When do I start seeds?

**VanVivCam** · 01-12-2009, 01:29 PM

I live in Central Ky and I have NEVER started seeds indoor for my garden, I have always bought plants (which can be VERY expensive). When do I start my seeds indoor for outdoor gardening? (you know, tomatoes, peppers, and so forth.)

Thanks,

Vanessa

**The Muse** · 01-12-2009, 01:36 PM

In zone 5, I start celery, cabbage, broccoli, and lettuce the last week of February. I start tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and herbs the second or third week in March.

I direct sow squash, radishes, carrots, and beans in the middle of May.

**thefrug** · 01-12-2009, 01:50 PM

You need to find what zone you are in so you can find the average last frost date. Count back 6-8 weeks from there and thats the week you start your plants. Now, some cold weather plants that can go out before the last frost dates, you start earlier so they're ready to go when it's still cool weather out.
I'm in zone 6 so I will be starting my cabbage plants the last week of Feb. I can plant them in March. My last frost date is the end of April.

**fixer** · 01-12-2009, 02:19 PM

I don't start my own plants so I am not sure. I would call your local cooperative extension office. They have master gardeners who take questions and are very helpful.

**LastDragonfly** · 01-12-2009, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by fixer

I don't start my own plants so I am not sure. I would call your local cooperative extension office. They have master gardeners who take questions and are very helpful.

I start my own plants but your local coop ext. will give you the "norm" I would also ask your neighbors etc etc.

I live in zone 6 also, I started some stuff last Feb. I should have waited till March. So I will wait till March this year.

**MandiDawn** · 01-12-2009, 02:55 PM

I live in zone 5 (I think) I started everything on St. Patrick day!
this year, I will start my peppers earlier, they grew slow, and had a high failure rate.
My tomatoes I think i will wait until April to start - they grew like crazy.

**Missy** · 01-12-2009, 02:59 PM

Here in my town you can't even think about planting anything outside till Mother's day. So i start inside and begin to harden off plants. I start my seeds in late february and then by mid april i can begin hardening them off.