When should you start seeds for spring?
This may be a question on your mind as the spring gardening season is nearly upon us.
In our last post, we shared with you 10 seeds to start indoors. But now your question is probably okay… now WHEN should you start your seeds indoors for spring so they’re ready for planting this spring?
In this post, we’re going to answer that question by sharing with you:
- How to find your final frost date
- How to calculate your seed starting dates based on your zone
- Seed starting dates for 9 common garden vegetables
How to Find Your Final Frost Date:
A seed’s starting dates will depend on your zone’s particular climate and when the final frost date is for that year.
So how do you find your final frost date?
That’s where the Old Farmer’s Almanac comes in handy! With this online tool, you can find your final frost date based on your zipcode.
Stoney Creek Farm is located in Franklin, TN, and so our final frost date is projected for April 16.
Seed Starting Dates for Common Garden Vegetables:
The following seed starting dates are set for a final frost date of April 16.
For those of you in a different growing zone, this seed-starting date calendar will give you personalized seed starting dates based on your area’s final frost date.
Broccoli
Start your seeds:
- Between February 19 and March 5
Set your seeds outdoors:
- 2 weeks before the final frost date
- Around April 2
Cabbage
Start your seeds:
- Between February 5 – March 19
Set your seeds outdoors:
- 4 weeks before final frost date
- March 19 – April 16
Cauliflower
Start your seeds:
- February 19 – March 19
Set your seeds outdoors:
- 2 weeks before final frost date
- April 2 – April 16
Eggplant
Start your seeds:
- February 19 – March 12
Set your seeds outdoors:
- April 30 – May 7
Swiss Chard
Start your seeds:
- February 19 – March 5
Set your seeds outdoors:
- 2 weeks before final frost date
- April 2
Lettuce
Start your seeds:
- February 12 – February 26
Set your seeds outdoors:
- 3 to 4 weeks before final frost date
- March 19 – March 26
Onion
Start your seeds:
- January 8 – January 22
Set your seeds outdoors:
- 4 weeks before final frost date
- March 19
Pepper
Start your seeds:
- March 5
Set your seeds outdoors:
- 2 weeks after final frost date
- April 30
Tomato
Start your seeds:
- February 26 – March 19
Set your seeds outdoors:
- 1 to 2 weeks after final frost date
- April 23 – April 30
***
Happy planting! If you have any questions about growing your own healthy food, we’d love to help. You can email us your questions at stoneycreekfarmtennessee@gmail.com.
RELATED READING:
- 10 Seeds to Start Indoors
- 3 Grains You Can Easily Grow in Your Garden Plot
- 5 Steps to Prep Your Garden for Spring Planting
LOCAL TO MIDDLE TENNESSEE?
Join us for our Kid’s Class: How to Create an Herb Garden with Seeds & Seedlings
Cultivate the joys of gardening within your child or grandchild!
Join us at Stoney Creek Farm in Franklin, TN on Saturday, March 19 to learn how to create an herb garden with seeds and seedlings.
In this fun, hands-on class, your child or grandchild will be able to create a beginning herb garden by learning how to plant seeds and transplant seedlings.
