Just because winter is here, doesn’t mean gardening is on hold until Spring. You can plan your garden now and start seeds indoors to transplant once the weather breaks this Spring. Vegetables and annual flowers are some of the most popular plants to get a head start on, especially those with long germination times. Check the seed packet for complete germination and planting instructions. Learn more on Seed Starting Indoors.

Depending on your experience level, just about anything can be started indoors, but here is a list of the easiest plants to start from seeds.

Vegetables

Lettuce

Lettuce is an extremely easy crop to grow both indoors and in the garden. With its quick germination time, you can increase the crop output by starting them indoors and even sowing them again outdoors once temperatures have warmed up. Lettuce is hardy enough to tolerate the cold soil when you transfer it into the garden and can be harvested relatively quickly after planting.

Tomatoes

With so many types available, it isn’t surprising tomatoes are a popular choice among gardeners. They are easy to grow and a great choice for indoor seed starting.  To speed up the crop output, you can start the seeds indoors and transplant them once the ground thaws. They are hardy and transfer to the garden with little issues. Learn more about Growing Tomatoes Indoors.

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Broccoli and Cauliflower are hardy vegetables that are an easy option for seed starting indoors. They do well with cool soil temperatures making them perfect as an early spring crop.

Peppers

Although Peppers do best in warm weather, they are an easy crop to start indoors. Due to their sensitivity to the cold peppers should be one of the last plants to move outdoors in the spring. Wait about 2 weeks after the last frost date before planting them in the garden. This will ensure temperatures are warm enough to keep them thriving.

Radishes

Rashishes are the perfect vegetable to start indoors because their light requirements are less than other vegetables. They do well in indoor conditions and are hardy enough to withstand the cool soil once transplanted outdoors in the spring. They also are ready to harvest quickly after planting.

Flowers

Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular choice for seed starting indoors. Not only do they attract pollinators, but there are also many varieties to choose from.  They should be started about 8 weeks before the last frost, and kept in a warm place until ready to move outdoors.

Zinnias

Zinnias can add some great color to your garden throughout the summer. But with a longer germination time, it is best to start them indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Zinnias do not tolerate cold temperatures so wait a week or two after the last frost before transplanting them to your garden.

Alyssum

Alyssum or Sweet Alyssum is an annual that adds color and pest control to your garden. The seeds are so tiny, they don’t require much work when planting indoors (or out!). Plant indoors about 8 weeks before the last frost. Once the weather breaks you can use these to control aphids and other pests in your veggy garden, as well as adding some color to your landscaping.

Cosmo

Cosmos are the perfect flower for summer color. They are easy to plant and will be sprouting in no time. Cosmos do take a bit of time to bloom once sprouted, though. Expect to see flowers about 6 weeks after planting. Transplant the sprouts to your garden once the threat of frost is gone.

Morning Glory

Morning Glories will put on a beautiful show during the summer months. These seeds have a hard shell that should be nicked and soaked overnight before sowing. This will help the seed take up water and decrease germination time. Plant them 6 weeks before the last frost date.

For a full selection of Seed Packets and Seed Starting Supplies, visit any English Gardens location. Talk to an expert for more tips are starting seeds indoors.