Getting itchy to get your hands in the dirt, but the February weather has you huddled up inside?
Starting your garden seeds indoors is the best way to get a jump on your garden season. Not only do we get to satisfy that need to plant and grow, but we can do so in a protected environment that guarantees our plants the best start. With so many seed companies offering such an array of options, you can customize your garden exactly the way you’d like, rather than relying on whatever your local big box stores or nurseries offer later in the spring.
But, which seeds to choose? And when to start them??
Starting plants too early in your season means they might be leggy and weak before the weather outside has improved enough to move them out. Especially if you have a spring like we did last year, where the rains just would. not. stop!
We are considered growing zone 8B here at the coast, so our last median frost date is around April 15th. Factoring that as my transplant date, I’ll begin this month starting seeds that require 8-12 weeks of growth before being moved outside.
(Need to find your growing zone? Here’s a good chart)
Vegetables:
- Celery
- Chives
- Leeks
- Luffa Gourd
- Eggplant
- Onions & Shallots
- Artichokes
Flowers:
- Carnation
- Dianthus
- Eucalyptus
- Decorative Grasses (eg feather top)
- Northern Sea Oats
- Verbascum
- Black Eyed Susan
- Feverfew
- Figwort
- Hollyhock
- Lavender
- Liatris Gayfeather
- Rudbeckia
- Snapdragon
- Stock
- Yarrow
If your garden is prepped and ready, these varieties can be direct seeded in early spring:
- Larkspur
- Kiss Me Over The Garden Gate
- Calendula
- Bupleurum
- Hollyhock
- Nigella
- Phlox
- Poppy
- Snapdragon
- Sweet Peas
Of course, what you start in the month of February will be determined by your growing zone, last frost date, goals for the season, as well as your time and space constraints. Be realistic about what plants you really have room for, what you will actually have the time to care for, and what you want from your garden space.
Whatever you choose to start this month, make sure your growing conditions are conducive to success. Some seeds need darkness to germinate, while others need light. Some require warmth (as provided by a heat mat) while others may need a high humidity level. Check your seed package for variety specific instructions. All your starts will require good lighting to properly grow once they’ve sprouted to keep them from getting spindly. We use shop lights we purchased at Costco for our setup.
Whatever you choose to start seeds this month or not, enjoy those extra minutes of daylight were gaining each day! Garden Season will be here before you know it!!
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