I'm in NE Ohio (zone 6a) and I'm looking to start my garden this year. I've been hearing a lot about the best times to plant and I'm getting a bit confused. I've read that it's good to start seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost, but when is that exactly? Some say late March, some say April, and some even say May! I don't have a garden set up yet, but I'm interested in raised beds or large pots for planting. I really want to grow carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers (green, red, and yellow), spicy peppers like chilies and jalapeños, and maybe some watermelon. I've also heard I can grow herbs indoors, but I'm not sure about that either. Any advice on when to start and what to avoid with raised beds or pots would be super helpful!
1 Answer
In NE Ohio, the key is to wait until after Mother's Day for most plants. For example, I’ve just planted some carrots today and I’ve started my pepper and tomato seeds indoors about a month ago, so you’re still in time to start those indoors! If you're using pots, make sure to get them ready soon so you can transfer your seedlings outside after the frost date.
I'm also in NE Ohio! If I don’t get my raised beds set up in time, is it okay to use pots instead? How big should they be?