Gardener’s top tips for starting seeds early for a better and longer veggie harvest

It doesn’t need to be spring to get started on your vegetable garden.

You can begin sowing seeds early in August so that seedlings are ready to plant out when the soil is warm enough – even colder climates can start now with the right setup.

There are some important details to get right though, including which seeds you start early.

Anna-lize Pretorius, seed production manager at The Diggers Club, told nine.com.au that not all veggies need a head-start on the growing season.

“Crops with a long growing season – such as tomatoes, chillies, capsicums and eggplants – are ideal candidates,” she said.

“Fast-growing crops like beans and cucumbers are usually best sown closer to planting time because they dislike root disturbance and can quickly outgrow their pots.”

To know when to start, plan backwards from the last chance of frost – if your region gets them – and sow seeds about eight to 12 weeks before that date. 

“This gives plants enough time to germinate, grow into strong seedlings and be ready to plant out once conditions are suitable,” Pretorius said.

“In colder regions, this often means starting seeds in late winter while frost is still a risk.”

For cold regions, seeds will need to be started indoors, in a greenhouse or cold frame as the soil will be too cold for seeds.

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“A sunny windowsill, heated propagator, mini greenhouse or sheltered spot can provide the extra warmth seeds need to germinate,” she said.

“Once seedlings have developed their first true leaves and outdoor temperatures begin to rise, they can be gradually hardened off before planting into the garden.

“The important thing is not to rush them into cold conditions. Warm-season vegetables don’t like cold soil, and planting too early can result in slow growth, stress or even failure.”

For areas that don’t get frost like central and coastal Sydney, you can get away with a more simple setup like a plastic storage box with a lid, covered seed tray or mini greenhouse to create the warmth and humidity needed for seeds to germinate.

But even though you don’t need much to create the right conditions in warmer climate zones, there are things you need to be careful of to ensure your seeds sprout and grow into healthy seedlings.

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“Ventilation is important. On warm days, temperatures inside these setups can rise quickly and damage young seedlings, so open the lid or provide airflow when needed,” Pretorius said.

“The ideal location is bright light without harsh afternoon sun. A protected outdoor area, balcony, patio or greenhouse bench can be perfect.”

Once you’ve figured out your seed starting setup, it’s time to sow your seeds.

You’ll need to use a seed raising mix as garden soil is too dense for germination. 

In addition to warmth, which is needed for germination, you’ll need to make sure there is enough light for the seedlings once they’ve emerged.

“A warm windowsill or greenhouse is only successful if seedlings receive enough sunlight. Seedlings grown in poor light often become stretched and fragile, making them harder to establish in the garden,” Pretorius said.

Moisture is also vital, but it’s not about deep watering like you do with garden beds, using a spray bottle or a fine hose setting or attachment ensures seeds and seedlings get enough water without being disturbed or damaged.

“Seeds are vulnerable when they first germinate. Allowing the seed raising mix to dry out can kill tiny seedlings, while keeping it too wet can encourage damping off. Aim for evenly moist, not waterlogged,” she said.

It’s also important to keep an eye out for pests as slugs and snails love to feed on seedlings. 

“Raise seed trays off the ground where possible and check underneath pots and trays regularly, as snails often hide in cool, damp spots during the day.

“Use barriers such as copper tape around benches or pots, hand-pick snails in the evening, and consider using pet-safe snail and slug controls around growing areas.”

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Once soil temperature is warm enough and seedlings are ready to plant out it’s a good idea to harden them off before planting. This involves exposing them to the elements outside for about seven to 10 days before planting them.

“This reduces transplant shock and helps seedlings establish quickly in the garden,” Pretorius said.

If you follow those tips you’re well on your way to extending your growing season and being able to harvest your own veggies sooner.

And the next step will be to plan succession sowing so that you have a consistent supply of your very own home-grown vegetables throughout summer.