I've always followed seed packet instructions and direct-seeded many crops like peas, beans, carrots, and squash. However, this year I have extra seed flats and potting mix, and I'm curious if there's any reason I shouldn't try starting some of these crops indoors to get ahead. I recently saw a video of sugar snap peas growing from seedlings in flats, and I had a good experience with starting beets indoors last year. Has anyone else had success growing traditionally direct-seeded crops indoors on heat mats and under grow lights? I'm looking to extend my growing season and even planning for a greenhouse in the fall for winter greens.
3 Answers
Absolutely, you can break those rules! I start a bunch of my crops indoors, especially since our growing season is only around 120 days here. I do cucumbers, squash, and zucchini without any problems. I just put one seed per cell or snip extras so I don’t mess with their roots too much. Lots of folks successfully transplant crops like beets and peas. Just be cautious with root crops; I've had some oddly shaped carrots when I tried that route. But honestly, peas are so cold-hardy that I just seed them directly in the ground.
From my experience, the only crop that really has to be direct seeded is carrots. I’ve used heat mats and lights to get beets and cucumbers going without issues. You can even try radishes. Carrots need to grow straight down right from germination, otherwise, they don’t develop well when transplanted. But I agree, for root veggies, deep cells can work if you decide to transplant. Just be wary, they can be fussy!
Here in coastal Maine, starting warm weather plants like squash and cucumbers indoors is a must for me. I usually use 4-inch pots so they’re good to go when it’s time to move them outside. I've started planting beans indoors too and pop them out a few days after they germinate to give them a head start, especially since our soil can be cold and wet. It’s worth experimenting to see what works best for you!
Totally get what you mean about carrots! I use deeper cells for mine too, and despite the challenges, I still manage to transplant them without too much hassle.