When to start seeds

Transplants require several weeks to grow, so it is important to get your seeds started early, but not too early. Starting seeds too early results in large plants that need to be potted up multiple times before being transplanted outdoors. This not only takes up a lot of space, it is a waste of time and money. 

US Hardiness Zones (courtesy of the USDA)

Starting plants from seed requires careful planning and knowledge of ones growing season. To determine your growing season (last and first frost), find your location on the US Climate Chart and refer to the USDA Hardiness Map to identify your hardiness zone. 

The last frost refers to the average date on which a particular area no longer experiences freezing temperatures in the spring.  

The first frost refers to the average date on which a particular area experiences its first freezing temperatures in the fall.

In the spring, I use the date after which there is only a 10% chance of frost to determine when to start seeds. In my region, the average last frost is April 19^th. The chance of frost after this date is approximately 10%. This does not mean that there is no chance of frost, but based on previous years, it is unlikely that there will be a frost after April 19^th.  From this date, I count back the number of weeks needed to grow strong transplants based on the information that is on the seed packets.  

This year, I am paying extra close attention to the recommended dates for starting seeds in relation to my growing season to minimize the number of times I have to pot up before transplanting outdoors.  Will I succeed?  Stay tuned to find out.