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Vegetable Gardening

Starting late. Missed spring. Can I still start seeds & bulbs?

13 years ago

I had been out of town for most of April & so was my cat/plant sitter. I planted some herbs & fruit when I got home but I want to use bulbs & seeds as well. Do the bulbs & seeds need that early spring chill? Oh, the squirrels dug up my bulbs already in the ground. They didn't even have the courtesy to eat them they just dug them up. I have a small terrarium w/ grow lighting to use for seeds but they always seem to get leggy. I don't want to spend $$$$$$ if nothing comes up. Also, how do you feed seedlings?

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Comments (5)

Donna
13 years ago
Depending on the specific seed, I wouldn't think it's too late for you to start seeds. If you are frost free, or nearly so, start them outside. For more info, check out the Winter Sowing Forum.

I started my tomato seeds outside in early March here, even though the night time temps were still in the forties. They are the best looking transplants I have ever started. There's no substitute for sunshine, breezes, and occasional real rain.

As for fertilizing seedlings, I use a mild liquid fertilizer on transplants once a week after they get their first set of true leaves.
digdirt2
13 years ago
What specific vegetable "bulbs"?? and seeds are we talking about? That can make a big difference in answering your question.

Dave
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lisaemc2
Original Author
13 years ago
The bulbs are peonys, day lilies, clematis, begonia & lily of the valley. The seeds are tomatoes, herbs & flowers (mostly sun flowers & alyssum). They would look so nice against the blank canvas that is my yard.
Donna
13 years ago
You should be able to put all of those flower bulbs out now. Be sure to do some research on how to plant the peonies. They are particular about just how you set them in the ground. You can direct seed the sunflowers and alyssum right into the garden.
digdirt2
13 years ago
Since this is the Vegetable Gardening Forum I'll stick to talking about the tomato seeds. Check out the Bulbs and the many flower forums for more info on them. ;)

The tomatoes can be started from seed 6-8 weeks before your plant out date - which usually 1-2 weeks after your last frost date. In your zone I am guessing that is the end of May? That would make it too late to start tomatoes from seed for the best results.

But if you have some seeds for some early varieties you could try them and still get fruit from them before your first fall frost. Otherwise I think I'd plan to go with tomato transplants this year and save the seeds for next year.

Good luck with your garden.

Dave

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