Many vegetables can be started indoors in just a few weeks, by mid-February. Warm-season veggies like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant can be started, and some cool-season veggies also appreciate a head start before transplanting outdoors.
Do remember that root crops (like beets, carrots, turnips, and even yams) do NOT like to be transplanted, so they should be direct-sown at the proper time.
Here’s What You Need to Get Started
The first thing you need is plenty of sun or part-sun, supplemented with a grow light. Be sure you can raise or lower your grow lights, because seedlings get taller.
The second thing you’ll need is seed-starter soil. Seed starting soil is finer to allow tiny new roots to grow into it. It’s also sterilized to prevent introducing diseases that could attack seedlings. You can also use Jiffy Pellets, which are compressed of peat moss.
I like seed starter kits. They come with trays with individual little cells to plant just a couple of seeds in, and usually come with plastic greenhouse lids to help make up for our dry indoor air.
Do Your Homework
Read the back of your seed packet. It will tell you how far down to plant your seed, if direct sowing is recommended, how far in advance to start the seeds, and if they have any special requirements.
One last thing, remember that outdoor humidity is MUCH higher than indoor humidity so that may affect your watering. That’s why I like those seed starting kits with greenhouse lids.
If you have kids, let them help you start those seeds! They’ll enjoy watching the seeds grow, and you’ll enjoy their excitement as they take pride in taking care of their seeds.
Now is the Perfect Time!
We have a great selection of seeds at The Great Big Greenhouse in Richmond, Virginia, and now is a perfect time to get long-season veggies (like tomatoes, etc.) and perennial flowers started. Have fun!