Early Seed Starting Varieties and Advice

by Tusha Yakovleva

While the days are still short and cold and it's still too early to start seeds, it's not too early to plan! Some flower, vegetable, and herb seeds can be sown next month (depending on your Hardiness Zone). Take a look at our list of what you can start sowing next month, then read up on our early seed-starting advice to be prepared.

DSC08965Sow What Now? Some extra hardy plants or, instead, varieties that need an extra-long warm season to mature can be started indoors as early as February. These include alliums such as onions, scallions, leeks, chives, and garlic chives, which can later be transplanted outdoors before your last frost date. Herbs such as parsley, sage, oregano, catnip, and lovage can also be sown next month and transplanted outdoors in early spring. Celery and celeriac, which take a long time to mature, can be started too, and toward the end of the month - tender nightshades such as peppers and eggplants. For a full Seed Starting Schedule - take a look here.

Sow What How? For our advice on successfully starting seeds indoors, read our Seed Starting 101 series: 7 Tips for Indoor Seed-Starting Success and Sowing Practices.

This blog is provided by the Hudson Valley Seed Library, a small group of dedicated growers and plant lovers working to provide good seed to gardeners and small farmers. Your purchases support our work. Thanks!