Sow these seeds ahead of time to initiate the growing season earlier.
Gear up for an awesome gardening season by growing your own plants from seeds indoors! With the short growing season in some areas, early starts offer a host of benefits. Stronger plants, larger harvests, and earlier ripe fruits are just a few reasons to give this a try. Here's the lowdown on growing 12 popular plants indoors.
Crank Up the Heat for Tomatoes and Peppers
Tomatoes and peppers need warmth to thrive, so they're perfect candidates for an indoor start. Plant tomato seeds 6 to 8 weeks before your final frost, and pepper seeds 8 to 10 weeks before. Use a heat mat to encourage fast growth, and keep seedlings under grow lights or in a sunny window. Enjoy fresher, juicier fruits during the hottest summer months.
Don't Rush eggplants, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, and Kale
While tomatoes and peppers love warmth, eggplants, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale are cool-weather crops. Start seeds for these plants 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost, and transplant them into your garden when the weather warms up. These sturdy plants handle the transition from indoors to outdoors well, and you'll be rewarded with crisp, tasty veggies.
Embrace Lettuce, Onions, Leeks, and Celery
Lettuce, onions, leeks, and celery grow best in cool weather. Start lettuce seeds 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost, and onions, leeks, and celery 10 to 12 weeks before. Transplant these plants into the garden when the soil becomes workable, and say goodbye to boring salads and ho-hum meals.
Swiss Chard, Spinach, Parsley, Dill, Basil, Thyme, and Oregano for the Herb Lovers
If you're an herb enthusiast, you'll love starting basil, thyme, oregano, dill, parsley, Swiss chard, and spinach indoors. These flavorful plants grow best when started 6 to 10 weeks before your last frost. Keep them under grow lights or in a sunny window, and enjoy an ample supply of tasty herbs all season long.
Don't Forget Ginger, Dragon Fruit, Tomatillos, and Cucumber
Grow ginger, dragon fruit, tomatillos, and cucumbers indoors if you can't grow them outside, or start them early for a head start when spring arrives. To grow ginger, purchase a chunk of fresh ginger with visible roots. Soak it overnight, then plant it in a pot filled with moist soil. Keep it warm and moist, and you'll have your own fresh ginger in just a few months.
Dragon fruit needs a long growing season, so start seeds indoors 12 weeks before your last frost if you live in a warm climate. Grow dragon fruit in a container if you live in a cooler area.
Tomatillos grow quickly and need a short indoor start before transplanting. Use warm conditions and plenty of light to encourage fast growth. Cucumbers also benefit from a short indoor start before transplanting.
With a little planning and the right seeds, you'll be feasting on delicious homegrown produce before your neighbors even think about planting. Happy gardening!
Ready your home-and-garden for an indoor gardening adventure that spans across various seasons! Lettuce, onions, leeks, celery, and Swiss chard are perfect for cooler months, starting 4 to 12 weeks before the last frost. In the meanwhile, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, basil, thyme, oregano, dill, parsley, and spinach will thrive with an indoor start 8 to 10 weeks before the final frost. Additionally, don't forget to cultivate ginger, dragon fruit, tomatillos, and cucumbers indoors to ensure a bountiful harvest all year round.
