Everyone seems to want to know when to start their tomato seeds. Answer: the second or third week of April is ideal IF you plan on planting out in late May/early June. It is important not to let your young seedlings grow too tall and lanky before you place them out of doors [and to harden them off before you do plant the out – more on that in May.]
NOW is a good time to start many other seeds like broccoli, kale, leeks, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, onions and peppers.
Later in April start all other veggie seeds, except those that you will direct-sow into the soil [e.g. carrots, peas, beans, onion sets, zinnias, calendulas etc.]
My secret to starting the best seeds? Worm castings. I discovered this last year when I added one tenth worm castings to my seed starting mix. I use 10 scoops of seed starting mix to one of worm castings. Worm castings are now widely available at retailers across the country.
Why worm castings? Because worms work miracles. They convert the raw, organic material in the soil into a rich material that is loaded with microbes, beneficial bacteria and mycroriza, all of which assist in the growing process of all plants, especially in their early stages of growth.
For seed sowing all you need is a sunny window [or a greenhouse or lighting fixture], some seed starting trays, the soil and of course seeds.
