Seed Starting Schedule
Enter your last frost date and get a complete indoor seed-starting calendar for 20+ vegetables — when to start, when to transplant, and what to watch out for.
Dates for this season, based on your last frost of .
| Crop | Start Indoors | Transplant / Direct Sow | Notes |
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start seeds indoors?
Most warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers are started 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Cool-season crops like broccoli and cabbage are started 4–6 weeks before transplanting outdoors.
What is damping off and how do I prevent it?
Damping off is a fungal disease that kills seedlings at the soil line. Prevent it by using sterile seed-starting mix, providing good air circulation, avoiding overwatering, and not crowding seedlings.
Do I need grow lights to start seeds indoors?
A sunny south-facing window works for some crops, but most seedlings benefit from supplemental light. LED grow lights kept 2–4 inches above seedlings for 14–16 hours per day produce the most compact, healthy transplants.