When to Start Seeds Indoors/Outdoors
Timing Your Seed Starts
Starting seeds indoors is a rewarding skill for any backyard gardener. While purchasing plants that someone else started can offer convenience, some unique or heirloom varieties are only available as seeds. Knowing when to start those seeds indoors is all about timing—and understanding the specific needs of each plant.
Read Your Seed Packet
Seed packets contain essential information to guide your planting schedule, including:
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Days to Germination – how long it takes for seeds to sprout.
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Days to Harvest – the time from transplanting to when you'll begin harvesting.
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Outdoor Planting Guidelines – instructions like “plant after last frost” or “start indoors 6 weeks before final frost.”
These details are crucial for planning a successful growing season.
Understanding Germination
“Days to Germination” refers to the time between sowing a seed and the appearance of the first sprout—assuming optimal conditions such as proper light, moisture, and temperature.
Harvest Timeline
“Days to Harvest” tracks the period from transplanting seedlings outdoors (in the proper soil and air temperatures) to the first signs of mature produce. This helps you plan when to enjoy your harvest.
Transplanting Outdoors
Outdoor planting timing is based on each plant’s cold tolerance. Most seed packets will indicate when to transplant with phrases like “two weeks before last frost” or “after all danger of frost has passed.” Follow these recommendations closely—planting too early risks frost damage, while planting too late can shorten your growing season.
