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When to start seeds indoors?

Forvols

Forvols

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I was wondering when you guys start your seeds indoors? I grew plants last year for tomato/squash/peppers/cukes. But my plants were small by planting time. They ended up producing but later on in the growing year all plants did survive.
Starting seeds indoors I went by the farmers almanac calendar for my zip on their website.
 
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I don't like to take any chance with cold weather, so I usually don't plant till sometimes in early May. As for squash and cukes, I direct sow into the ground. Tomatoes, I will start indoors about six weeks before planting. This includes hardening them off. Peppers should probably start a couple weeks before the tomatoes. However, I've started them the same time as the tomatoes, and they've done fine. They will just be a little time behind to the harvest.
 
Mosts guides say that generally, the time to start your seeds is about 6- 8 weeks before the last expected spring frost date which in our area of middle TN averages around April 15...further east TN might be more like April 20 or even little later.
Starting indoors be sure and have good light from a warm south facing window that gets plenty of sun most of the day or have good grow lights that you can lower over the plants...I mention the light sources because I started some on my kitchen table once that had some sun from a window but not enough and all my seedlings got long, leggy and ended up being weak. They didnt transplant well. Some made it and some didnt. Restarted more indoors, closer to transplant time, not having them on kitchen table so long...and they did much better. When temps allow we move our seedings to the covered front porch to harden off.
Last year was our first year to start everything in the garden from seed. Didnt buy a single plant. It was very rewarding and saved good amount of money.
 
I have grow lights(not expensive ones but all spectrum) but my plants did get leggy they survived. Wanting a better plant this year growing my own. Im going to do more research this year. Our last frost date on average is Apr 21st. But elder neighbor told me to plant after May 1st she said she has seen yrs getting a frost before APR is over.
 
I'm already planning for this year too and looking forward to Spring!

2024 I started my seeds 2/8 (see 1st pic). My last frost/ freeze was 31 degrees on 4/22. I Transplanted into the garden on 4/26.

Tomatos got to long and I had to tie them up and transplant into bigger pots. I'm going to start them about 2 weeks later this Spring. I had my 1st ripe tomato on June 9th (see 2ed pic) and tomatos coming out of my ears by July 8th(see 3rd pic).

Lots of Squash by June 6th.
Peppers were running behind. I'm going to start them earlier this year.
It stopped raining here about the 2ed week of June and everything went down hill after that.
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6-8 weeks as stated earlier, I tend wait at least 2 weeks after the "last frost date" and keep what is planted minimal so that if we get a late frost I can cover everything up.
If your seedlings are getting 'leggy' indoors, add a fan, on low, to give some air movement. I found that helps with the plants to build up and get a bit stronger. I keep the fan on a timer, so it's on for a few hours then off a few, then back on.
 
WTM said:
some of those dates are a bit late for tennessee for the cool season crops.
Click to expand...
The 'Germ Time' 'Weeks from Frost Date' columns can be adjusted to coincide with local conditions, it then auto adjusts the dates.

Actually it was the frost date, here it is adjusted as per the PDF above for Clarksville.
1736789613779.webp
 
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Omega said:
Here is a good site with a calculator.

Seed-Starting Date Calculator | When to Start Seeds Indoors

Use this calculator to ascertain when to start seeds indoors and then to transplant outside, based on the frost-free date in your area.
www.johnnyseeds.com www.johnnyseeds.com
Click to expand...
thats a bit better. with cool seasons crops here we dont usually worry about the last frost date but more about when warm weather will hit. plant much after the first or second week in march and those crops will bolt. that last light frost doesnt hurt most cool season vegetables as long as its not below 28 degrees.
 

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