Seeds We Are Staring NOW in February

[@rachaelreynolds5782]

Hyssop/Agastache, Echinaceas, Artichokes, Asparagus, Peppers, Onions, Leeks, Herbs, Holy Basil, Pansies/Violas, Angelica, Eggplant, Cauliflower, Celery/Celeriac… so many seeds being started!! Favorite time of year (well that and seeing it all growing and being harvested 😂)!!

[@AnneGoggansQHHT]

I start my arroz con pollo Cuban peppers this early because they take ffffoooorrrrreeeevvvveeerrrrrr to get started, but they are worth it 😍

[@adventuresinlifemka1762]

I have my peppers in under grow lights. They have been potted up once already. I have also started onions, lavender, basil and leeks. So far everything looks great.

[@jeffmeyers3837]

Please talk about when to transplant to bigger pots. Thx.

[@kimberlyzammit6722]

We are about to start red onions, yellow onions, and bunching green onions. The kids are excited for planting season! We just moved to Oregon last year so we are adjusting to the climate...Here we go!

[@nanajane9612]

Zone 4a here. Winter sowed in water jugs, on Groundhog's Day: White Swan Echinacea, Meadow Arnica, Lowbush Blueberry, Feverfew, American Ginseng and Purple Pitcher Plant. This has been the only way I can start echinacea from seed. I'm going to start my onions and peppers indoors, any day now.

[@donnatuttle9459]

First year for trying Winter Sowing, have onions, celery, some peppers and tomatoes plus leeks and broccoli. Will be starting some seeds inside now for zone 4b/5a been making a list, replaced a bunch of seeds that my sick cat peed on, my MiGardener seeds arrived today, I got my grow lights out and ready to start some inside sowing!

[@ourgeorgiasuburbanhomestea6309]

The Mexican marigold also known as Mexican tarragon live for years. VERY nice edible flower and leaves to flavor all sorts of cooking used fresh or dried. The Anise hyssop also is yummy used extracted in vinegar and sprinkled over salad. As a dried herb in tea it can open your bronchia and help with breathing. Our bees love it... but only lives like 3 years before it begins to fade here in Georgia. I couldnt find those trays at Bootstrap, but I did find what looked similar with 200 cells. I hope it fits a 1020 tray.

[@AjArpopP52]

Interesting. Thank you for sharing

[@Thankful1998]

I have anise on my new plant to try this year.

[@ourgeorgiasuburbanhomestea6309]

anise and anise hyssop are different species of plants, as are hyssop of the bible and anise hyssop. I do recipes with all of that :) @@Thankful1998

[@majsret9548]

I live in Georgia, I’m starting peppers, tomatoes, milkweed, rosemary, lavender, egg plant, echinacea, brassicas and snap peas. I watched your stratification video and it helped. Love your content. ❤

[@DDGLJ]

So true about mint. There is a riverside park near where I used to live that is so invaded by mint and catnip it is replacing all the native plants. I used to corral my plants in a big plastic nursery pot buried in the garden, but now that I live by literal untouched wilderness, they’re in pots in the greenhouse. I am not taking chances.

[@ChadnRanda]

And yeah, definitely agree to start early as you can but be patient about putting it out in garden!😊😊

[@marleniaobin6061]

I’m going to start my pepper seeds today too. Last year I started a month and half later and almost couldn’t pick any 😢. I living in Michigan.

[@youngbuck5009]

I’m in SE MI and like to start my peppers 12 weeks before average last frost. That would happen to be later this week.

[@GeorgeLucas1138]

at least you got the right pepper seeds all mine were hungarian wax

[@ugosmith7529]

​@@GeorgeLucas1138 could be worst, my neighbour spent half a summer growing a weed because she thought it was a wild strawberry plant 😂

[@KateTheMama]

I started mine yesterday too. Last year I started in late January and had such a tremendous harvest my freezer is still full of them. Year before I started mid March and got nothing. Hoping mid feb is the sweet spot lol. I live in Poland, similar climate to Michigan

[@ugosmith7529]

@@KateTheMama can I ask which zone you are in and what size pots are your peppers in by the time you plant them out? I typically start mine in early march but will have to give it a shot this year.

[@dragonflygardens]

I start my peppers and tomatoes in January. Finally have a pepper plant that's has been growing since last season😊 Been trying for the last three seasons and they usually die.

[@denisemusicnut]

I’m winter sowing seeds in gallon water jugs. So far I have Alisa Craig, red Wethersfield, and white sweet Spanish onions, iceberg lettuce, rouge de Verona radicchio, sugar snap peas, golden Detroit beet, Waltham 29 broccoli, and Catskills Brussels sprouts, all from MIgardener. BTW, it should be “Brussels” sprouts, not “Brussel” sprouts on the seed packet. They were named after the capital of Belgium, Brussels.😉

[@tillysgarden]

I have always wanted to grow lavender 💜 And I will be grabbing some of those trays.

[@naurekk]

I tried that last year in Canada and was amazed, they grew nicely! So many for way cheaper

[@Cloverleaf_Farms_West]

I actually started lavender from seed this winter and I'm THRILLED!!!!

[@FrozEnbyWolf150]

I ran into problems last year from starting seeds too early because my growlight setup was insufficient, and spring of 2023 was unusually cold late into May. The plants got leggy and weak, and died by the time it was warm enough to take them outside. I ended up having to restart them several times, which wasted a lot of seeds and potting soil. The good news is I've upgraded the 800 lumen bulbs to 4000, and tested them on mature plants over the winter. Hopefully I can avoid the same mistakes.

[@judycee9263]

I struggled with mine too, but I don't have anything other than a west-facing window. The late spring really messed it all up.

[@Warrior-In-the-Garden]

Started rosemary and lavender .Was so shocked when they germinated in only 1 wk. So happy to get my appleblossom snap dragons in the mail today. They will be started this week.

[@firequeen2194]

Lucky you on the snapdragons! My order for them got refunded because they were out, 😢. Happy gardening!

[@Warrior-In-the-Garden]

Aw so sorry. I feel your heart break I missed them last year. If you put them on your wishlist maybe they will restock. Wish there was a way we could share I definitely would.

[@we2824]

I'm growing those too! About 100 of them. Not kidding. Stupidly started way back in November but I knew they are hardy here even in colder weather. How? I had seedlings last year in a plastic pot on my deck in which the soil completely froze even though I moved them under my porch roof. While they were down there, my dog decided to try and uh...uppot them and completely pulled them out, and even chewed some, let's just say, they were "pinched" extremely early. I popped them back in, just to see what would happen and wouldn't ya know, GORGEOUS blooms, until they fell off my deck ledge when it broke, then I had the beautiful blooms in a bowl of water to prettify my kitchen table and yes, I replanted what was left in the ground and they did bloom again, I'd say the suckers are pretty hardy🤣. Good luck with yours!

[@MynewTennesseeHome]

Yesterday I started rooted parsley, calendula, asian poppie, peppers, rice and I started onions a few weeks ago and am starting to move them out to the hoop house. Next will be celery, roselle, more peppers and tobacco. BTW, I tried the sand layer on top of the pots for fungus nats and it is helping. Thanks.

[@InspireMe150]

I'm actually writing things down right now so thank you for all the help. I wasn't able to garden at all for the past 2 years due to leukemia so I'm extra excited to get going. I'm placing my first order on your website as well. Just wanted to say thank you again! Hope everyone has the best growing season ever 🍅🥒🧄🥔🌽🍓

[@Reddirtdarlin]

Thank you for talking about the pink mold! I usually do all veggies from seeds and buy my herbs as plants. This year, I'm doing cold stratification for herbs from seed. I was a little panicked at the small bits of pink mold. Thanks for the explanation!

[@grantkohler7612]

I like staring at seeds sometimes but ya might want to edit the headline. Good vid. I'll probably start some onions later this week.

[@sherry2836]

Lol!🙄

[@mirandam8021]

Thank you Luke! I am starting peppers and eggplants early

[@karinwickenhauser1418]

Excited to start celery (Tango) and snapdragons this week!

[@shirleyluthi-cox1629]

Just got my Tango celery seeds from Berlin yesterday. I've never grown celery before, so I'm hoping for success. My snapdragons are already going gangbusters as seedlings, in for a week.

[@DanlowMusic]

Im in Western WA and have started Cabbage, Broccoli, Spinach, Dinosaur Kale, Lettuces, Onions, 4 kinds of peppers, 4 kinds of Tomatoes, Basil, Cilantro and Celery. The Celery hasnt started to come up yet. Has me a little worried but it always does. Lol

[@pattyhancock2273]

I’m also in Western WA. Hi neighbor. Happy gardening!

[@DanlowMusic]

@@pattyhancock2273 Happy Gardening to you as well!

[@andrealittle3331]

I'm starting lemon mint and my annual flowers. Hoping for some early blooms in Missouri 💕

[@mneraasen224]

I started my sweet peppers last night. Then proceeded to drop half a tray of freshly planted snacking peppers 🤦‍♀️ So today I will re plant and see if I can get the contents of what I spilled to grow too😂🤦‍♀️ and start my onions. next I will start eggplant herb and lettuce. Then in a week or two my tomatoes and lots of other goodies including flowers. I love Bootstrap farmer. I have their small pastel colored pots. Definitely need to order the tray for them. They can get tippy.

[@5GoldDogs]

As I have to work around a week long trip at the end of March, and no one available to care for seedlings, the only thing I have started right now are geraniums. The day after I get back, however, I will be starting a ton of seeds - a lot of flowers, tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins (we grow Atlantic Giants and give them a head start), cukes, etc, etc. I'm in the far reaches of northern NY, zone 4b.

[@karen15061]

I’m starting my peppers. I especially find the hot varieties take a bit longer to germinate. 🌶️ 🫑

[@Crownita]

I'm so excited to find this video and your channel. I'm new to starting seeds. I need all the help I can get. lol

[@charlenecoulson5075]

I just found your you tube channel and already love your topics. I started geraniums from seed and am sooo excited as to how they are proceeding. I also start all my vegetables from seed and have basil and walla walla onions already on their way.

[@sweetalyssum3004]

I started snapdragons last weekend. They sprouted yesterday!

[@ILoveTheMoodyBlues]

Such good advice on mot packing in the soil!

[@BecomingVT]

I’m so excited for this video! I am a beginner seed sower(first time ever!) and have started some arugula and kale indoors, as well as cilantro. Looking to start peppers and tomatoes soon! I’m in Vermont so having fun seeking growth indoors!

[@ofrecentvintage]

How exciting! I remember my first seed starting season. I was elated by every sprout! 😂🎉

[@BecomingVT]

@@ofrecentvintage yesss!!! This is me!! I’m like a kid in a candy store watching them eagerly!

[@ofrecentvintage]

@@BecomingVT I can imagine! 🤩 And the cool thing is... it's amazing every time! 💚 Best wishes for an outstanding first season!! 🌱

[@krissyb7310]

Zone 6 here…our seedlings at the moment, onions walla walla & ruby red, strawberries, peppers sweet & spicy, foxglove, hyssop, rosemary, thyme, oregano, echinacea, Shasta daisy, parsley & lavender ! Start my night shade & gourds in 3 weeks. Winter sown milkweed! First time buying MIgardener seeds & I am obsessed. Incredible germination rate! Everything I planted so far has grown !!! Great work!

[@ramonajolley1966]

Onions, spinach, carrots, chard, and tasoi. These I am starting.

[@rachellegaston6473]

Hey Luke, in Southern Mississippi I am transplanting out my Sweet Peas, peas, and getting ready to start all my herbs, squash and melons.

[@tanyatanya4704]

😮! You go Glen Coco!!

[@aimeholzbach]

Started san marzano tomatoes, jalapeños, grand bell peppers, basil, spinach, rosemary, catmint, marigold, lavender, and 3 different onions. The onions I started on the 2nd. The rest I started yesterday.

[@KK-FL]

That bit about compacting the soil makes a lot of sense. I think I've been over-compacting a bit possible. Thanks!

[@janetdewey883]

I have actually had Toothache plant reseed itself in zone 6 here in mid Missouri! Waiting to see if the hard freezes affected it this year!!

[@PlantsNatureBliss]

Im in zone 7b wish I have grow lights coz I really wanted to start tomato and pepper seeds early but I don’t have one yet. So I started winter sowing in tea jugs with Sunflower, sweet pea, poppy, forget me not, and columbine planted them last Jan. 25 as of today, The sunflowers are almost on the top of the jugs lol sweet pea and poppy are 2” tall while forget me not is 1” columbine none pop out yet

[@cardstockcollector]

Thank You!

[@lucythomas4077]

Luke! Your amazing!!! Next year all my seed shopping is going to be with you. Love Boot Strap. So glad your carrying there products. Can you please verify what you’re planting? Please. Are those bell peppers? I’m in zone 7a. Should I also start my seeds?

[@josee.cisnerosjr.7706]

Your not kidding on the rosemary. Started then since December and as of today are 4 inches long. Definitely like planting early.

[@midwestribeye7820]

Iowa zone 5A, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, passion fruit.

[@hmschoolheidi]

I'll be sowing English peas outside soon here in zone 7b NW AL. Starting many different seeds inside this week. Using your starter mix recipe for the first time 🎉

[@alorastewart7091]

Im starting almost everything earlier than i usually do. I used seed time to figure out all my seeding dates so i dont have to think about it. Im also starting a week or 2 earlier than the times they gave me because its really looking like our last frost is going to be earlier than usual im trying to balance it because i dont have space to keep large pots for long periods of time since im going to have over 60 tomatoes and pepeprs.

[@dangalimidi]

In NJ. Started onions and leeks last week. Also sweet potatoes for slips. This week will be starting peppers!

[@heidigilman1941]

Hi Luke, thank you for your videos ! I’m in MN so appreciate the northern climate information. I started so MI Gardener salad bowl seeds in rinsed vinegar gallon container terrarium style this week. They are in my greenhouse with a heat mat under for the nights. This worked good last year, then transplanted them to 5 gal buckets when about 5 inches tall. Going to start some peppers this week!

[@roxannern9393]

IN 7a E TN, we started our peppers 2 weeks ago. The smaller peppers and plants give a harvest during the growing season however, the larger plants (bells) have not had mature fruit before the first frost. I am sure that I have been starting them too late direct seeding. I've also started thyme, oregano, basil, sage, brassicas (in 3 inch pots), lettuce, kale, celery, spilanthes, Munstead lavender, Roselle and onion. I'm running out of room and have flowers to start. I will find a way and a place to plant them outside. We have mustards growing in the high tunnel right now. Thanks for all of the great advice over the years. I remember watching you start seeds on the coffee table while sitting on the couch and then transplanting into the front yard area I believe.

[@amygriffith3598]

Do you have a link to the large hanging lights above your grow area?

[@gossipcornerhomestead]

I'm starting seeds now because I also need the green in my life! I'm so over winter depression.

[@annetted8113]

I didn't compact at all and never had luck with seed starting. There's a happy medium and compacting some does the trick.

[@amstingley]

I started some basil, lettuce, rosemary and cilantro in cells yesterday. I like to cut baby lettuce to eat and feed to our bunny. Later this week, I’m going to start my poppies, begonias and pansies. Starting seeds this time of year helps me stay positive during these gray gloomy winter days. We’ve had some sunny days this week and it motivates me more to start my seeds. Thanks for the video and inspiration to get my garden going.

[@rusty4134]

I started my peppers and tomatoes a little early and got a huge storm that blew away my greenhouse so I spent the weekend building a new one...cemented in the ground....and now I'm restarting everything. Really only sad about my bonsai and succulents that were lost

[@dededammann9108]

I'm starting peppers next week in Iowa

[@kristineosecka415]

Hi from Latvia. :) We will start peppers, egg plants, pineberry and various herbs next week.

[@Cocreatewithus]

Trifecta in with the seed starting mix??

[@2lotsill]

Zone 7a/b here. Impatient and begonias were seeded Jan 15. Peppers sprouted and planted Feb 10. Ginger planted Feb 10. Buy lemon grass as Asian store, cut 4” off bottom, place in water on heat mat already rooted in 2 weeks.

[@PamisintheGarden2]

Hey Luke, why did you add fertilizer in the mix?

[@orchidjewels4823]

I harvested my lemon grass last year took several stalks and potted them up in gallon pots. They've been growing and multiplying all winter. They're in my family room under my LED plant lights. They do take up a lot of space. I have ginger growing the same way.

[@colleen1872]

I'm starting my celery, rosemary, thyme and marigolds in zone 5b.

[@angelaharrington906]

Great advice! Started leek, onion & firecracker pepper seed from MI Gardener so far.

[@myravenmoon81]

I have a pepper growing in my kitchen window right now. I was so happy to see the fruit starting to grow. It was just an experiment so we'll see how big it grows

[@Wendy-ir6ww]

Sweet peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, luffa, oregano, beans & peas are the main things I'm planning on seed starting within the next week, not more than about a dozen or 2 of each though, as I prefer staggered my plantings for easier transplanting.

[@marydrew3568]

I am trying to winter sowing in milk jugs for the first time! I'm starting geraniums from seed now.

[@elizabethlane8690]

I am going to start my peppers and herbs, Tango celery, and ground cherries this weekend!

[@jen.BarnesFamilyHomestead]

Luke, if you Anise Hyssop doesn't take off.... PLEASE come up north to Tawas and dig up half of mine! lol. I LOVE IT but even just in it's 2nd year it went CRAZY HUGE and is spreading wonderfully. I have Hyssop to share a plenty

[@stevetendrich398]

FYI: Im in CT we started peppers 2-3 weeks ago. We do have an indoor grow room setup and up pot as needed.

[@annatessmer5309]

Thanks Luke! Starting our pepper plants this week - we are zone 5 and I'm always disappointed in our pepper production because I don't think they're getting started early enough. Excited to see how they do this year.

[@butterflyvision3849]

I started my peppers early February

[@madelinerivera7445]

Thank you for this information. I was wondering if you put a plastic dome over the seeds until they germinate. Maybe it's on another video. I just found you and subscribed, so I have much to catch up on. I too started a lot of seeds...zinnia, african daisys, shasta daisys, cilantro, cherry tomato, and the list goes on and on.

[@MaryMcLouth]

Start3d my peppers and eggplant, plus some herbs!

[@pdxmusl1510]

I started my seeds this weekend 😁. I like to choose my seed starting cell size based on the length of time I intend to keep it inside the house. For a tomatoe or pepper.. they get big. And I keep them inside for a long time. I like a bigger cell for those because I don't need to pot them multiple times. But fir things like onions. I don't keep them inside for long and they don't grow fast. So smaller is fine. That huge cell starter could come in handy for slow growing starts. I'm thinking of starting a bunch of thyme for ground cover this year. Hopefully you'll have the seed start thing soon.

[@kelleyp1870]

Yes!!

[@kelleyp1870]

I literally just did the milk jug method you showed a few weeks ago

[@terridee9637]

I just started seeds in a milk jug for outside. Coneflowers , violas and Prairie dock seeds from Coxhall Gardens

[@vickieboley9452]

I grew the Mexican Mint Marigold last year, thought I got it from you but not sure. It had the most unusual fragrance, sweet, bees loved it! so did Monarch butterflies! I am growing again this year! And yes if you grow spearmint, deadhead those flowers right away or you will be sorry because those seeds spread in the wind like wildfire!

[@ambertears8707]

I’m new to gardening and it’s been so exciting to watch all my little seeds grow! My biggest and most discouraging issue right now is that my little seedlings keep dying from root rot and damping off. I would be so excited to see future content walking newbies through how to prevent it, how to notice it’s happening, and if there is a way to salvage the seedling when you catch it. Love your videos keep up the great content!

[@CoveredandCommitted]

I’m brand-new, too. This channel has at least two videos on this subject-very helpful stuff!

[@ChuckFinlan]

I started my leeks and onions yesterday. The herbs will be started tomorrow.

[@kennethwilliams561]

Luke, I label my plants and are mostly MI gardener and they are all all germinating, great seeds.

[@zPhilll]

So far ive started strawberries, celery, onions, hyssop and lavender. Ill be starting peppers this coming weekend.

[@rhcp8390]

Thanks to you, I've got my rosemary cuttings under grow lights. I tried growing it from seed last year, but I didn't give it enough time to germinate. Same with Mexican Mint Marigold.

[@michellewelch6013]

Love the Bootstrap products that are available! Thanks for selling them!

[@lorettajaffe1084]

So glad to see you starting seeds as I too have already started here in SE WI - I have marigolds, geraniums, lemon grass and rosemary which I started Jan 8 and as of now I have started peppers, onions, and will be starting the tomatoes and eggplant. Just like you mentioned to hopefully get an earlier start once outside oh and I am trying mammoth sunflower but they are in biodegradable pots so as not to disturb the roots too much last years the rabbits or squirrel got them once they germinated - thanks for all you do

[@lisascott9670]

Thanks for the encouragement! I’m a little seed shy after two dismal years of trying. Working on my setup this week

[@joetripp123]

Love those trays. As a beekeeper I just want to say thanks for growing hyssop and marigold. Here in NC I've actually had peppers overwinter. So if you want to start them early go ahead. Honestly anything that can overwinter I would think could be started early.

[@gardenandjoy]

I started a couple varieties of peppers at 12 weeks before Friday. I had the BEST pepper year last year! I was worried the plants might struggle but they did great. I think I potted up 2x before bringing them out. Southeastern Massachusetts for context.

[@sharonknorr1106]

Love Mexican Mint/Marigold. Small plant, but with an anisey flavor, can be used as a substitute for tarragon and is sometimes called Mexican Tarragon. Does take a long time to get going, so yes, start early.

[@Gardeningchristine]

I’ve started some lettuces, onions, pac Choi, globe artichoke, celery, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, spinach, and collard greens to plant out early probably with some frost protection. I’ve got cucumbers and tiny tomatoes to grow in my south facing window.

[@lorimiller623]

I'm starting perennials, including anise hyssop. I have Bootstrap Farmer seed trays--they're really sturdy.

[@susansopek4352]

Luke- I love your videos! Not only are they informative but they keep sane thru the winter months! Question… in your video there are some seedlings behind you that are quite far from the lights. What are these and will you raise the trays to be closer to the lights? Why or why not? Thanks!!!

[@ht6684]

I'm in WI and I started peppers yesterday, I started some herbs last week and flowers. Other stuff will be next month.

[@leahbender7032]

I started peppers last night, and I am trying to get some perennials to do their thing in the fridge. Started them Friday night. Newly re-zoned 6a in northern Indiana :)

[@katharine5606]

Great video! Could you please do a 'Random Q&A' video and answer viewer questions, like: 1) Do you presoak any seeds such as beans or peas before direct sow? 2) Do you have any tips on growing, harvesting, and processing Ground Cherries? 3) Will Trifecta reduce the need for blossom end rot spray? 4) Would it be helpful to have a water filter installed on a garden hose to reduce chlorine as I know plants don't like chlorine? Thanks!

[@sharlenestewart5383]

If you allow your water to sit for at least 24 hours with no top, the chemicals will leach out & be safe to water.

[@katharine5606]

@@sharlenestewart5383 Thanks-- that's very helpful!

[@zacharyhines3343]

My growing area is about 60 degrees. I ll need to get a few heat mats for my banana peppers and watermelons

[@Gardeningchristine]

I’ve been experimenting with growing potato eyes. Just pulling them off and plunking them 1/2 in soil. All are doing well and if I get a decent harvest I’ll be eating the potatoes and only planting the eyes from now on. So cool to watch them go from a little bud to little potato plants. I planted some in 2 liters and they were only about 2 inches tall but the roots were all the way down to the bottom of the pot.

[@auntiepam5649]

Thank you Luke. I am trying to grow some feverfew for my medicinal garden but it is really slow starting everything else is up and going.

[@andralandi1108]

The good news is that once you get a few plants going, they’ll reseed like crazy and you’ll never have to plant them again

[@AddieMorris]

I started Mexican mint marigolds on a heat mat and they sprouted after 4 days but they do take a while to fully mature. Can’t wait for Spring! 🙌🏻 thanks for info Luke.

[@vicwickgardens9174]

I started lots way too early but I couldn’t wait. I will see what works.

[@toriegrenier3985]

I started my lemon grass last week! As well as my foxglove. If you want to “see” small seeds, get foxglove! Great video! I am in NH, zone 5b.

[@rayvin357]

love your excitement-great vids