How soon should I start seeds?

by Carol Jean Ferguson

Answered

It is March 18 in Northeast Pennsylvania. With temps 35-50. Sometimes 70. My basement temp is 40. I have a portable greenhouse. Should I begin seeds in the basement and move outside when warmer weather comes? Or wait and start outside in greenhouse?

4 answers

DesertRose on Mar 18, 2019

You can start now if there is plenty of sunlight in your basement We have a portable greenhouse and we have started our seeds too.

1 marked as helpful Reply
- Carol Jean Ferguson on Mar 18, 2019
  
  Not much light in the basement. Just very small foundation windows.
  
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Cynthia H on Mar 18, 2019

I live in the same area of Pennsylvania, and start seeds on a sunny windowsill. You won't be able to plant outside before late May.

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- Carol Jean Ferguson on Mar 18, 2019
  
  Cynthia H. My cats will destroy the seeds on A windowsill. Do you think they will survive in a greenhouse in a cool, dimly lit basement until I can move it when warmer weather outside.
  
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- Lynn Sorrell on Mar 19, 2019
  
  no they need sunlight/warmth to germinate; some seeds-depends what you are growing- take around 8 wks or so & others only take about 3 wks from start til you can get them outside but the bigger/stronger longer they are growing before you get them out the better, so hook up a couple full spectrum grow light bulbs inside your basement here's bulbs https://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Greenhouse-Seedling-Flowering-Lighting/dp/B07638DYBT/ref=sr_1_27?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1543777605&sr=1-27&keywords=full%2Bspectrum%2Bgrow%2Bbulbs&th=1 & something to put bulbs in https://www.amazon.com/Wallniture-Hanging-Lantern-Pendant-Extension/dp/B01GU7R3C4/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1543778068&sr=8-6&keywords=DIY+pendant+light+kits
  
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- Cynthia H on Mar 20, 2019
  
  I agree with Lynn - you need some heat and warmth. My neighbor was a wonderful gardener, and started plants in small "greenhouses" made of low boxes and recycled windows, early in spring. On warm days he would open them so that they didn't get too hot. He had a variety of vegetables and grew them until fall, eating, canning and freezing all his crops. We always had fresh tomatoes, squash and green beans among others. Do you have a porch you could start them on? My cats weren't allowed on our back porch, and those were the sills I used.
  
  Helpful
Lynn Sorrell on Mar 18, 2019

Old garden rule "don't plant til after Mothers Day" start inside with lots of warm light; then in greenhouse after Mothers Day

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- Carol Jean Ferguson on Mar 18, 2019
  
  Lynn Sorrell that "plant rule" refers to planting actual plants. I hope to get my seeds started & growing into pot size plants by late May to plant.
  
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- Lynn Sorrell on Mar 19, 2019
  
  yes as I stated in first sentence--just forgot the semicolon after greenhouse(landscaper/pro.gardener 22yrs.in Ohio)
  
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Holly Bertone | Pink Fortitude on Mar 19, 2019

Hi Carol - This is the ultimate and super easy step-by-step guide to determine your plant hardiness zone, your frost dates, and also when to start planting indoors and outdoors. Plus lots of great resources. Hope this helps and happy gardening! Hugs, Holly
https://pinkfortitude.com/sow-and-plant-seeds/

Helpful Reply
- Carol Jean Ferguson on Mar 19, 2019
  
  Holly thank you for the amazing information. I now know I am Zone 6B with a Frost date of May 2nd. I pinned this article to Pinterest and Followed you. The suggestion of a Garden Journal is ideal.
  
  Helpful

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