Spring will be here before we know it... and that means one thing for gardeners in Madison... time to start thinking about seed starting! Bringing seeds to life indoors... weeks before outdoor planting can give your garden an edge... with earlier harvests, stronger plants and more variety to choose from.
Wondering how to begin? Let’s break it down...
Why Start Seeds Early?
Starting seeds indoors lets you...
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- Extend your growing season... especially helpful for longer‑maturing crops like tomatoes, peppers and eggplants.
- Control conditions... warmth, moisture and light help seedlings grow strong before going outside.
- Save money... growing from seed is often much cheaper than buying plants.
- Grow unique varieties... everything from heirlooms to specialty herbs
When to Start Seeds
Timing depends on what you want to grow... but here’s a quick guide for some plants in Madison (Zone 7a–7b)...
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- Tomatoes (6–8 weeks before last frost)
- Peppers (8–10 weeks before last frost)
- Eggplant (8–10 weeks before last frost)
- Herbs like basil and parsley (6–8 weeks before last frost)
- Leafy greens like lettuce and kale (4–6 weeks before last frost)
Learn your local frost dates - in this area, average last frost typically lands in early to mid‑April. Planning backward helps determine your seed‑starting window.
Tools to Get Started
Here are some popular products that make seed starting easier and more successful...
Seed Trays & Starter Kits
Complete Seed Starter Kit - Includes trays, humidity dome and seed labels (great for beginners)
Biodegradable Peat Pots - Plant directly into the ground without disturbing roots.
Grow Lights
Starting seeds near a sunny window helps, but grow lights give consistent results all season...
LED Grow Light Panel - Adjustable height, full spectrum for seedlings
Clamp‑on Grow Light - Easy add‑on for shelves or tables
Soil & Watering Tools
Seed Starting Mix - Light, fluffy mix designed for delicate seed roots
Mister Spray Bottle - Gentle moisture without washing seeds away
Avoid regular garden soil for seed starting - it’s too dense and can harbor disease.
How to Start Seeds - Step by Step
1) Fill your trays/pots with seed starting mix - moist but not soggy.
2) Plant seeds at the depth specified on the packet (usually 2–3 × the seed’s width).
3) Cover with a clear dome (optional) to hold moisture until germination.
4) Give them light.. 12-16 hours a day with grow lights or bright windows.
5) Keep warm - most seeds germinate best at 65–75°F.
6) Thin seedlings if more than one sprouts per space.
7) Harden off before planting outdoors - gradually introduce them to outside temps & sunshine over a week.
Hardening Off - Why It Matters
Before transplanting seedlings outside...
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- Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions over ~7 days
- Start with brief morning sun & sheltered shade
- Bring them in at night until acclimated
This helps plants handle natural temperature swings and wind without shock.
What to Grow in Your Garden
Here are some great early warm‑weather crops to start from seed...
🍅 Tomatoes
🌶️ Peppers
🍆 Eggplant
🌿 Basil, parsley
🥬 Lettuce, arugula
🌱 Spinach
Later in spring, you can direct‑sow beans, squash, cucumbers and herbs outdoors.
Common Seed‑Starting Questions
Do seeds need light before they sprout?
Some do... like lettuce, herbs and tomatoes... but others germinate in darkness and need light once sprouted.
How long before they’re ready outside?
Usually 4-8 weeks indoors, depending on plant type and growing conditions.
Can I use regular soil from my yard?
No... garden soil is too heavy and can increase disease risk. Seed mix is lighter and formulated for young plants.
Seed starting turns cold winter days into hopeful preparation for a vibrant spring garden. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you’ll be harvesting homegrown goodness before summer’s heat sets in. Start small, enjoy the process and watch your garden take root... right from inside you Madison home!
