Starting a vegetable garden from seeds can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only can you grow exactly what you want, it’s a great opportunity to save some money and spend some time outside.

If you live in Toronto, which is in hardiness zones 6a and 6b, timing is very important to make sure your plants grow strong and healthy. Starting with high quality Certified Organic Seeds will improve your germination success rate and give you stronger seedlings with the assurance of no GMO. Whether you’re growing in the ground or in containers, here’s a few tips to get you started.

When to Start Seeds Indoors

The best time to start seeds indoors depends on the last frost date, which in Toronto is usually between April 20 and May 9. Here is a quick guideline for some of the most common vegetables grown:

• January-February: Start slow-growing plants like onions, leeks, and celery. Peppers and eggplants should be planted in late February so they have time to grow before transplanting.
• March: This is the time to start tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and herbs like basil and parsley.
• April: Plant cucumbers, squash, and melons. These need less time indoors before they can be moved outside.
• May (directly in the garden): Plant beans, peas, corn, carrots, radishes, beets, lettuce, and spinach directly in the soil.

Choosing High-Quality Seeds

Selecting high-quality certified organic seeds can greatly improve your garden’s success. Certified Organic seeds are grown without synthetic chemicals. They also tend to come from plants that have adapted to natural conditions, making them more resistant to pests and diseases. Consider growing heirloom variety vegetables for a glimpse and taste of our past and help restore these wonderful and forgotten treasures to our tables.

How to Start Seeds Indoors

1. Choose the Right Containers: Use seed trays, small pots, or recycled containers with drainage holes.
2. Use Good Soil: A light, well-draining seed-starting mix is best for young plants.
3. Provide Enough Light: Place seedlings in a bright window or under grow lights about 2-4 inches above them.
4. Water Properly: Keep the soil moist but not too wet.
5. Maintain the Right Temperature: Most seeds sprout best at 18-24°C (65-75°F). Use a heat mat if needed for warm-season plants like tomatoes and peppers.

Moving Seedlings Outdoors

Before planting seedlings in your garden, they need to be “hardened off.” This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Start by putting them outside for a few hours each day, then slowly increase the time.

When to plant outside:

• Cool-season crops (broccoli, kale, lettuce, onions): Late April to early May.
• Warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash): After the last frost, usually mid-to-late May.

Planting Seeds Directly in the Garden

Some vegetables grow better when planted directly in the garden rather than started indoors:

• Early Spring: Peas, spinach, radishes, carrots.
• Late Spring: Beans, corn, beets, zucchini.
• Summer Planting: Lettuce, greens, and bush beans can be planted in stages for a continuous harvest.