Information On Which Vegetable Seeds To Sow Indoors Or Outdoors
Vegetables can be planted indoors or outdoors. Normally, when you plant seeds indoors, you'll need to harden the seedlings off and transplant them into your garden later. So which vegetables are best started inside, and which are best to direct sow in the garden? Read on for information on where to sow vegetable seeds.
Starting Seeds Indoors vs. Direct Sowing Outside
Depending on the particular crop planted, gardeners can go about sowing seeds directly in the ground or starting them inside. Typically, plants that transplant well are the best candidates for vegetable seed starting indoors. These normally include the more tender varieties and heat-loving plants too. Sowing seeds indoors allows you to get a jump on the growing season. If you start your vegetable seed planting at the right time for your area, you'll have strong, vigorous seedlings ready to go into the ground once the regular growing season begins. In areas with short growing seasons, this method is ideal. Most of your root crops and cold hardy plants respond well to vegetable seed planting directly outdoors. No matter how careful one is when transplanting a young plant, there is bound to be some minor root damage. Many plants that do well directly sown do not respond well to being transplanted because of the potential root damage.
Where to Sow Vegetable Seeds and Herbs
To help get you started with where to sow vegetable seeds and common herb plants, the following list should help:
Artichoke | Row 0 - Cell 1 | X |
Arugula | X | X |
Asparagus | Row 2 - Cell 1 | X |
Bean (Pole/Bush) | X | X |
Beet* | Row 4 - Cell 1 | X |
Bok Choy | X | Row 5 - Cell 2 |
Broccoli | X | X |
Brussels sprout | X | X |
Cabbage | X | X |
Carrot | X | X |
Cauliflower | X | X |
Celeriac | X | Row 11 - Cell 2 |
Celery | X | Row 12 - Cell 2 |
Collard greens | X | Row 13 - Cell 2 |
Cress | X | Row 14 - Cell 2 |
Cucumber | X | X |
Eggplant | X | Row 16 - Cell 2 |
Endive | X | X |
Gourds | X | X |
Kale* | Row 19 - Cell 1 | X |
Kohlrabi | Row 20 - Cell 1 | X |
Leek | Row 21 - Cell 1 | X |
Lettuce | X | X |
Mache greens | X | Row 23 - Cell 2 |
Mesclun greens | X | X |
Melon | X | X |
Mustard greens | X | Row 26 - Cell 2 |
Okra | X | X |
Onion | X | X |
Parsnip | Row 29 - Cell 1 | X |
Peas | Row 30 - Cell 1 | X |
Pepper | X | Row 31 - Cell 2 |
Pepper, chili | X | Row 32 - Cell 2 |
Pumpkin | X | X |
Radicchio | X | X |
Radish | Row 35 - Cell 1 | X |
Rhubarb | Row 36 - Cell 1 | X |
Rutabaga | Row 37 - Cell 1 | X |
Shallot | Row 38 - Cell 1 | X |
Spinach | Row 39 - Cell 1 | X |
Squash (summer/winter) | X | X |
Sweet corn | Row 41 - Cell 1 | X |
Swiss chard | Row 42 - Cell 1 | X |
Tomatillo | X | Row 43 - Cell 2 |
Tomato | X | Row 44 - Cell 2 |
Turnip* | Row 45 - Cell 1 | X |
Zucchini | X | X |
*Note: These include growing for greens. |
Basil | X | X |
Borage | Row 1 - Cell 1 | X |
Chervil | X | Row 2 - Cell 2 |
Chicory | Row 3 - Cell 1 | X |
Chives | Row 4 - Cell 1 | X |
Comfrey | X | Row 5 - Cell 2 |
Coriander/Cilantro | X | X |
Dill | X | X |
Garlic chives | X | X |
Lemon balm | X | Row 9 - Cell 2 |
Lovage | X | Row 10 - Cell 2 |
Marjoram | X | Row 11 - Cell 2 |
Mint | X | X |
Oregano | X | Row 13 - Cell 2 |
Parsley | X | X |
Rosemary | X | Row 15 - Cell 2 |
Sage | X | Row 16 - Cell 2 |
Savory (Summer & Winter) | X | X |
Sorrel | Row 18 - Cell 1 | X |
Tarragon | X | X |
Thyme | X | Row 20 - Cell 2 |
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Nikki Tilley has been gardening for nearly three decades. The former Senior Editor and Archivist of Gardening Know How, Nikki has also authored six gardening books.
-
Forage For Herbs: 7 Tasty And Safe Wild Herbs To Pick Close To Your Own Backyard
In addition to growing your own herbal staples, did you know there are several wild options out there that are safe and tasty – and free? Try foraging these 7 wild herbs
By Amy Grant
-
Should You Cut Back Roses In The Fall? – When To Prune Your Prized Shrubs For Winter
Discover whether to cut back roses before the onset of winter – or to leave plants alone until spring.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
How Many Vegetables To Plant Per Person For A Year
Gauging how much to plant in a vegetable garden can eliminate waste while still producing enough for your family. Click for more.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
13 Perennial Fruits And Vegetables You Only Have To Plant Once
Looking to set it and forget it? Find out which fruits and vegetables can be grown as perennials.
By Laura Miller
-
11 Edible Plants For A Year-Round Garden In A Bucket
Want to know how to grow food inside your house and which foods do best indoors? Click here to learn all about it.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Frost Tolerance Of Vegetables From Least To Most Hardy
How cold can vegetables tolerate? Knowing which veggies will survive frosts and freezes is essential for the success of your garden. Click here for more.
By Laura Miller
-
Best Vegetables To Pickle Straight From The Garden
Pickles aren’t limited to just cucumbers. Read on for tips on pickling your fresh veggies.
By Amy Grant
-
Benefits Of Planting In Fall Vs. Spring Vegetable Plots
Learn why some vegetables do better if you plant them in fall instead of spring.
By Laura Miller
-
Interplanting Vegetables In The Fall Garden
Learn all about the benefits of interplanting vegetables for your fall garden.
By Laura Miller
-
Best Vegetables For Growing In Perlite
Perlite is a natural growing medium that comes from super-heated volcanic glass. In some cases, it works better than soil. Read on for more info.
By Laura Miller