows are already overflowing with houseplants. Also, seeds placed in windows tend to produce weak, leggy growth. I plant the seeds instead beneath the fluorescent light stations in my study, where they develop into sturdy specimens well-suited for outdoor planting at the proper time.
If you have any comments or questions concerning indoor seed-sowing, by all means post them in the comments section below.
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Eric says
Great! Just what I need!
Adele says
Very helpful, Kevin! I'm going to print this list out. Thanks for posting it.
Alan says
What about green beans?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Alan – because they sprout so quickly, green beans are best started directly in the garden.
Vicki says
What about cucumbers? I've been reading about all the varied household uses for cucumbers and think I will plant some this year.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Welcome, Vicki! Here in zone 5-b, start cucumbers 4 weeks before the last frost, and, to be safe, do not transplant out until the first week in June. Cukes will not tolerate even a slight amount of frost.
Charlotte says
Waht about Snap peas, corn and carrots?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Charlotte – best to start snap peas, corn and carrots outdoors. In fact, snap peas and carrots can be planted in the open garden around St. Patrick's Day (March 17); they are cool season crops.