Newbie...Should I Start Seeds Now?

17 years ago

Hello. I live in Morristown, NJ and was wondering if I should start planting indoor tomato and pepper seeds?

What else should I start now?

Thanks.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

ben_birding
17 years ago
You can. I know spring isn't far away here. I don't know about up there. You should be able to start htem indoors now though.
0
gardenmomma
17 years ago
You need to know the approximare germination times for your seeds. they don't do too well if the seedlings are kept indoors a long time. They get too leggy. Tomatoes will be fine to start right now because when you plant them outside you can plant them way deep and that way cover any leggy stems.
0
Related Discussions
Lavender from seed -- can I start now? -- advice?
Q
Comments (6)
Your very welcome graficaamy! sorry, can't help with variety[these seeds were in a small pill bottle] We are in zone 3, and would you believe I havent put them out yet, and they are still alive under lights! I think this spring, they can grow in the ground till fall. then I prolly will dig them up, and keep them under lights again. [risky I know] If they flower this year, perhaps someone could help with variety name? Good luck growing !! sarahbarah..Thats Awesome you had them grow like that!![I didnt think I could grow lavender like that. I'm going to give this a try Thanks!
...See More
do i start seeds now?
Q
Comments (8)
Good thing we live in California where "cabin fever" is seomthing we read about in Eastern gardening magazines and where we can sow vegetable and herbs seeds all year round. Here's some more stuff to think about for a San Francisco garden: TO SOW DIRECT IN LATE WINTER (February into March) VEGETABLES Arugula Beets Carrots Chinese broccoli Chinese mustard Collards Corn salad Cress Daikon radish Kale LambÂs Quarters Lettuce, head Lettuce, loose-leaf Mustard Onion ("sets") Orach Pak Choy Pea Potatoes ("seed potatoes") Radish Snow peas Sorrel Spinach Sugar peas Tyfon HERBS Anise Chervil Cilantro, coriander Marjoram Parsley Soup/leaf celery ("smallage") TO SOW INDOORS IN WINTER (January-February) FOR TRANSPLANTING TO THE GARDEN IN SPRING VEGETABLES Broccoli Cabbage Cauliflower TO SOW INDOORS IN SPRING (February-March-April) FOR TRANSPLANTING TO THE GARDEN IN EARLY SUMMER VEGETABLES (and one HERB) Eggplant Pepper Tomato Basil Joe
...See More
Can I start recently collected wildflower seeds now for fall?
Q
Comments (3)
You can always copy Mother Nature and toss any seed onto the ground as soon as it is ripe. A little clearing out of other plants and roughing up the soil to allow better contact with the soil once it rains/gets watered. You could also summer sow--which is just like wintersowing, with the milk jug, etc, but at a later time. The advantages of the container are: constant ambient moisture to improve germination and prevent drying out as fragile seedlings, avoidance of washing away in a torrential downpour, avoiding the seeds and seedlings becoming lunch for some hungry rodent, and the containers are labeled, so you know what is growing and can plant it where ever you like and move them in and out of appropriate levels of sunlight/cold, etc. Happy sowing! Martha
...See More
Can I start perennials from seed NOW
Q
Comments (3)
It depends, but I think for most perennials there's insufficient time to reach a mature crown to overwinter. Try again in the spring, or plant for vernalization after the frosts and freezes start.
...See More
chaz_wi
17 years ago
If you've got grow lights, yes. Otherwise, as gardenmomma said, they won't get sufficient light and will be spindly and weak. If you can regulate the intensity, time, distance, etc., of a light source, then sure - go ahead! (I've got peppers up now.)
0
enart
17 years ago
Tomato seeds should be started now. Hopefully you are growing under lights, if not, make sure you keep the container turned every day to give the plants the same amount of light. Mist the seedlings often they need to be kept damp but not wet. Pinch off the first set of growing leaves. When planting tomatos, plant them on their sides cover the whole stem with soil just leaving the tip where the leaves are, turned up above the soil level. This allows more roots to grow along the stem underground, and produces a stronger plant and a bushier one.
Mrs Greenthumb

Here is a link that might be useful: home
0
redmoss
17 years ago
The way I have done it is to subtract the indoor seed-starting time from the last average frost date for my area (April 15th for northern Virginia). For example, tomatoes should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before outdoor planting. Thus I would start my tomato seeds indoors sometime between February 18 and March 4, which is 6-8 weeks before April 15th.
0
sheltieche
17 years ago
also check out winter sowing forum with their FAQ. You can start your toms outside now and have great results as well. Do not need any special set up just bunch of recycles...
anyway great way to grow lots of seedsling for pennies
0
chevere33
17 years ago
I am in a different zone than you, so it might work since yours can go out sooner than mine. Two years ago, I started mine March 21 and it was a few weeks too soon. I have lights and fans, though.
0

Related Stories

Houzz Interview: Miss Mustard Seed’s Charming Pennsylvania Home

By Adi Tatarko

Full Story

146

GARDENING GUIDES How to Plant a New Lawn From Seed

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Choose from more grass varieties and save money over sod by starting your lawn from seed

Full Story

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES A Quick-Start Guide to Bird-Watching for Fun and Learning

By Alison Hodgson

Set out some seed and grab your field guide. Bird-watching is an easy, entertaining and educational activity for the whole family

Full Story

FARM YOUR YARD 6 Things to Know Before You Start Growing Your Own Food

By Abundant City

It takes time and practice, but growing edibles in the suburbs or city is possible with smart prep and patience

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Get a Head Start on Planning Your Garden Even if It’s Snowing

By Marianne Lipanovich

Reviewing what you grew last year now will pay off when it’s time to head outside

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES How to Stop Worrying and Start Loving Clay Soil

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Clay has many more benefits than you might imagine

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Tips to Start a Garden — Can-Do Ideas for Beginners

By Alison Hodgson

Green up your landscape even if you're short on time, money and knowledge, with these manageable steps for first-time gardeners

Full Story

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Citrus 101: Start Your Own Backyard Orchard

By Vanessa Brunner

This Earth Day Weekend, Add Some Green, Style and Deliciousness to Your Landscape

Full Story

By Ventana Construction LLC

Ask these questions before signing with a contractor for better communication and fewer surprises along the way

Full Story

169

HOUSEPLANTS How to Grow Orchids Indoors

By Marianne Lipanovich

Orchids are the exotic aristocrats of the flower world and can make themselves comfortable in almost any home

Full Story

Newbie...Should I Start Seeds Now?

Comments (7)

ben_birding

gardenmomma

Related Discussions

chaz_wi

enart

redmoss

sheltieche

chevere33

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US