Zone 4 Seed Starting Indoors
In zone 4, we can experience frost sometimes as late as May 31st and as early as October 1st. This short growing season can mean that some plants will need to be started from seed indoors several weeks before the last expected frost date in order to reach their full potential before autumn. When to start these seeds indoors depends on the plant. Below are different plants and their typical planting times indoors.
10 to 12 Weeks Before Last Frost
Vegetables
Brussel Sprouts Leeks Broccoli Artichoke Onion
Herbs/Flowers
Chives Feverfew Mint Thyme Parsley Oregano Fuchsia Pansy Viola Petunia Lobelia Heliotrope Candytuft Primula Snapdragon Delphinium Impatiens Poppy Rudbeckia
6 to 9 Weeks Before Last Frost
Vegetables
Celery Peppers Shallots Eggplant Tomatoes Lettuce Swiss Chard Melons
Herbs/Flowers
Catmint Coriander Lemon Balm Dill Sage Agastache Basil Daisy Coleus Alyssum Cleome Salvia Ageratum Zinnia Bachelor’s Button Aster Marigold Sweet Pea Calendula Nemesia
3 to 5 Weeks Before Last Frost
Vegetables
Cabbage Cauliflower Kale Pumpkin Cucumber
Herbs/Flowers
Chamomile Fennel Nicotiana Nasturtium Phlox Morning Glory
When to Start Seeds in Zone 4 Outdoors
Outdoor seed planting time in zone 4 is usually between April 15th and May 15th, depending on the specific plant. Since spring in zone 4 can be unpredictable, pay attention to frost advisories in your area and cover plants as needed. Keeping a seed journal or seed calendar can help you learn from your mistakes or successes year after year. Below are some plant seeds that can be sown directly in the garden from mid-April to mid-May in zone 4. Vegetables
Bush Beans Pole Beans Asparagus Beet Carrot Chinese Cabbage Collards Cucumber Endive Kale Kohlrabi Lettuce Pumpkin Muskmelon Watermelon Onion Peas Potatoes Radish Rhubarb Spinach Squash Sweet Corn Turnip
Herbs/Flowers
Horseradish Morning Glory Chamomile Nasturtium
