Can I still start seeds in pots? What veggies?

11 years ago

I am in zone 9 (Palo Alto, California) with a whole back yard and front yard that I could plant, but I am feeling a bit overwhelmed at the prospect of weeding, breaking up the dense soil, and so on, in order to sow outdoors.

I also have a nice small, east facing room with a lot of windows that gets sun for about 4 hours every morning and stays pretty warm. To give me more time to deal with the outdoors areas, could I start some veggies from seed in pots now, and transplant them in four to six weeks after they sprout? If so, which ones would do well? Someone pointed me to the Old Farmers Almanac chart for planting (at http://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-dates). According to that, I'm past the recommended indoor sowing dates by one to two months on most plants.

Finally, do I really have to have grow lights and such, or will seeds start in an area such as I describe -- warm, but with only morning light? '

Thanks for your help.

Comments (3)

yukkuri_kame
11 years ago
Go ahead and sow your hot season crops indoors: tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, sweet corn, okra, summer squashes...they should be fine. Forget about the cooler season stuff, like peas & brassicas until you plant your fall garden.

I'm assuming up in Palo Alto you don't have BRUTAL summer heat like we do here (105+ f).

Most veggies just need warmth and some moisture to germinate and start to grow. Then they will need sunlight to grow big and vigorous. If they look like their growth is slowing down, you can just takes the flats out on a nice day and sit them in the sun.

In the meantime, start getting your garden ready for transplanting.

This post was edited by yukkuri_kame on Sat, Mar 2, 13 at 2:29
Sara Malone Zone 9b
11 years ago
The Santa Clara Master Gardeners will have info for you specific to your location.

Here is a link that might be useful: Santa Clara Master Gardeners
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lgteacher
11 years ago
It's not too late to start. I've got tomatoes and peppers around 3 weeks old and am planning to start some more. Green beans go directly in the ground because they seem to be hardier than tomatoes and peppers. If you have under-cabinet lighting in your kitchen, that could be a good place to start them. I second the motion to contact your local Master Gardeners.

Here is a link that might be useful: Seedling nursery