🌿 3. Starting Seeds Indoors (Secret to Getting Ahead!)
Want tomatoes earlier? Basil faster? Peppers that actually ripen?
Start seeds indoors!
Most gardeners begin indoor seeds 6–8 weeks before their last frost date to give plants a big head start.
Great for indoor starting:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Basil
- Broccoli
Then transplant them outside once the weather is warm and stable.
🌦️ 4. Pay Attention to Soil Temperature
Plants don’t just care about air temperature — they care about the soil too.
🌡️ Warm-season vegetables need soil that’s at least 15°C–18°C (60°F–65°F).
Cold soil = slow growth, weak plants, and late harvests.
If your soil still feels cold when you touch it, wait a little longer.
🌧️ 5. Follow the Seasons (Simplified Guide)
Here’s a quick seasonal breakdown:
🌼 Early Spring (Cool Soil)
✔️ Peas
✔️ Spinach
✔️ Lettuce
✔️ Radishes
✔️ Carrots
🌿 Mid to Late Spring (Soil Warms Up)
✔️ Tomatoes (transplants)
✔️ Peppers
✔️ Zucchini
✔️ Cucumbers
✔️ Beans
🌞 Summer
✔️ Successions of lettuce
✔️ More beans
✔️ Heat-loving herbs (basil, oregano)
🍂 Fall Planting
✔️ Spinach
✔️ Kale
✔️ Carrots
✔️ Lettuce
Especially in cooler climates
🌟 6. The Rule I Tell Every Beginner
If you’re unsure, plant in stages.
Nature is forgiving when you spread things out — and you’ll learn what works best in your climate.
🌿 Final Takeaway
The best time to plant a vegetable garden depends on your local frost dates, your climate, and the type of veggies you want to grow. Once you understand cool-season vs. warm-season crops, you’ll be planting like a pro — and harvesting earlier than ever!
