March Prep: Seed Starting

Looking out at gardens still holding onto the last of the snow, it’s hard to imagine the riot of color and scent that the coming months will bring. Even harder is waiting for the best moment to get out in the garden and start planting. Seed starting is the perfect way to give your plants early access to everything they need to thrive and give yourself a taste of the gardening to come. Give yourself plenty of time to make your preparations. Early March is the perfect time to visit Heritage Farm & Garden to start gathering everything you’ll need for seed starting! 

Before you actually start planting, you’ll need to find your last frost date (Hint: Long Island typically falls between April 1 and April 15) and learn about your grow zone (Hint: Long Island primarily falls within Hardiness Zone 7). Some plants are ready to start in March even in cooler temperatures. 

Each of our seed packets tells you how many weeks before the last frost date to plant, in addition to how much sun/shade it needs, important information for successful growth. Starting plants too early, even inside, means they can outgrow their containers or start sprouting before outdoor conditions are ideal. For indoor seed starting, ensuring your plants have access to 14-16 hours of light each day is crucial. 

Start Indoors 

Warm-season crops: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants 

Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage 

Herbs: Basil, dill 

Perennial flowers: Coneflower, lavender 

Later in the season you’ll be giving your seedlings a 7-10 day hardening off period of gradual outdoor exposure before permanently transplanting.  

Direct Sow Outdoors 

Cool-season crops: Spinach, carrots, potatoes, peas 

Mid-March is usually the time to start direct sowing. This depends on your hardiness zone and last frost date. Give yourself plenty of time to explore our Heritage offerings. 

Come to Heritage Farm & Garden and take advantage of our team of horticultural experts to get a head start on your dream garden. We’ll help you gather everything you need for a successful growing season. Don’t forget the finishing touches, either. Our ornamental vases and beautiful, functional pots are an easy way to start introducing color back into your life. 

And if seed starting isn’t your thing, keep an eye out for our spring arrivals and information on our planting and delivery services!