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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 an easy and productive way to get a headstart on the growing season. It offers many advantages over indoor seed starting. The natural sunlight leads to stockier healthier plants that transition seamlessly outside. With the right techniques you can gain several weeks on your planting schedule without the hassle of hardening off indoor grown transplants.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to successfully start vegetable, herb, and flower seeds in containers outside.
Benefits of Outdoor Container Seed Starting
Here are some of the main advantages of sowing seeds outside rather than indoors
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Utilizes free, unfiltered sunlight leading to sturdy, compact growth. Plants started outdoors avoid the leggy, elongated stems that often happen with artificial lights indoors.
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Seeds germinate better with real weather fluctuations. The changing outdoor temps trigger hormones plants need.
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Natural air circulation prevents issues like damping off disease that can plague indoor starts.
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No hardening off or acclimatization period is needed. Outdoor started plants transplant seamlessly outside.
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Provides an earlier start to the growing season by 4-6 weeks in cooler climates.
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Gives more spacing flexibility when transplanting compared to crowded indoor starts.
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Less prone to rotting from excess humidity than indoor seed starting environments.
With the right setup and practices, starting seeds outdoors in containers is easy and delivers excellent results.
Best Candidates for Outdoor Container Seed Starting
Almost any type of vegetable, herb or flower seed can be directly sown into containers outside. Some top choices include:
- Cold-tolerant crops like lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes
- Warm season crops like tomatoes, peppers, squash, melons
- Quick-growing annuals like zinnias, marigolds, cosmos
- Herbs like parsley, basil, dill
- Direct-sow crops like beans, corn, carrots, beets
The key is providing the right amount of protection and warmth needed for germination until outdoor conditions become optimal.
Choosing Containers for Outdoor Seed Starting
You have lots of options when selecting containers for outdoor seed starting:
- Drainage holes are essential to prevent overwatering issues.
- Seed trays allow efficient planting of many seeds in a small space.
- Individual small pots like peat pots give each seedling room to grow roots.
- Recycled containers like yogurt cups or food tins work great on a budget.
- Seed starting mix provides needed moisture retention.
Match your container type to the number of plants you want to grow.
Providing Warmth and Protection Outdoors
Until they germinate, seeds sown outside need consistent warmth along with protection from harsh sun and wind. Here are some ways to provide what seeds need:
- Use a greenhouse, hoop house, cold frame or cloche over containers.
- Insulating row cover adds extra warmth and protects from rain and wind.
- Dark containers absorb heat well for crops that need warm soil to sprout.
- Heat mats or cables can provide bottom warmth if overnight temps are cold.
- Bring containers indoors if temps drop dangerously low.
- Monitor weather forecasts closely when starting seeds early.
With a little protection, you can create the ideal conditions for seeds to thrive outside.
6 Steps for Starting Seeds Outdoors in Containers
Follow this straightforward process for the best results:
1. Fill Containers with Pre-Moistened Seed Starting Mix
Avoid dense garden soil, use a fluffy seed starting mix. Moisten before planting.
2. Plant Seeds at the Correct Depth
Check the seed packet for guidelines like 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch deep.
3. Label Containers
Identify each variety you plant with plastic tags or popsicle sticks.
4. Provide Consistent Moisture
Water lightly daily to keep seeds moist until they germinate.
5. Give Protection and Warmth
Shield containers from harsh sun, wind, and cold until seedlings establish.
6. Harden Off and Transplant Outside
Slowly introduce to full sun and wind before transplanting into the garden.
Follow this simple process and you’ll have vigorous seedlings ready to thrive when planted outside.
Timing for Starting Seeds Outdoors
Knowing optimal time frames makes outdoor seed starting more successful:
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Cool weather crops: Start 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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Herbs/flowers: Start when daytime temps are consistently above 50°F.
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Fall crops: Start in mid to late summer for an autumn harvest.
Sticking close to these sowing times prevents failure due to cold weather. Adjust dates as needed for your specific climate.
Outdoor Seed Starting Troubleshooting
Issues sometimes occur when starting seeds outside. Here are solutions to some common problems:
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Seeds not sprouting – Ensure soil stays moist. Provide bottom warmth if nights are cold.
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Leggy seedlings – Plants are stretching for light. Move containers into more sun.
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Damping off disease – Fungal issue from excess moisture. Allow more airflow.
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Wilting plants – Check soil moisture and water if needed. Move into shade if overly hot.
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Pests like slugs or birds – Use floating row covers to create a protective barrier.
With attentive care and protection, you can overcome potential pitfalls.
Hardening Off Outdoor-Started Seedlings
A key benefit of outdoor seed starting is minimal hardening off is needed. But take these steps:
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Gradually expose seedlings to more direct sun over 7-10 days.
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Let seedlings experience some light rain or wind before transplanting.
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Reduce watering slightly during the hardening off period.
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Bring containers indoors if frost threatens.
The goal is a gradual introduction to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
Transplanting Techniques for Outdoor Starts
Follow these tips when transplanting outdoor-started seedlings:
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Handle gently to avoid damaging roots and stems.
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Water seedlings well the day before to minimize transplant shock.
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Prepare garden bed with compost and nutrients for a strong start.
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Water transplants after planting and mist daily until established.
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Plant at same level as in containers and firm soil around stems.
With proper hardening off and gentle transplanting, your outdoor-grown seedlings will thrive!
Outdoor Seed Starting Tips by Crop
Tailor your practices to the needs of different crops:
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Tomatoes – Start in individual containers. Bury horizontally when planting.
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Peppers – Provide plenty of warmth for germination.
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Lettuce/spinach – Can be directly sown into soil. Keep moist.
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Squash – Allow lots of room between seeds for rapid growth.
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Herbs – Start after frost passes since seedlings dislike cold.
Get to know the ideal conditions for what you want to grow.
The Benefits of Outdoor Seed Starting
Starting seeds outdoors in containers offers many advantages:
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Healthier, more robust plants compared to indoor starting
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Earlier yields, especially in cooler climates
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No leggy, etiolated growth needing time to acclimate
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Harnessing the power of natural sunlight
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Less risk of fungal diseases than indoor starting
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Flexible spacing when transplanting
With some simple protective measures, you can gain major benefits by sowing outdoors. Give container seed starting a try this year for your healthiest, most productive garden yet!
Placement of the Containers and Seed Germination
- Because my spring weather is variable and I get warm days followed by cold days, as well as lots of moisture, I sprinkle the surface of my potting soil with cinnamon as a deterrent to damping off disease and any other fungus that might be in the soil.
- Again, because my weather is variable, I put my winter sown seeds on the north side of my house to discourage them from sprouting too early in the season. An extra early sprout can be damaged by excessive frosts that might follow. My spring weather is very mercurial!
- Some days are so warm that it’s necessary to remove the lids entirely so as not to cook the seedlings. On the north side of my house, I only need to do this rarely. It’s usually about the time that the seedlings have gotten so tall that they need lids off all the time so they can continue to grow. I know it’s about time to plant them in the garden when they get that tall!
Can I Start Seeds Outdoors in Containers?
Yes, you really can start seeds outdoors in containers and pretty much any container will do.
You outdoor seed sowing container MUST:
- be sturdy enough to stand up to rain, snow, and wind
- have drainage holes drilled into the bottom
- have a secure lid with drainage holes drilled into it (milk jug sowers use duct tape to secure the top half of their modified seed container to the bottom half)
As I said, I prefer rectangular, shoebox-type boxes with snap on lids. They stack well while I prepare them with soil for planting, are easy to drill holes into with a small bit on my electric driver, and hold up reasonably well in the elements.
My Way of Starting Seeds in Trays Outside
FAQ
Can you start seeds in containers outside?
Yes, you really can start seeds outdoors in containers and pretty much any container will do.
When can I start planting seeds outside?
Cool weather-loving species start best a month or two before the last average frosty days. Warm weather-loving plants start best outdoors one to four weeks after the last frost date. For fall plantings, sow frost-tolerant flowers and crops three to four months before the first frost date in autumn.Jun 6, 2025
Can I sow seeds directly outside?
By planting direct sow seeds into prepared garden beds, instead of buying whatever plants are available at a garden center in spring, you can save money and …May 18, 2022
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.
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 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.
How do you grow seeds indoors?
This method involves sowing seeds in containers such as trays, pots, or peat pellets, and providing them with optimal conditions to germinate and grow. Greater control: Indoors, you have complete control over factors such as temperature, light, and humidity, ensuring optimal conditions for germination and growth.
Can you plant seeds outside?
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to successfully start your vegetable, herb, and flower seeds in containers outdoors. Here are some of the main upsides to sowing seeds outside rather than indoors: Utilizes free, unfiltered sunlight leading to sturdy growth. Avoids the leggy, etiolated growth that happens under artificial lights.