When To Start Seeds: Your Guide To Spring Planting - Tenth Acre Farm

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Spring broccoli seedlings in tray outside

Whether you want to start seeds indoors or sow seeds outdoors, this spring guide covers planting times for 30 popular crops. Kick off your season on time!

broccoli- spring planting

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When Should I Start Seeds?

The following table indicates when to start seeds relative to your spring frost date. Example: Start lettuce seeds, indoors, 6 weeks before your spring frost date. Click here to find your spring frost date. Need help getting started? Get my step-by-step guide to starting seeds indoors.
Crop NameIndoor Start DateTransplant Earliest DateTransplant Latest DateDirect Sow Outdoors
BeansN/AN/AN/A1 week after
BeetsN/AN/AN/A2 weeks before
Broccoli9 weeks before2 weeks beforeN/A2 weeks before
Brussels sprouts6 weeks before2 weeks before9 weeks after2 weeks before
Cabbage6 weeks before2 weeks before9 weeks afterweek of
CarrotN/AN/AN/A2 weeks before
Cauliflower6 weeks before2 weeks afterN/AN/A
Collard greens6 weeks before2 weeks beforeN/Aweek of
Cucumber3 weeks before2 weeks after8 weeks after2 weeks after
Eggplant8 weeks before4 weeks after8 weeks afterN/A
Kale9 weeks before4 weeks beforeN/A4 weeks before
KohlrabiN/AN/AN/A2 weeks before
Lettuce6 weeks before4 weeks beforeN/A4 weeks before
MelonN/AN/AN/A4 weeks after
Okra2 weeks before4 weeks after10 weeks afterN/A
Onion (seeds)10 weeks before4 weeks before8 weeks afterN/A
Onion (sets & transplants)N/A4 weeks before8 weeks afterN/A
PeasN/AN/AN/A4 weeks before
Peppers8 weeks before2 weeks after10 weeks afterN/A
PotatoesN/AN/AN/A2 weeks after
RadishN/AN/AN/A4 weeks before
RutabagaN/AN/AN/A3 weeks after
SpinachN/AN/AN/A2 weeks before
Summer SquashN/AN/AN/A4 weeks after
Sweet Potatoes (Slips)N/A4 weeks after10 weeks afterN/A
Swiss chard4 weeks beforeweek ofN/Aweek of
Tomatoes6 weeks before2 weeks after10 weeks afterN/A
TurnipsN/AN/AN/A2 weeks before
Winter SquashN/AN/AN/A4 weeks after

Note for Hot Climate Gardeners

Frost dates are the most common indicator for figuring out when to start seeds. However, if you live in a hot, dry climate, or at a high elevation, frost dates might not always be your best guide.

Check with your local extension office to get ideal planting dates relative to your unique conditions.

Get your seed starting dates automatically calculated for you!

Staying on course and starting seeds at the right time requires just a bit of planning and organization. Imagine a tool in which you type in your frost date, and it automatically calculates the following FOR 70 CROPS:

  • indoor seed starting dates
  • transplanting dates
  • direct sowing outside dates
    • succession planting (how many days between sowing for a continuous harvest)
  • spacing in the garden
  • days to harvest
  • companion planting suggestions
  • special soil amendments
  • PLUS, fall planting dates for each crop for a continuous, year-round harvest.

Sound amazing?

The good news: This tool exists, and it is just one of six tools you receive with my Complete Garden Planning System, which includes practical tools for planning your season from seed to harvest.

The Complete Garden Planning System

Have you developed a routine for starting seeds in the spring?

READ NEXT:

  • 5 Myths about Starting a Micro Homestead
  • Want to be a Micro-Farmer? 6 Tips for Success (and Six Things Not To Do)
  • Starting Seeds Indoors: A Step-by-Step Guide

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