It's Time To Start Shopping For Seeds

It’s Time to Start Shopping For Seeds
22 Jan 2009

With an unusually harsh winter still underway, it might be hard to visualize
working in the garden. But parts of the United States are already closing in on
their official frost free dates,
http://www.naturalgardening.com/shop/frostdatesa-n.php3
so it’s time to order seeds.

This weekend would be a great time to plan your early season beds.
Seeds can be started indoors anywhere from one to eight weeks ahead of planting.

Track down what you need — and here’s to warmer days ahead!

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Seed Starting Chart

http://www.organicgardening.com/featureprint/1,7759,s1-5-19-212,00.html
http://www.organicgardening.com/feature/1,7518,s1-5-19-212,00.html

If you don't know how to use this table, check out our article WhenTo Plant Your
Seeds for directions.

YOUR SEED-STARTING PLAN
The Spring Frost-Free Date in My Garden is_______________
CROP WHEN TO
START INSIDE

WEEKS
FROM SOWING
SAFE TO SET OUT TIME (RELATIVE TO FROST-FREE DATE) SETTING OUT DATE
Basil 6 1 week after
Beets* 4-6 2 weeks before
Broccoli 4-6 2 weeks before
Cabbage 4-6 4 weeks before
Cauliflower 4-6 2 weeks before
Collards 4-6 4 weeks before
Corn* 2-4 0 to 2 weeks after
Cucumber 3-4 1 to 2 weeks after
Eggplant 8-10 2 to 3 weeks after
Kale 4-6 4 weeks before
Kohlrabi* 4-6 4 weeks before
Lettuce 4-5 3 to 4 weeks before
Melons 3-4 2 weeks after
Mustard* 4-6 4 weeks before
Okra* 4-6 2 to 4 weeks after
Onions 6-8 4 weeks before
Parsley 9-10 2 to 3 weeks before
Peas* 3-4 6 to 8 weeks before
Peppers 6-14 2 weeks after
Pumpkins 3-4 2 weeks after
Spinach 4-6 3 to 6 weeks before
Squash 3-4 2 weeks after
Swiss chard 4-6 2 weeks before
Tomatoes 6-8 1 to 2 weeks after
* These crops are usually direct-seeded outdoors, but they can be started
inside.