The Best Time to Start Seeds Indoors
When to start seeds indoors depends on the type of seed and the last expected frost date for your area. Frost dates are averages and are given as a range of dates. Once you know your last expected frost date, your seed package should tell you how many weeks ahead you should start the seeds. Count back from the last expected frost date for each type of seed you are planting and you’ll have a planting schedule.
An Example: Determining When to Start Your Seeds
If you live in USDA Zone 6 (Frost Free Date Range March 30 - April 30) and you want to plant broccoli, which should be started five to seven weeks before the Frost Free Date, count back seven weeks from March 30th. That will give you a planting date of February 9. That’s the earliest you should consider starting your broccoli seeds. If it seems like it will be an early spring, go ahead and start planting on February 9. However, you would probably be better off averaging the Frost Free Date Range to April 15 (halfway between March 30 and April 30) and counting back from there. Holding the seedlings for a couple of weeks before transplanting won’t be as stressful on them as holding them for an entire month.
Last Expected Frost Dates by Zone
Zone 1: June 1 - June 30Zone 2: May 1 - May 31Zone 3: May 1 - May 31Zone 4: May 1 - May 31Zone 5: March 30 - April 30Zone 6: March 30 - April 30Zone 7: March 30 - April 30Zone 8: February 28 - March 30Zone 9: January 30 - February 28Zone 10: January 1 - January 31Zone 11: Frost Free Year Round
On the next page is a list of commonly planted flowers, vegetables, and herbs and how many weeks before your areas Last Frost Date to start them. If you want more specifics on your Frost-Free Date, check the USDA Hardiness Zone Map or contact your local Cooperative Extension. Now that you know your last expected frost date, count back from the last expected frost date for each type of seed you are planting and you’ll have a planting schedule. If your plant is not listed here, check the back of your seed package for seed starting recommendations.
