By NC State Extension Master Gardener℠Volunteer Steve Matadobra

Christmas and the New Year are behind us and the weather forecast is calling for temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Seed catalogs are appearing in the mailbox and stores are beginning to sell tomato plants (yes, in early March). You open a catalog and ask, “When can I start seeds?”

Starting seeds indoors is a rewarding and efficient way to kickstart your gardening season. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just beginning, indoor seed starting allows you to extend the growing season, control the growing environment and experiment with a greater variety of plants. But, as with anything in the garden, timing and patience are a key component. Here are 10 tips when planning and executing your seed growing season.

1. Don’t underestimate light needs. Many start their seeds in a room that has a bright window and then see the seedlings struggle to survive. Window light rarely provides sufficient light for your seedlings. If using grow lights, your light needs to be close to the seedlings. Once you move the light close, move it closer. If you do not provide enough light, your seedlings will become “leggy” as they stretch for the light. If that happens, you’ll be forced to start over again.
2. Dates. There are three important dates you need to recognize: First, your last frost date. The second and third dates are seed specific and are when you should start seeds indoors and when they will be ready for planting outdoors. Every package of seeds will outline the seed starting and planting timelines.
3. Timing. Now ask yourself, “When do I want to plant?” This differs with each species of seeds. You won’t want to plant your kale and tomatoes outdoors at the same time (kale is a cold weather vegetable and tomato thrives when it is much warmer), so don’t start the seeds at the same time.
4. Thinning. This is painful but necessary.

Thinning is the process by which you remove the excess seedlings from your container (most people will start with several seeds in each container). I recommend you do not pull apart the seedlings by the roots. Seedlings are very delicate. Instead, use a very small pair of scissors and snip away unwanted seedlings.

1. Watering. Try to water from the bottom (assuming your trays/pots are sitting in another tray), as watering from the top can damage seedlings. Peat pots dry out much faster than plastic pots, requiring more frequent watering.
2. Warmth. Seeds require warmth for consistent, reliable germination. Cold and drafty environments like unheated garages are one of the biggest reasons seeds struggle to germinate. A warm room or even a heat mat can help with your germination success rate.
3. Labeling. Some of these seeds are small — some even smaller! When you have your trays, seeds, and soil scattered out on your table, label your containers immediately after putting the seed in the soil. You will never remember what you just put in the soil. Trust me.
4. Hardening off. Hardening off is a necessary step in the process that, if not done correctly, can destroy all your efforts. This process prepares your delicate seedlings and plants for exposure outside. Most plants can start the hardening off process sevent-14 days prior to planting outdoors beginning with a brief exposure outside in diffused light and some wind. Do not make the mistake of putting your plants in direct sun right away. Ease them into this process (1-2 hours per day and gradually increase). You can also help your seedlings by using a small fan on your plants indoors for a few hours a day.
5. Potting Up. It is very easy to underestimate the space needed for your plants, especially if you start with a lot of seeds. Potting up (transplanting to larger containers) is not strictly required but is highly recommended if seedlings outgrow their starter trays before it is warm enough to plant them outside. Pot up when seedlings have at least one or two sets of true leaves, roots appear at the bottom of the container or the plant seems to have stopped growing.
6. Be patient. Starting seeds too soon may result in a room full of plants ready to be planted outside.

However, the Transylvania County weather pattern always gives us another week of below freezing temperatures. It happens every year, usually after a week in the 60’s. Unless you have a large greenhouse, you will have nowhere to put these plants. Calculating your seed management and planting schedule, combined with sticking to the expected last frost date, will ease the stress of a room full of plants.

Bonus Tip: Start small, especially if you are new to seed starting. Pick a few easy plants to start with (zinnia, cosmos, tomato) and only start with a few containers. This will build confidence and teach you the processes that can make seed starting very rewarding.

For more information on gardening tips and seed starting, contact the Transylvania County Cooperative Extension at (828) 884-3109 or visit in person at 106 E. Morgan St. in Brevard. Steve Matadobra has a YouTube presentation on seed starting at youtu. be/Q0eTYheg6SU?si=ZPMHrh- aqfg3C60e.

Steve Matadobra is a Transylvania County Extension Master Gardener.