Seed Starting Process : Timing -Do not start seeds too early!
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Use this map to figure out your average last frost date: www.Plantmaps.com
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Use the last average frost date to work backwards using this interactive spreadsheet (this one is the best!) and determine when to start seeds indoors. https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/seed-planting-schedule-calculator.html
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I have used the above planting calculator as a starting point for all of my seedling starting.
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Throughout the years, I have also made some adjustments and now have a week-by-week seeding schedule set up Here is a brief breakdown of my schedule (with a slight adjustment for a May 20 frost-free date):
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**Onions, cool greens, brassicas to be planted outside in mid April have an asterisk.
Daisy Hill Farm Planting Schedule- Approximate
Week Starting |
Plant to be seeded indoors |
1/31 |
Onions, scallions, leeks, chives ** |
2/24 |
Celery, celosia, coneflower, viola, parsley*, Snapdragon* |
3/3 |
Ghost Pepper, columbine |
3/10 |
Peppers, Ginger, Turmeric, Lettuce*, Chard*, Spinach*, Broccoli*, Kohlrabi*, Collards*, Cauliflower*, Poc choy*, Cabbage*, Kale*, Brussels* |
3/17 |
Eggplant, Ground Cherry, Arugula*, |
3/24 |
Artichoke, Ageratum, Bee balm, Drumstick flower, Nigella, Feverfew, Bachelor Button, Aster, Calendula, Celosia, Dianthus, Marigold, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Gongura, Luffa Gourd, Lemongrass, Fennel, Basil (for larger seedlings) |
3/31 |
Cosmos, Cilantro, Dill, Tomato, Aster |
4/7 |
Bitter Gourd, Ridge Gourd, Luffa Gourd, Hard Shelled Gourds, Amaranth, Statice, Tithonia, Strawflower, Chamomile, Kale, Bok Choy, Chard, Kohlrabi, Cabbage, Lettuce, Malabar Spinach, Broccoli, Collards, Cauliflower, Brussels |
4/14 |
Tomatillo, Zinnia |
4/21 |
Melon, Okra, Nasturtium |
4/28 |
Sunflower, Corn, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Squash, Bean |