Seed Starting Guide: What to Plant and When

As the days finally start getting longer, it is time to get your hands dirty again. If you have a garden, a balcony, or even just a sunny windowsill, starting seeds indoors (pre-sprouting) is one of the most rewarding things you can do right now.

Many popular vegetables, like tomatoes and chilies, have a long growing season. If we wait to plant the seeds outside until the danger of frost has passed, the summer will be over before the plants have time to produce any fruit. By starting them indoors now, you give them a crucial head start.

I learned about the importance of timing the hard way with sunflowers. The very first time I tried growing them, I planted the seeds way too late, but they still ended up growing almost half a meter taller than me! So, a few years later, I decided to start them way too early. They stood in a window with plenty of sunlight and looked great at first. But while I was waiting for the last night frost to pass, they just kept stretching. They became incredibly tall and leggy. By the time I could finally move them outside, they were far too weak to survive the transition. I didn't get a single sunflower that year.

Timing is everything. Plant too early, and your seedlings will become tall, weak, and leggy before they can go outside (just like my sunflowers). Plant too late, and your harvest will be delayed. Here is a general guide on when to start your seeds.

• Light is crucial: As soon as the seeds sprout, they need maximum light. If you don't have a very bright, south-facing window, consider getting a cheap grow light. Otherwise, they will stretch and become weak.
• Keep it moist, not soaked: Seeds need humidity to crack open. Covering your pots with a clear plastic dome or bag helps retain moisture. Once they sprout, remove the cover to prevent mold.
• Harden them off: Never move an indoor plant directly into the harsh outdoor sun and wind. Gradually introduce them to the outdoors over a week (a few hours a day in the shade first) before planting them in the garden.

If you haven't bought your seeds yet, now is the time to start planning your summer garden!