When should I start my indoor seeds?

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

The seed catalogues are in full swing.  All the temptation!  I definitely have spring fever.

In our zone 6, February is the month to start our indoor seeds.  There is a long list we can start right now for the “cold crops.”  These are the ones that prefer the cooler temperatures.  Many get their sweetness from a light frost.

Cool season crops:  asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, celery, kale, leek, lettuce, mache, onions, radicchio, scallion, shallot, spinach, chives, and fennel.  You can actually sow mache seeds outdoors now.  Mache, also known as corn salad, is extremely cold hardy.  It is packed with nutrients, too.

You can also start the following herbs: marjoram, parsley, sage, savory and thyme.

For seed starting, the Aerogarden works terrific.  I have had a 90% success rate with this system.  You can buy a seed starter tray that you insert in the tub that allows you to start about 70 seedlings.  It automatically turns the light on and off at the time needed for getting your seedlings a strong start.