Garden Catalogs and When to Start Seeds Indoors

February is too early to start gardening outside, but it is a perfect time to get a jump on the season by buying seeds and starting them indoors. Browsing through the garden catalogs is a great project on a cold winter day. Try to place your order early as they are filled on a first-come first-serve basis, and you may not get all the seeds you want if you delay.

Why start seeds indoors?

Starting seeds indoors gives you a head start on the gardening season so you’ll harvest veggies or enjoy flowers earlier in the season. It is also economical – a packet of seeds is far less expensive than several flats of plants. Growing plants from seeds opens the door to endless varieties that aren’t readily available as transplants. Finally, it is a fun way to kick off the gardening season.

Sources of seeds

Local garden centers and hardware stores sell many popular seed varieties and are a good source for seeds. Garden catalogs offer an even bigger selection. The catalogs are also a great source for gardening information and can make good wintertime reading. Call the URI Gardening Hotline (1-800-448-1011) to obtain a list of some popular garden and seed catalogs.  

One of the many catalogs used by the URI Master Gardeners is Johnny’s Selected Seeds headquartered in Maine.  Johnny’s carries a wonderful selection of seeds and garden products and their catalog includes a wealth of information. As an example, Johnny’s 2001 catalog devotes three pages to winter squash, including some 14 different varieties. For each seed, the catalog includes detailed information on growing requirements, potential pest problems, storage, days until harvest, etc. The catalog also includes a glossary of frequently misunderstood garden terms and, of course, lots of beautiful photographs. You can obtain a catalog from Johnny’s by calling 207-437-9294 or visiting their web site @ www.johnnyseeds.com.

Another popular catalog is Cook’s Garden. It includes a wide selection of organic seeds including many unusual and heirloom varieties. Their catalog provides detailed information on each variety with irresistible descriptions of mouthwatering vegetables. Cook’s uses drawings rather than photographs to illustrate their products which gives the catalog a distinctive and handsome look. To obtain a copy call 800-457-9703 or visit their web site @ www.cooksgarden.com.

Select Seeds - Antique Flowers is devoted to non-hybrid plant varieties that originated more than 50 years ago and will reproduce true-to-type - that is, they will grow into plants that look like the parent. Many of the antique flowers offered in this catalog are rare heirlooms, passed from one generation to another. The Select Seeds is devoted to keeping these rare varieties from disappearing. Obtain a copy of their catalog by calling 860-684-9310 or visiting their web site @ selectseeds.com.  

When is the right time to plant seeds indoors?

   One of the most frequently asked questions on the URI Gardening Hotline is when is the right time to start seeds indoors. The answer to the question will vary with the plant and with the date of the last frost in your neighborhood.  In southern New England, the last frost date is usually around May 15^th .  (Note: it may be earlier if you live in a southern or coastal area, and it could be later if you are in a cold spot.)  Next, you need to know if the seeds you are planting are cool weather or warm weather crops. The cool weather crops, such as broccoli, cabbage and brussel sprouts, can tolerate a little frost so they can be moved outside in April. These plants can be started indoors in late February/early March, or about 5 – 7 weeks before they can be moved outdoors.

Warm season crops, such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplant, can’t go outside until all danger of frost is over. Counting 5 – 7 weeks backwards from mid-May, they should be started indoors in late March/April.

      Some vegetables and flowers need 10 – 12 weeks indoors before going outside. They can be started in February.

      Avoid the temptation of starting seeds too early. The seedlings tend to grow spindly and pale if grown inside for too long. They may not thrive when moved out to the garden.