Hey fellow gardeners! I'm a bit torn about when to start my seeds this year. Last year was my first year growing in my current zone, and I kept detailed notes on my plants' progress. The problem I faced was that my seedlings were ready to go about two weeks before the planting date, which left them leggy. They did recover, but I lost some in the process, and it wasn't great. This year, I'm planning to wait until early to mid-April, but I've been seeing many people in my zone saying they started seeds as soon as possible. I'm really struggling to trust my notes and my own judgment versus listening to what everyone else seems to be saying. Any advice or personal stories would really help me out!
3 Answers
Garden success depends on various factors like your location, crop type, soil, and your gardening goals. Some plants do better when started indoors, while others can be direct-seeded. I've found that if you figure out what works for you, go with it! Not everything has to be perfect, and experimentation is part of the fun of gardening.
I get you! I started my peppers almost 2 weeks ago because they take longer to germinate. But for crops like cucumbers and squashes, I sow them directly outdoors when the soil is warm. Just keep an eye on your local frost dates and adjust as needed!
The key is to know your garden and trust your own experience. I used to start tomato seeds on January 1, but after moving, I realized mid-January was better for my new spot. It takes time to build your own gardening knowledge, so stick to what worked for you before and remember the lessons learned from previous seasons!