Article category: Garden Maintenance. Published 2026-04-28 by Pocket Gardener Team.
Topics: seed starting, indoor gardening, planting calendar, hardiness zone, garden planning, seedlings, transplanting.
Questions answered in this article
When should I start seeds indoors?
Count backward from your local last frost date using the crop-specific range on the seed packet. Tomatoes usually need 6-8 weeks, brassicas 4-6 weeks, onions 8-12 weeks, and cucurbits only 3-4 weeks because they dislike root disturbance.
Why do my seedlings get leggy indoors?
Leggy seedlings usually result from insufficient light, overly warm conditions, or starting too early. Use strong grow lights placed close to seedlings, maintain appropriate temperatures, and follow a proper sowing calendar rather than guessing.
Can I use Australian seasons instead of US frost dates?
Yes. In Australia, local seasonal timing and regional frost patterns matter more than imported northern-hemisphere calendars. Always adapt indoor sowing dates to your own climate, not a generic online chart.
Which seeds should not be started too early indoors?
Cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, beans, and melons should not be started too early because they grow fast and dislike root disturbance. Short indoor lead times produce stronger transplants.
What do I need to start seeds indoors successfully?
You need a clean seed-raising mix, trays or pots with drainage, reliable light, airflow, stable warmth for germination, and a calendar matched to your planting window. Timing is as important as equipment.