Here is some great information from Katie Lavin and our friends at the High Mowing Organic Seeds company. I hope this helps everyone get out in their gardens to sow their seeds (when the soil is warm enough)!
Growing Vegetables, Flowers, and Herbs from Seed
by Katie Lavin
Starting and maintaining a vegetable garden is a rewarding experience. It can also be frustrating and overwhelming if you are a first-time gardener. In general, seed packets contain information about the crop and its requirements. While most seeds can be started indoors 4-8 weeks before the planting outside date, many of us don’t have the space or time to start seeds indoors. The good news is that most seeds can be directly planted in the garden! Here are some helpful guidelines about what can be direct-seeded and when.
1) Spring crops can germinate in cooler soils and can withstand a light frost. Spring crops include peas, salad mixes, beets, arugula, swiss chard, spinach, radishes, cilantro, dill, and kale.
2) The seeds of summer crops like a warmer soil to germinate in and cannot withstand a frost. Summer crops include basil, cucumbers, winter squash, summer squash, pumpkins, fennel, melons, sunflowers, zinnia, and nasturiums. It is worth waiting for the soil to warm up before planting these seeds, even if you are feeling eager.
3) Some seeds can grow all season. Try doing succession plantings (i.e., sow every few weeks through late July for a sustained harvest). Crops that lend themselves well to succession seeding include mesclun mix and other salad mixes, dill, cilantro, lettuce, beans, beets, and carrots.
4) Plant these seeds in June for a fall crop of broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, and collards.
5) Some seeds that do well in spring will also do well in the fall. Sow again in August for a fall crop of spinach, arugula, lettuce, kale, tat soi, radishes.
Sow your seeds and wait in wonder for their green growth to begin and discover the joys of gardening!