When to Plant Seeds Indoors with North Circle Seeds

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Anyone else dreaming of warmer days and springtime gardening? It may not feel like it today, but spring will be here before we know it. That’s why now is the perfect time to plan your garden and pick up some local organic seeds at the co-op — you’ll need to start some of them indoors soon!

Certified organic North Circle Seeds are thoughtfully and sustainably bred for our cooler climate and shorter season, so the germination rate is generally very high. These seeds are hardier and will withstand the pressures of disease and pest damage much better than seeds produced in conventional systems that use chemicals as part of the breeding.

Word is out amongst Lakewinds staff who garden that these seeds are second to none. “I grew the Fortex green beans [in 2021] and had by far the best luck I’ve ever had growing that crop,” says Jennifer, events & community relations coordinator for the co-op. “The beans were huge, tender, and delicious and the plants yielded pounds and pounds of produce throughout the season with very little input on my part. Get a trellis, direct seed them into well-tended soil, and get ready for an amazing bounty!”

In the Twin Cities, the last frost of spring typically occurs at the beginning of May. According to the Minnesota Horticulture Society, it’s safe to start planting outdoors after May 15. However, we all know how unpredictable the Minnesota weather can be, so be sure to check the forecast before putting your seeds or starter plants in the ground.

 

Excited to start your garden? See when to plant seeds indoors so you have a great growing season:

Cilantro

Start these seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the estimated last spring frost.

Days to maturity/harvest: 50-55

Cucumber Mix

Start these seeds indoors 2-3 weeks prior to outdoor planting. Transplant outdoors only after the soil has reached 60 or more degrees.

Days to maturity/harvest: 80

Eggplants (5 varieties)

Plant these seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior to outdoor planting. Transplant outdoors only after the soil has reached 50-65 degrees or more (depending on exact variety).

Days to maturity/harvest: 60-80 depending on exact variety

Ground Cherries

Start these seeds indoors 3 weeks before the estimated last spring frost.

Days to maturity/harvest: 65-75

Musketeer Melon

Plant these seeds indoors 4 weeks before the estimated last spring frost.

Days to maturity/harvest: 80

Peppers (Red Bell, Poblano, Jalapeno, Chile de Arbol, Catarina)

Start these seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior to planting outdoors. Transplant outdoors only after the soil has reached 50 degrees or more.

Days to maturity/harvest: 60-90 depending on exact variety

Pumpkin

Start these seeds indoors 4 weeks prior to planting outdoors. Plant outdoors only after the soil has reached 60 degrees or more.

Days to maturity/harvest: 80

Squash (Butternut & Buttercup)

Start these seeds indoors 6 weeks prior to planting outdoors. Transplant outdoors only after the soil has reached 60 degrees or more. Note: You can direct seed these outdoors if you don’t mind a later harvest.

Days to maturity/harvest: 88-90

Tomatoes (13 varieties)

Plant any of the North Circle tomato seed varieties indoors 5-6 weeks prior to outdoor planting. Transplant outdoors only after the soil has reached 50 degrees or more.

Days to maturity/harvest: 50-85 depending on exact variety

Watermelon

Start these seeds indoors 4 weeks before the estimated last spring frost. Transplant outdoors only after the soil has reached 50 degrees or more.

Days to maturity/harvest: 85

Looking for more?

Because North Circle Seeds are bred with our short Midwestern climate in mind, most seed offerings don’t require you to start them indoors. Find more than 70 different seed packets (including for flowers!) in the produce department at Lakewinds.

Don’t have much of a green thumb or don’t want the hassle of starting from scratch? Stop by our plant sale in mid-May at our Minnetonka store (only) and pick up plant starts from local growers like Humble Pie, Glacial Ridge Growers, and Twin Organics.

 

Get into a growing mindset with our sustainable gardening tips and ideas for your yard or patio.