|
| I live in cedar rapids and am wondering how early i can start my vegitable seeds. I would like to stat them as soon as possible indoors but not to early to cause poor production or weak plants. It is now late Feb. I am going to grow peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, squash, broccoli raab, cucumbers, mellons, and zuchini. If anyone could offer any help it would be a great help. |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
- Posted by annemarie_2007 (My Page) on Tue, Feb 20, 07 at 22:01
| Hi! I live in Ankeny, IA. I started sowing my pepper seeds and some perennial flowers today. Will be sowing the tomato seeds early March. Last year, I started doing this mid March, and the plants were quite small when I transplanted them in the garden, but they had a very long, productive life (I had tomatoes in late October!). So I guess it's not too early to start now, especially with the peppers. Good luck! Annemarie |
|
| I'd follow the recommendation on the seed package. For tomatoes I'd go 6-8 weeks from mid May (last frost date). That puts it at mid-late March. You're better off putting smaller plants out than big lanky ones. We'll be starting the first of our veggies in another week or two, but they'll be in the greenhouse. |
|
- Posted by tannabanana 5a IA (My Page) on Thu, Feb 22, 07 at 17:53
| Hey, I'm in Cedar Rapids too! I would suggest direct sowing your squash, zucchini, and cucumbers. I transplanted some last year that I started and really, the direct sowed ones caught up with the transplants in no time - not worth the trouble of starting them indoors. I've no experience with melons so I can't help you there. Tomatos - I'd say mid-late March and you'll be okay - lanky plants really don't do that well. Broccoli can go out a bit earlier, I believe, so you could probably start that right now but I'm no expert as I've never grown it from seed. When in doubt, follow the directions on the seed packet! This my second year gardening here in IA and I can't wait! Good thing I'm having my third baby late-March/early April - gives me time to get into a routine before the gardening season really is in earnest! |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Iowa Gardening Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.