When should I plant seeds?

[Rick VS]

This year I'm going to go with seeds instead of buying whole plants for the garden. I am in SE PA, zone 6, so am wondering, given that I plant the garden at the beginning of May, when should I plant the seeds? And how many seeds should I plant in each container? Thanks.

 

[Tundra20]

well depends on what ur planting different germination rates going on but id say if ur planting in may i would go ahead start ur seeds this gives plenty time and can get some growth to them before you plant them in ground

u got a good warm area and grow lights ?

 

[Meadowlark]

Welcome @Rick VS! I see you joined years ago but haven't been active much. Welcome back then.

If you normally plant the purchased whole plants beginning of May, that would be the target date for transplanting the ones started from seed. Presumably that date is after danger of frosts has passed and soil has adequately warmed to support plant growth in your area.

It takes most veggies about a week to germinate, some more, some less but on average say about 1 week. To get them up to a size suitable for transplanting can take about one-month again give or take depending on the veggie. Before planting, you will need to harden them off. This is a process of gradually increasing their time outside in sunshine...generally in increasing increments of about 2 hours a day and requiring a week to complete.

Summing up...1 week for germination + 4 weeks for growth + 1 week conditioning = 6 weeks. Backing off from beginning of May at least 6 weeks would mean plant the seeds mid-March.

If you want 1 plant per container, then 2-3 seeds in the container and thin to the best, strongest one. Ratio it up if you want more plants per container but recognize you will have to separate the seedlings when you transplant to the garden, a process which can damage them and/or set them back.

If you are contemplating doing an entire garden this way, it can be a lot of containers, a lot of work, not to mention grow lights, space, etc. This is why direct seeding in the garden is, for many varieties, the best option.

 

[oneeye]

Thats a good question friend. I would say to start your seed indoors 4 weeks before the last frost date. I put 2 or 3 small seeds in dixie cups and put them under a shop light to sprout. I only sprout small seed in the cups and directly sow the big seeds in the ground outdoors. I use a timer and run a 12/12 photoperiod. When the seeds spout and start growing, I thin out the weaker and only keep the strong plants. The rate of growth is determined by how much light and how long of a day you give the seedlings. After the last frost I put the plants out in the garden. Keep us posted friend and good luck.