As soon as the weather starts warming up in the Ozarks it's time to think about getting some garden plants started. There are a few things that can go out early if you've already started seedlings, like most all the cole crops. Even then, you'll want to provide some protection for cold, frosty nights. Most other plants will need to grow inside for a few weeks until the last frost date has passed.
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There are certain plants that really do benefit from being started indoors in our area because they either have a long growing season to maturity or they may bolt in hot weather, which can happen really quick, before you know it. Don't fall for the marketing gimmicks of the stores downtown, though. They will have beautiful tomato and squash plants ready in early March, but if you set them out they will surely freeze. Good business for the Supercenter because they will always sell you more.
If you are going for the first tomato by July 4th then it might be worth the extra work and expense to set them out early and protect them with “Wall Of Water” or some other high priced toy. But for most of these warm season crops that mature naturally in less than 90 days, planting outside on Memorial Day is just about right.
For starting seedlings indoors that means you will need to back it up by about 60 days, which is the last week of March. For cole crops that will bolt back it up another 6 weeks, like early February and plan to get them out by April 1st. Here's a few popular plants to start early in the Ozarks:
Broccoli can be started indoors early in February and set out by the end of March. You'll need to protect even this plant from harsh freezes, but you may get some nice heads before hot weather.
Brussels sprouts can be started indoors like broccoli for an early harvest, but handle heat a little better and keep putting on more sprouts for several weeks.
Early cabbage should be sown indoors five to eight weeks before the last expected frost. You'll also see some nice seedlings for sale around town, which are great to plant in your own garden. I like starting another round of seedlings in August for planting outside end of September. This gives cabbage time to mature in ideal conditions – and it will over winter with mulch.
Cauliflower seeds can be started indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost. Sow the seeds in individual pots, three or four seeds to a pot. Set out by April 1st.
Cucumbers can be started indoors in individual pots two to three weeks before the last expected frost – around April 1st. Seedlings will be ready to be transplanted outdoors in mid May.
Eggplant can be difficult to grow. The seeds should be started indoors at least eight weeks before the plants are set out, and the seedlings require sunshine and warm moist soil. To encourage germination, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting.
Leeks may take 130 days to mature, so the seeds should be sown indoors in early February. Get them in the soil outside by Memorial Day.
Lettuce can be started indoors about six weeks before the ground can be worked. In the Ozarks some years allow you to start the seeds outside if you use a grow cover or cold frame to help them germinate. Lettuce definitely doesn't like hot weather, so get it out and harvested early.
Peppers can be started indoors about eight weeks before the last expected frost. Sow seeds in individual pots and keep them in a warm location-about 75 degrees.
Tomatoes – ahh yes, tomatoes. Plant them indoors at the same time as your peppers and keep them warm as well. Tomatoes are tough little bugers, so I like to just fill a seed flat and sow a bunch on top, then cover them with a little more soil. Bottom watering works well – soak for an hour them move them to a tray in full sun. If you keep them in full sun there won't be so many sprangly looking plants. Use really loose growing soil and when they get started just pull out the best looking ones and transplant into disposable pots – the ones you can just plant right into the garden.
If you are going for early tomatoes then get them started and plant outside early. But, plant more every two weeks just in case you have to start over. Try some different varieties and use plant markers to remember what ones they are.
Just thinking about your seeds growing happily at home brings a smile to your face and warmth to your heart, even if you are slaving away at a job all day. Warm weather is coming soon.
