I see direct sow dates but when should I plant seedlings started indoors

It depends on where you live and the weather.

No one needs to post their location if they don't want to, but if you look up your zone on the USDA hardiness map, and add your zone # to your profile, it helps people answer this type of question. For example, people in areas of the south are already moving their plants outdoors because they know they are past any last frost risk. Me? I wait until Memorial Day weekend.

I love starting plants from seed- it's always amazing to me!

Edit: Right after I posted I realized you were a new member. Welcome!!! It's really fun around here....

I think it kind of depends on where you live and seeds for what plants. Gene

The general rule is 8 weeks before your last frost. That's when you need to know your zone and location. Waiting until you are frost free and then counting backwards would be a little silly.

There are planting charts for your location in this forum. I think its under 'goodies'. I have looked at them for my area and I was surprised to see how accurate the information was.

Daisy

Caveat on the Planting Calendar feature: pay attention to where the location tied to your zip code is getting their data from. When I plug in my zip code, the closest data station is about 15 minutes north of me, which would appear to be a good fit, BUT is a much more protected agricultural river valley and further inland than my particular location. I have better luck entering a zip code that is 30 minutes south of me but about the same distance from open water and hence closer in micro-climate to my own. There is about a 2 week difference between the two, with the northern river valley able to plant earlier. Once you figure what the best fit is for your specific location, the Planting Calendar works great.

Welcome to ATP, savingsmom!

You can find the ATP planting calendar under "Goodies" in the far-left-hand blue menu bar.

Then click on "Garden Planting Calendar"
Enter your zip code or city.

But Deb is very right! besides quirks of climates that sometimes over-ride the first and last frost dates, your particular micro-climate may add or subtract a few weeks. If there is some crop that you know very well, compare the Calendar's suggestion for that crop against what you know is right. then you might need to look for a slightly warmer or cooler ZIP code.

If it is the first year you've planted some crop, you might sow defensively. Don't aim to be the EARLIEST gardener in your block to get fresh whatevers - pick a safer date. Or start 1/2 of your seeds 1-2 weeks early, and the other half 2-3 weeks late.

Hi savingsmom,

Well, I’m not sure if you’re asking when to start seeds indoors (which seems a little late for that) or when to plant your seedlings that you started indoors

Anyway, to ATP

Art