When to start seeds?

[Amanda80]

I'm thinking about trying to grow lettuce and broccoli from seeds this year. When do I need to start them her in Alabama? I know they go in the ground early, so I'm wondering if I should start them soon.

 

[Tmann]

I don't start mine until mid march but a lot depends on the winter we are having. I am in zone 6 though.

 

[KimmyMarkks]

I'm not to sure about Alabama as the weather is a lot warmer there. I know I usually plant my vegetable seeds in mid-spring. However, I'm not sure yet about this year because it has been so warm! I may start earlier if we have a warm spring/hot summer.

 

[marlingardener]

Amanda, here in zone 8A or B (depends on which map you look at) I start broccoli inside in starter pots during the first week of January. I sow leaf lettuces directly into the garden by mid-January. Both are very cold hardy and will survive. I also plant spinach at the same time as the lettuce. I plant the Bloomsdale Long Standing, and have a nice spinach crop by March.

 

[GreenJo]

I don't start mine until mid march but a lot depends on the winter we are having. I am in zone 6 though.

I'm a newbie, in zone 6B. What can I do to get started if I want to try growing anything from seed this year? Do people still use special grow lights if they are starting seeds indoors? I don't have a good window area in a room that is not off limits to the cats. . .