Why Start Plants from Seed

What a winter it has been! We've experienced just about everything - frigid cold, snowy days, 70-degree temperature swings, and ice storms. Spring can come anytime now!

Starting plants from seed is a great way to shake off those winter blues and get a jump on the season. Not only do seedlings get a head start, but you have access to growing thousands of varieties of vegetables and flowers that you can't buy as plants. It's also the most affordable way to fill a garden.

Before you get crazy with sowing seeds, it's important to know when to start each variety. Knowing the average last frost date is key when planning. In 2026, in our area, the last frost date is May 11. To find the last frost date in your specific area, a good resource is the Frost Date Calculator on the Old Farmer's Almanac website. Use the information on the back of the seed packet to count back the number of weeks from May 11 to determine when to sow.

Seeds can be started in any container with drainage, but we recommend setting yourself up for the best success. Cell trays, seed flats, and dome covers work well and can be reused year after year.

Having a written record of your seed sowing adventures can be helpful. A notebook works well, or click on the link below to download a free garden journal from Botanical Interests. 

Free Garden Journal to Download

You'll need a few other things to get started off right: grow lights, a heat mat, and a plant mister. But most important is the medium in which to grow the seeds. Use a seed starting soil-less mix for the best results. We recommend HSU Germination+ mix - it's organic and comes from the HSU Ginseng Farm here in Wisconsin. 

Two final tips: pre-moisten the soil before sowing the seed, and use vermiculite to cover the seedlings. Vermiculite is lightweight yet helps keep the soil and seeds damp.

If you have questions related to starting plants from seed, just ask us! We're here to help. ​