When to Start Flower Seeds

Not all annual garden plants can be started indoors from seed, but many can. Most of these seeds should be sown indoors about 4 to 8 weeks before your Frost-Free Date. But many seeds need even more time to develop before being introduced to the outdoors. So if you're itching to get your hands dirty, now is the time!

First, determine your spring Frost-Free Date. GO HERE and follow the link to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website. Select your State from the pull down menu. This will generate a PDF file with a list of NOAA data collection sites in your State. In the left column, choose the location nearest to where you live. Then read across. Use the middle threshold number (32ºF), which is the 50% probability date. This is your average Frost-Free Date. Next, on your calendar, count back the number of weeks your chosen seeds require. That will be your seed starting day!