01/14/2025
Want to know when to start seeds? We have covered it a bit, but here is what I do. In zone 7 of Lubbock Texas, our average last freeze date is about mid April. My mom always said wait til May 1 but that was more than 40 years ago. I take my planning calendar, and write the weeks backwards. So for example, if I start at April 15, then on April 8 I write 1 week (1 week before projected last freeze average) and on April 1 I write 2 weeks, and do that all the way back to mid January. Then I look at when I think I can put out cold tolerant plants in March and count back from those, making the distinction of it from the first count.
The next thing is to gather the seeds you plan on planting and checking to see if you sow them inside or outside and when. Most of them say a certain number of weeks before the projected last freeze average date. Sort them by when to plant them inside and outside.
Since I have a full time job I will be planting on weekends, starting next weekend. If it is your first year or two, don't get too complicated in your planning and if you are a few days or a week or two late getting it done, you will probably be alright, just expect a later harvest. I do have to say the below freezing weather over several days has stoked my enthusiasm mentally but physically, I want a hot cup of tea and to sit in front of the fire with a blanket and read a book.
