Starting Seeds Indoors
Learn when and how to start seeds indoors using MyVeggieGarden's frost date calculations, milestone tracking, and task scheduling.
Starting seeds indoors gives you a head start on the growing season — and MyVeggieGarden automates the timing so you don't have to count backwards from frost dates yourself.
How indoor seed starting works in the app
When you add a plant with the Seeds Indoors growing method, the app generates tasks based on your local last frost date:
| Task | Typical timing | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Start seeds indoors | 6-8 weeks before last frost | Sow seeds in trays or pots inside |
| Germinated | Observation milestone | Log when you see sprouts |
| First true leaves | Observation milestone | Log when seedlings develop real leaves |
| Harden off | 1-2 weeks before transplant | Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions |
| Transplant outdoors | 1-2 weeks after last frost | Move to final garden location |
Setting your frost date
Your last frost date is the foundation of all task timing. Set it in Settings based on your location.
Not sure of your frost date? Enter your zip code and the app will suggest one based on USDA data. You can always adjust it — experienced gardeners often know their microclimate is a week or two different from the regional average.
Logging indoor progress
While seeds are growing indoors, log their progress just like outdoor plants:
- "Day 5, 3 of 6 cells sprouted" — Germination rates help you plan quantities next year
- "Leggy seedlings, moved closer to window" — Light issues are common indoors
- "Potted up to 4-inch containers" — Tracks when seedlings outgrew their starter cells
These notes become valuable references when you start the same variety next season.
When to start what
Different plants need different lead times. The app handles this through frost date offsets on milestones, but here are common ranges:
| Plant type | Start before last frost |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant | 6-8 weeks |
| Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower | 6-8 weeks |
| Lettuce, kale | 4-6 weeks |
| Squash, cucumbers, melons | 3-4 weeks |
| Herbs (basil, parsley) | 6-8 weeks |
You can customize these offsets in Settings under milestone configuration.
Hardening off
Hardening off is the critical transition between indoor and outdoor growing. The app generates a task for this milestone — typically 1-2 weeks before your transplant date.
The process:
- Start with 1-2 hours of outdoor exposure in a sheltered spot
- Gradually increase time and sun exposure over 7-10 days
- Bring plants in at night until nighttime temps are consistently safe
Log your hardening-off progress — notes like "Day 3 of hardening, slight wilting in afternoon sun" help you adjust the process next year.
Frequently asked questions
I started seeds too early and they're leggy — what went wrong?
Starting too early is the most common seed-starting mistake. A seedling that outgrows its pot indoors becomes root-bound and stressed. It's better to start on time — or even a week late — than two weeks early. The app calculates start dates from your frost date to avoid this.
How do I know when my frost date is?
Enter your zip code in Settings and the app looks up your USDA hardiness zone and suggests a last frost date. But your yard is a microclimate — if you know from experience that your actual last frost is a week later than the regional average, adjust it manually.
How long should I harden off seedlings?
Plan for 7-10 days. Start with 1-2 hours of sheltered outdoor exposure and gradually increase. The app generates a hardening-off task at the right time — typically 1-2 weeks before your transplant date — so you don't forget this critical step.
Related
- Tasks and timelines — How frost date offsets generate tasks
- Milestones — Understanding lifecycle phases
- Tracking and logging — Recording observations effectively