Almost Time to Start Garden Seeds Inside – How to Start Your Garden Early

“Generally, the time to start your seeds is about 6- 8 weeks before the last expected spring frost date in your area, planting the seedlings outdoors about 2 weeks after that date.” reneesgarden.com

I live in Water Valley, MS, and my last expected frost date is April 7. I’ll split the difference between 4 and 6 weeks and begin starting my seeds inside 5 weeks before frost, and this year that date is March 3, 2024. “Oh! Happy Day!”

This morning, I ordered some tomato seeds.  Among other tomato plants, I plan to grow a variety of bush cherry tomatoes that is new to me.

Amazon.com : Baxters Early Bush Cherry Tomato Seeds for Planting, 100+ Heirloom Seeds Per Packet, (Isla's Garden Seeds), Non GMO Seeds, Botanical Name: Solanum lycopersicum, Great Home Garden Gift : Patio, Lawn

Baxter’s Early Bush Cherry Tomatoes
Image Credit: Isla’s Seeds
Heirloom Plant
Height: 4′
Determinate

In my experience, tomatoes do not appreciate having their roots aggravated, and I’ll plant my tomato seeds in separate little biodegradable peat pots so that I can plant the entire container into the ground.

Image Credit: Cosweet

I will order several of these seed-starting kits.


Image Credit: Cosweet

Cosweet 50 Pcs Thickened Peat Pots, 3.15″ Biodegradable Eco-Friendly Plant Seedling Starters Kit, Seed Germination Trays with 100 Plant Markers for Vegetable Tomato Saplings & Herb Seed Germination. Available on Amazon

The little tray appears to be about 10″ x 12″ in size., and it has a clear plastic cover. I’ll re-use the trays and covers, and I’ll buy refills of the 3.15″ pots. The last time I checked, Walmart sold packages of the 3″ peat pots. Those will be fine for refills. I’ll use this setup again and again. As soon as the seeds germinate and get a good start, I can move them out of the covered trays and start more seeds in the covered trays.