Starting Vegetable & Herb Seeds Indoors

It's a new year and the realization that taking care of ourselves is essential to optimizing our health and well-being is growing.  One strategy that we may want to integrate into our lives, to achieve this goal, is to grow plants.  
 
Growing plants engages us in nature in many ways.  Research shows that 120 minutes a week in nature is required for our physical health and cognitive function.  In addition, who doesn't love the taste of a sweet, juicy, pesticide-free tomato picked right from the vine?
 
So, if you are ready to deepen your relationship with nature, how about starting by growing seeds?  Spring is around the corner.  Let's talk about which seeds you may want to start indoors in order to get a head start.
 
First, it is imperative that you identify the last frost date where you live. According to the Farmer's Almanac, "A frost date is the average date of the first or last light freeze that occurs in spring or fall. Note that local weather and topography may cause considerable variations. The probability of frost occurring after the given spring dates and before the given fall dates is 30 percent."
 
To find out the date specific to where you would like to plant your seeds visit, The Farmer's Almanac Frost Date page.
Now that you know your frost date, let's take a look at some common vegetables and herbs that people like to grow from seed, and when is the best time to start them.  Please note, you can also start flowers and other plants indoors, but today we will focus on vegetables and herbs.  Always check the instructions on each of the seed packets for specific start times.

Indoor Sowing Guide For Vegetables and Herbs
(Sowing dates noted are before the last frost date that you identified for your area)
 
10-12 Weeks Before Last Frost Date:
Artichoke, Celery, Eggplant, Rosemary
 
8-10 Weeks:
Dill, Endive, Escarole, Leek
 
6-8 Weeks:
Chives, Lemon Balm, Marjoram, Oregano, Parsley, Swiss Chard Tarragon, Thyme
 
4-6 Weeks:
Basil, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chamomile, Collards, Fennel, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Okra, Sage, Tomatillo, Tomato, Watercress
 
2-4 Weeks:
Broccoli Raab, Cucumber, Melon, Pumpkin, Squash, Watermelon

Starting plants from seed can be fun and help us connect us to nature's cycle of life, which often reflects our own.  To learn more check out our Healthy Green Thumbs™ Videos for more specific details on how to grow seeds indoors:
 
Starting Tomato Seeds Indoors

Grow Plants From Seed

Order Your Favorite Organic Vegetable, Herb and Flower Seeds Now:

If you are looking for where to purchase supplies to help you grow plants to enhance your health and well-being, please visit our shopping pages!
 
The Nurse Farmer™ Shopping Page

The Nature Nurse Shopping Page
 
Happy Growing!