Starting your own plants from seed is one of the most rewarding parts of gardening — and it gives you access to varieties you’ll never find as transplants.
Why start from seed?
- Variety — hundreds of choices versus a dozen at the nursery
- Cost — a packet of 50 tomato seeds costs less than a single transplant
- Timing — start when you want, not when the nursery is stocked
- Connection — there’s something special about a plant you’ve raised since day one
What you’ll need
- Seed-starting mix (lighter and finer than potting soil)
- Trays or small pots with drainage
- A sunny window or grow light
- Heat mat for warm-season crops
- Clear cover or plastic to hold humidity
- Labels — trust us, you’ll forget which is which
Timing for North Texas
Count back from your transplant date:
- Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant — 6–8 weeks indoors (start late January / early February)
- Brassicas — 4–6 weeks indoors
- Lettuce and greens — 3–4 weeks indoors, or direct-sow outdoors
- Squash, cucumbers, melons — 2–3 weeks indoors, or direct-sow after last frost
- Beans, corn, okra, southern peas — direct-sow only
Hardening off
The biggest mistake new seed-starters make is moving plants outside too suddenly. Over 7–10 days, give them progressively longer outdoor sessions to acclimate to sun and wind.
Stop in for our recommended seed-starting kits or the seed varieties we know perform here.