Indoor Seed Starting

Timing

Start seeds indoors in late March for a Zone 6a garden. This gives transplants 6–8 weeks of growth before the last frost date (typically around May 10).

Tray Layouts

Tray 1 — Main Vegetables & Herbs (Burpee Starter Kit)

Qty	Plant	Sow Date
4	Bell Pepper	3/28
4	Celery	3/28
4	Roma Tomatoes	3/28
4	Beefsteak Tomatoes	3/28
4	Baby Leaf Spinach	3/28
4	Romaine Lettuce	3/28
2	Thyme	3/28
2	Rosemary	3/28
2	Parsley	3/28
2	Dill	3/28
2	Cilantro	3/28
2	Basil	3/28
6	Green Bunching Onions	3/30
6	Yellow Onions	3/30
6	Cauliflower	3/30
6	Early Green Broccoli	3/30
6	Brussels Sprouts	3/30
6	Early Garden Acre Cabbage	3/30

Tray 2 — Companion Flowers

Qty	Plant	Sow Date
40	Marigolds	3/30

Tips

• Track sprouting dates and success rates to improve future sowing
• Use quality seed-starting mix — avoid heavy potting soil that holds too much moisture
• Provide 14–16 hours of light once seedlings emerge
• Bottom water to prevent damping off
• Harden off transplants for 7–10 days before moving outside