
What Seeds Need

As Seeds Grow
When the seedlings develop their first true sets of leaves, add water soluble fertilizer to their water – Monty’s® Plant Food is great to use. Repeat every second week to provide good nourishment. Thin the seedlings or transplant them to larger containers as they grow. Before planting outdoors, harden-off the plants at least one week before the planting date. Take the transplants outdoors in the daytime and bring them in at night if frost is likely. Gradually expose them to lower temperatures and more sunlight. The use of hotcaps and frost blankets to cover early plantings will also aid in the hardening off process so the seedlings can adjust well to their new outdoor environment.Transplanting Seeds
Transplant seedlings into the garden after the safe planting date on a calm, overcast day. Pack the soil around the transplant with as little root disturbance as possible. Sprinkle the plants with water, keeping the soil moist until the plants become established.Popular Indoor Seed Start Dates
The exact dates you want to start seeds will vary depending on your local growing season, the varieties of plants you choose and what their needs are. In general, dates for the most popular plants include…Vegetable Seed Starting Dates
- February – Celery, onion
- March 1 – Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce
- March 15 – Eggplant, peppers, tomatoes
- April 1 – Summer squash
- April 15 – Cantaloupes, cucumbers, watermelon, winter squash
Flower Seed Starting Dates
- January/February – Begonia, geranium, impatiens, nicotiana, pansy, rudbeckia, salvia, snapdragon, verbena
- March 1 – Ageratum, dahlia, dianthus, petunia
- April 15 – Aster, calendula, celosia, marigold, zinnia