Getting a head start on your garden can make a big difference, especially if you live where the growing season is short. Starting seeds indoors lets you grow stronger plants and enjoy earlier harvests. It’s also a great way to grow plants that take a long time to mature. With a little planning, you can have healthy seedlings ready to go when the weather warms up.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes need time and warmth to thrive, so getting a head start is important. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your final frost. Use grow lights or a sunny window to keep them strong. Early planting gives them the time they need to mature, leading to better yields, fewer pest problems, and juicier fruits when the summer sun hits.
2. Peppers
Peppers grow slowly and need warmth right from the start. Plant them indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost date. A heat mat encourages quick germination, while steady light supports healthy seedlings. Starting early allows peppers more time to mature, leading to more colorful and flavorful fruit throughout the growing season.
3. Eggplants
Eggplants need a long season and warm soil to flourish. Begin planting seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost. Keep them under consistent light and warmth. As seedlings grow, pot them up for strong root systems. Early starts help avoid delays and improve fruit production once transplanted into the garden’s full sun.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli grows best in cool weather and benefits from an indoor start. Plant seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the final frost. By transplanting strong seedlings, you can harvest heads before summer heat arrives. This also reduces the chance of bolting, helping you enjoy crisp, tight florets when they’re at their peak.
5. Cabbage
Cabbage is a cool-weather crop that can tolerate some frost. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. Healthy seedlings handle outdoor conditions better and establish quickly. Early planting gives them time to develop firm, full heads before temperatures rise and insect pressure increases in mid-season.
6. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is picky about its growing conditions. It prefers steady temperatures and dislikes stress. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost and grow them in consistent light. A good head start prevents bolting and allows the plant to form dense, white curds before it encounters unpredictable spring weather.
7. Lettuce
Lettuce thrives in cool temperatures and grows quickly. Plant seeds 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Transplant when the soil is workable and still cool. This early start lets you harvest tender greens before the heat arrives, which can cause bitterness or early bolting. Choose leaf or butterhead types for easy transplanting.
8. Onions
Onions grow slowly and require a long season to form bulbs. You may begin planting 10 to 12 weeks before your last frost date. Use shallow trays and keep them moist. As they grow, trim the tops to encourage root development. Transplant young plants into the garden early to give them time to bulk up.
9. Leeks
Leeks resemble onions in their needs but take even longer to mature. Start seeds 10 to 12 weeks early and keep them under bright lights. These slow growers benefit from transplanting into deep soil, which helps produce their tender, white stalks. The earlier they start, the more robust your harvest will be.
10. Celery
Celery seeds are slow to sprout and grow. Make sure they have roots 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost. They need steady light and consistent moisture. Thin seedlings carefully, and transplant when they’re several inches tall. Early planting ensures celery has time to form crisp stalks before summer heat and dryness set in.
11. Kale
Kale is cold-hardy and quick to grow. Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost. It transplants well and thrives in cooler spring weather. Early starts mean you’ll be picking tender leaves long before the heat kicks in. Kale continues producing even through light frosts, making it a reliable early crop.
12. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is colorful, nutritious, and easy to grow. Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks ahead of the last frost. The plants transplant easily and adapt quickly to outdoor life. Early starting gives you a jump on leafy greens and allows for a long, steady harvest throughout spring and summer.
13. Spinach
Spinach prefers cool weather and bolts in the heat. The seeds must be planted 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Transplant outdoors early, as it tolerates chilly soil. Early planting ensures a solid crop before temperatures rise. Choose bolt-resistant varieties if your springs warm quickly. Harvest young leaves often for the best flavor.
14. Parsley
Parsley takes its time to germinate, sometimes up to three weeks. Start seeds indoors 9 to 10 weeks before the last frost. Keep the soil moist and warm for steady growth. Once sprouted, parsley grows into a reliable herb for cooking. Starting early ensures it’s ready to harvest through spring and summer.
15. Dill
Though often direct-sown, dill can be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. This herb dislikes transplanting, so handle it gently. Early starts help you harvest sooner, attract beneficial insects, and add fresh flavor to spring dishes. Choose compact varieties for containers or small spaces.
16. Basil
Basil loves heat and hates the cold. Plant seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost. Use warm soil and plenty of light to encourage fast growth. Harden off and transplant only when nighttime temperatures are warm. An early start gives you flavorful leaves sooner and keeps your herb garden productive all season.
17. Thyme
Thyme is a slow grower and benefits from an early indoor start. Sow seeds 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost. Provide warmth and light, and be patient with germination. Once established, thyme forms a dense, fragrant mat. It’s perfect for borders or containers and adds a tasty touch to many dishes.
18. Oregano
Oregano grows slowly from seed but becomes a hardy, fragrant plant. Start indoors 8 to 10 weeks ahead of the last frost. Use shallow trays and provide steady warmth. Once the seedlings are strong, transplant them into well-drained soil. Early growth builds a healthy root system for lasting, flavorful harvests.
19. Ginger
Ginger is grown from rhizomes, not seeds, and can be started indoors in early spring. Choose a plump, healthy piece of ginger with visible eyes. Soak it overnight and plant just below the surface in a wide container. Keep the soil moist and warm. Ginger grows slowly but rewards your patience with fresh, fragrant roots by late summer.
20. Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit, or pitaya, is a tropical cactus that needs a long growing season. In warm climates, start seeds indoors at least 12 weeks before the last frost, or grow it as a container plant in cooler regions. Use well-draining soil and bright light. It grows slowly, but with time and care, dragon fruit can reward you with vibrant, exotic fruits.
21. Tomatillos
Tomatillos are fast-growing but still benefit from an early start. Begin seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the frost date. Use warm conditions and lots of light. These husk-covered fruits grow on spreading plants, so transplant when space and weather allow. Early planting helps ensure a good harvest for summer salsas.
22. Cucumber
Cucumbers grow quickly in warm weather but benefit from a short indoor start. Begin seeds 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost. Use biodegradable pots to avoid root disturbance when transplanting. Give seedlings plenty of light and warmth. Early planting helps you get a head start on crisp, fresh cucumbers for salads and pickling
23. Watermelon
Watermelon needs lots of sun and a long growing season. Plant seeds 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Use large containers so roots have room to spread. Keep them warm and only transplant when the soil is truly hot. Early seeding helps ensure juicy, ripe melons before summer’s end.
Your Garden, Ready Before Spring
Starting seeds early gives you a jump on the season and better results in the garden. Whether growing veggies, herbs, or fruits, beginning indoors means stronger plants, fewer problems, and more time to enjoy your harvests. With a little effort now, you’ll taste success all season long.