Why wait for the perfect outdoor conditions to kick off your gardening season when you can get a jumpstart right inside your home? Starting seeds indoors allows you to extend your growing season and enjoy a more bountiful harvest. Plus, it's a fun and rewarding way to connect with nature, no matter the weather outside. Wolf Hill will introduce you to seven fantastic seeds you can start indoors right now for a thriving garden later!
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a garden staple, and starting them indoors gives you a significant head start on the growing season. Sow tomato seeds 6-8 weeks before your area's average last frost date. Plant seeds about 1/4-inch deep in seed-starting trays or pots filled with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm (around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit). Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger containers before moving them outdoors.
2. Peppers
Peppers, like tomatoes, benefit from an early start indoors. Begin by sowing seeds 8-10 weeks before the last frost date in your region. Plant seeds about 1/4-inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix and maintain a consistent temperature of 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. When seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots and gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before planting in the garden.
3. Eggplants
Eggplants are another warm-season crop that appreciates an indoor start. Plant seeds 8-10 weeks before your last frost date in a seed-starting mix at a depth of 1/4-inch. Maintain a temperature of 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit, and keep the soil consistently moist. Once seedlings have grown two sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots and gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions.
4. Broccoli
As a cool-season crop, broccoli can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2-inch deep in seed-starting mix and maintain a temperature of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. After seedlings develop two sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger containers and gradually expose them to outdoor conditions before planting in the garden.
5. Cauliflower
Cauliflower, another cool-season crop, can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2-inch deep in a seed-starting mix, and keep the temperature between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots and slowly acclimate them to outdoor conditions.
6. Lettuce
Lettuce is a versatile cool-season crop that thrives when started indoors. Sow seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, planting them about 1/8-inch deep in seed-starting mix. Maintain a temperature of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit, and keep the soil consistently moist. Transplant seedlings into larger pots or directly into the garden when they have a few sets of true leaves, making sure to harden them off first.
7. Marigolds
Marigolds are delightful, low-maintenance flowers that can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Plant seeds 1/4-inch deep in seed-starting mix and maintain a temperature of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Once seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots and gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before planting them in the garden. Marigolds not only add vibrant color to your garden but also act as natural pest deterrents, making them a valuable addition to your outdoor space.
Jumpstart your gardening!
Starting seeds indoors is a fantastic way to get a jumpstart on your gardening season and enjoy a more diverse, bountiful harvest. By carefully selecting seeds that benefit from an indoor start, such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, and marigolds, you'll set yourself up for gardening success. Nurture your seedlings and watch them grow, then transplant them outdoors when the time is right. Happy gardening, and here's to a flourishing garden filled with homegrown delights!
