When to Start Vegetable Seeds Indoors Zone 5
Starting your own vegetable garden is a great way to save money and enjoy fresh produce. Knowing when to start vegetable seeds indoors will ensure a successful crop in zone 5. Although the timing varies depending on the specific vegetable, there are some guidelines to help you get started.
When to Plant
- Cool season crops: Start plant cold-tolerant crops such as peas, lettuce, and carrots indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in zone 5 (around early April).
- Warm season crops: Start warm-weather-loving crops such as tomatoes, peppers and watermelons indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost date (around late February).
If your area has unpredictable weather, you may need to wait until closer to the middle ground of these two planting times. Start creeping vegetables such as cucumbers, melons, and squash a little earlier than other vegetables.
Where to Plant
You will need to provide adequate light for your seeds to germinate and flourish. If you don’t have a sunny window, you can invest in a seed-starting kit with grow lights. Make sure your grow lights are either fluorescent or LED and placed within a few inches of the surface of the soil.
What to Plant
Knowing which vegetables to plant indoors is important. Many vegetables, such as beans, corn, kale, and cabbage, don’t do well when planted indoors. These vegetables should be planted directly into your garden after the last frost. Some vegetables, including spinach, onions, and garlic, can be started both indoors and outdoors.
By knowing when to start vegetable seeds indoors and the best practices, you can ensure a successful harvest in zone 5.
