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Starting seeds outdoors instead of indoors produces strong, healthy plants that are already acclimated to their environment. Also known as “winter sowing”, starting seeds outdoors in containers is simple and doable in temperate climates. You can plant your seeds in containers right after Christmas and wait for them to sprout in the spring. Stop creating a huge mess indoors with your seed starting – move it outdoors!
Starting seeds outdoors in containers is a great way to get a head start on the growing season. By sowing seeds outside, you can gain up to 4-6 weeks on plants grown directly in the garden bed. Container gardening makes it easy to control planting depth soil quality, moisture levels and spacing of your seedlings. With the right techniques outdoor container seed starting leads to healthy, vigorous plants ready to thrive when transplanted in the garden.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the many benefits of outdoor seed sowing and the best practices for success.
Why Start Seeds Outdoors?
Growing seeds in containers outside offers several key advantages:
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Natural sunlight and air circulation create stocky, compact growth. Plants avoid the leggy, etiolated growth that happens under artificial lights indoors.
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The soil in containers warms up quicker than garden beds early in spring allowing earlier germination.
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You can sow seeds on your schedule no need to wait for perfect garden conditions.
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It’s easier to control moisture levels in containers and prevent fungal issues.
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No need to “harden off” plants, as they transition seamlessly from container to garden.
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Earlier yields, allowing an extended harvest, especially in short-season climates.
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Avoid the frustrations of indoor growing like weak fluorescent lighting, limited space and transplant shock.
Overall, outdoor seed starting better replicates nature, leading to hardy, healthy seedlings.
Best Candidates for Containers
Most vegetables, herbs and flowers grow well started outside in pots. Some top choices include:
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Cool weather crops: lettuce, spinach, kale, radish
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Warm weather crops: tomatoes, peppers, squash, melons, cucumbers
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Quick-growing annuals: zinnias, cosmos, marigolds, nasturtiums
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Herbs: basil, parsley, cilantro, dill
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Direct-sow crops: beans, sweet corn, carrots, beets
Pay attention to the average last spring frost date in your area when selecting crops to start outdoors.
Choosing Containers for Outdoor Seed Starting
You have lots of options when it comes to seed starting receptacles:
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Individual small containers like peat or plastic pots give each seedling room to grow.
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Cell packs made from recycled containers or compostable materials provide built-in spacing.
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Plastic seed trays offer efficient sowing of large numbers of plants.
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DIY eggs cartons, yogurt cups and tin cans make free, creative containers.
Look for the following features:
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Drainage holes to prevent overwatering
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Trays to hold multiple seedlings
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Peat, coir or compost-based potting mix provides moisture retention
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Match container size to the number of plants you want to grow
Providing Warmth and Protection
Seeds started outside need protection from harsh conditions:
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Use cloches, cold frames, hoop houses or greenhouses to shield from wind, rain and cold nights.
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Row covers add insulation to trap warmth from the soil.
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Dark containers absorb more heat to keep roots warm.
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Heat mats can provide bottom warmth if sowing early or heat-loving plants.
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Be ready to move pots indoors or provide cover if frost threatens.
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Monitor weather forecasts closely when starting seeds early in cool climates.
6 Steps for Starting Seeds Outdoors in Containers
Follow this straightforward process for success:
1. Fill Containers with Pre-Moistened Seed Starting Mix
Avoid dense garden soil. Use a fluffy, nutrient-rich mix and moisten before planting.
2. Plant Seeds at the Correct Depth
Consult seed packets for depth guidelines. General rule is 2-3 times the seed width.
3. Label Containers
Identify each variety you plant with plastic tags or popsicle sticks.
4. Provide Consistent Moisture
Water lightly daily. Bottom watering helps prevent fungal issues.
5. Give Protection from the Elements
Shield containers from harsh sun, wind, rain and cold until seedlings establish.
6. Harden Off and Transplant Outside
Slowly introduce seedlings to sunlight, wind and rain before planting in garden beds.
Follow these simple steps for robust, healthy transplants ready to thrive when planted in your vegetable garden or flower beds.
Timing for Starting Seeds Outdoors
Paying attention to optimal planting times is crucial for success:
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Cool weather crops: Sow 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date.
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Warm weather crops: Start 2-4 weeks before your average last frost.
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Quick growing flowers/herbs: After frost risk has passed and temps are reliably above 50°F.
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Fall veggies: Sow in mid to late summer for an autumn harvest.
Stick close to these sowing times to avoid failure due to cold conditions. Adjust dates as needed for your specific climate.
Troubleshooting Outdoor Seed Starting
Issues sometimes arise when starting seeds outside. Here are solutions to common problems:
Seeds not sprouting: Ensure soil stays moist and provide bottom warmth at night if cold.
Leggy seedlings: Plants are stretching for light. Move containers into more sunlight.
Damping off disease: Fungal issue from excess moisture. Allow more airflow around plants.
Wilting plants: Check soil moisture and water if needed. Move to shade if overly hot.
Pests: Use row cover barrier to prevent access by birds, slugs, insects.
With attentive care and protection from the elements, you can overcome potential pitfalls.
Hardening Off Outside Started Seedlings
Because containers keep roots snug and protected, seedlings need a short transition period before planting in garden beds:
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Gradually expose seedlings to more direct sunlight over 7-10 days.
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Let seedlings experience some light wind and rain before transplanting.
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Reduce watering slightly during the hardening off period.
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Bring seedlings indoors or under cover if frost threatens.
The key is slowly acclimating plants to outdoor conditions, not an abrupt change.
Transplanting Techniques
Follow these tips when it’s time to transplant outdoor-started seedlings:
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Handle seedlings gently to avoid damaging roots and stems.
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Water seedlings well the day before transplanting to reduce shock.
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Prepare garden beds with compost and nutrients for healthy growth.
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Water transplants after planting and mist leaves daily at first.
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Plant most seedlings at same level they were growing in containers.
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Exceptions are tomatoes and peppers which can be planted deeper.
With proper hardening off and gentle handling, your container-grown seedlings will get off to a vigorous start when moved into the vegetable garden or flower beds.
Tips for Specific Crops
Tailor your practices to the needs of each crop:
Tomatoes: Sow in individual containers. Bury horizontally when planting.
Peppers: Provide ample warmth for germination. Start in cell packs.
Lettuce/Spinach: Can be directly sown in containers outside. Keep soil moist.
Squash: Allow lots of room between seeds for rapid growth.
Herbs: Start after frost danger has passed since they dislike cold.
Get to know the ideal conditions for what you want to grow.
The Benefits of Starting Seeds Outdoors in Containers
Growing seeds in containers outside offers huge advantages over indoor sowing:
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Natural sunlight results in stocky, healthy, vigorous growth
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Earlier yields, especially in short-season climates
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Avoid leggy, weak seedlings that happen under artificial lights
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Easier to control moisture and prevent damping off diseases
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No hardening off or transplant shock
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Flexible spacing when it’s time to transplant
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Harness the power of real weather fluctuations and fresh air circulation
With the right containers, soil and protection from the elements, you can gain up to a month on the growing season by starting seeds outside. Give this simple technique a try this spring for your healthiest, most productive garden yet!
Outdoor Seed Starting Method #1 Winter Sowing
But before I jump into pros and cons of each method, I need to talk about a inexpensive specific method of seed starting called winter sowing.
Methods of Starting Seeds Outdoors
Outdoor seed starting can be done in many ways. You can start them in a greenhouse, high tunnel, caterpillar tunnel, any other unheated tunnel or in cloches or a similar mini greenhouse. The key to get the best results is to make sure they have sunlight and a covered area.
Each method of seed starting outdoors has pros and cons.
Starting All Your Seeds Outside | What To Expect
FAQ
Can you start seeds in containers outside?
Yes, you really can start seeds outdoors in containers and pretty much any container will do.
Can you put seeds straight into soil outdoors?
Yes you can. For success in germination and growth be sure the seed is for plants that grow in your zone, that they are planted at the correct Dept and time of the year.
How to start planting seeds outdoors?
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1. Soil Preparation:
- Remove weeds, rocks, and other debris from the planting area.
- Break apart any large clods of soil to create a loose and well-drained planting bed.
- Consider adding compost or other organic matter to improve soil fertility and structure.
- Remove weeds, rocks, and other debris from the planting area.
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2. Seed Selection and Sowing:
- Choose seeds that are appropriate for your climate and growing conditions, and consider their germination requirements (light or dark).
- For large seeds, sow them directly into the prepared soil, ensuring they are spaced according to the seed packet’s instructions.
- For small seeds, mix them with fine sand or use a pinch method to scatter them evenly.
- If seeds require light to germinate, cover them lightly with soil or leave them on the surface.
- Choose seeds that are appropriate for your climate and growing conditions, and consider their germination requirements (light or dark).
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3. Watering and Aftercare:
- Water the soil gently after planting, making sure the seed bed is moist but not soggy.
- Consider adding a thin layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Keep an eye on the seedlings and thin them out if they are too crowded.
- Water the soil gently after planting, making sure the seed bed is moist but not soggy.
Should I start seeds indoors or outdoors?
Outdoor seed starting in containers or soil blocks is an awesome way to get healthy plants early in the season, and to save time in the long run. I LOVE starting seeds in my high tunnel and how much easier it is than starting seeds indoors. Overall, it’s a great way to mimic nature but also gain more growing time!
How do you start seeds outdoors?
Outdoor seed starting can be done in many ways. You can start them in a greenhouse, high tunnel, caterpillar tunnel, any other unheated tunnel or in cloches or a similar mini greenhouse. The key to get the best results is to make sure they have sunlight and a covered area. Each method of seed starting outdoors has pros and cons.
How do you start a seedling in a garden?
Transplant at the right time – into larger pots, or outdoors. Harden off the seedlings before transplanting them outdoors. Outdoor seed starting involves directly sowing seeds into the ground or raised beds, taking advantage of natural sunlight, rainwater, and seasonal climate conditions.
How do you start seeds?
Seed starting is like magic. You put tiny, hard seeds into the dirt, and they sprout into plants with beautiful flowers and delicious fruits. Most gardeners start seeds indoors and transplant mature specimens outdoors when ready.
Should you plant seeds outside?
#4 When you start seeds outdoors in containers or soil blocks, you also get a jump on the weeds and have a much easier time weeding after they are transplanted. This is because the plants are easy to see, and can be weeded with a tool, rather than by hand which sometimes needs to be done with tiny seedlings.
Do you need a large setup to plant seeds?
You don’t necessarily need a large setup to do it either, as sowing seeds outdoors can be one of the most simple and inexpensive ways to fill your garden with plants each year. With the know- how to germinate seeds successfully outdoors, it opens up a world of opportunities for what you can grow.