When Can I Plant?

Asked and Answered

I am so over the cold weather and am ready for spring. Last year I started my first garden with plants that I bought at the nursery. This year I would like to grow my own from seed. When should I start planting seeds so that they are ready for the garden in the spring?

It generally takes six to eight weeks for seeds to be ready for planting. Of course, growing conditions go a long way in determining how well and fast a seed grows. Experts advise that gardeners wait until the last frost to begin planting. In East Tennessee frost is generally not a concern by mid April but there have been cold snaps as late as mid May. If shooting for a Mid April date to plant, then seeds can be planted anywhere from mid February to early March. Predictions are currently for an above average Spring temperature and planting seeds will help flowers and veggies that like cooler weather to have a better growing season.