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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. After Christmas, you can plant your seeds in pots and wait for them to grow in the spring. Stop creating a huge mess indoors with your seed starting – move it outdoors!.
Starting seeds outdoors in containers is an excellent way to get a head start on the growing season without the hassle of indoor seed starting. With the right techniques you can have healthy robust seedlings ready to transplant into the garden weeks before sowing directly in the ground.
In this complete guide. we will cover everything you need to know about starting seeds outdoors in containers successfully including
Benefits of Starting Seeds Outdoors
Here are some of the main advantages of starting your seeds outside rather than indoors:
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Seeds germinate better with natural sunlight. They grow stronger and healthier compared to using artificial grow lights.
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It saves time and effort No need to worry about hardening off seedlings or creating an indoor growing setup,
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Earlier harvests. You can get plants in the ground sooner.
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No leggy seedlings. Natural sunlight keeps plants stocky and compact.
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Lower risk of fungal diseases. Better air circulation outdoors reduces issues like damping off.
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Mimics nature. Outdoor conditions are what seeds and seedlings evolved for.
Timing Considerations
Pay attention to recommended planting times for each crop when starting seeds outdoors. Cool-season crops can be started earlier in spring, while warm-season crops need to wait until all danger of frost has passed.
Check seed packets for guidance on when to sow each type of vegetable or flowering plant. In general:
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Cool crops like lettuce, spinach, peas: Early spring, 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
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Warm crops like tomatoes, peppers, beans: 2-4 weeks before the last spring frost.
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Extreme warm crops like melons, okra: 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date.
Methods for Outdoor Seed Starting
There are several effective techniques for starting your seeds outside in containers:
Winter Sowing
This involves sowing seeds in miniature greenhouses made from recycled containers during late winter. The greenhouse effect warms the soil, triggering germination.
Pros: Very inexpensive, automatic timing, mimics nature
Cons: Can dry out, limited capacity
Mini Greenhouses/Cloches
Use cloches, plastic domes, or DIY mini greenhouses over containers to create a warm, protected environment.
Pros: Very customizable, reusable
Cons: Need venting, less stable in wind
Cold Frames
A cold frame is an unheated outdoor box with a transparent top. Provides protection and warmth.
Pros: High capacity, easy access
Cons: Not as portable, need a permanent spot
Hoop Houses
Unheated hoop houses like high tunnels allow larger-scale outdoor seed starting.
Pros: Lots of room for containers, customizable
Cons: More expensive, less portable than other options
Choosing Containers for Outdoor Seed Starting
You have lots of choices when it comes to selecting containers for starting seeds outside, including:
- Cell packs or seed trays
- Peat or cow pots
- Recycled containers like yogurt cups
- DIY newspaper pots
- Permanent containers like window boxes
Look for containers with drainage holes to prevent overwatering. Dark colors absorb more heat to aid germination. Reusable containers are economical and environmentally friendly.
How to Start Seeds Outdoors Step-By-Step
Follow this simple process for great results:
1. Fill Containers with Seed Starting Mix
Use a sterile, lightweight mix made for seeds. Moisten the mix before filling containers.
2. Sow Seeds at Proper Depth
Consult seed packets. In general, plant at a depth 2-3 times the seed size.
3. Provide Protection
Place containers inside cloches, cold frames, etc. to shield from weather.
4. Water and Fertilize
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Use dilute fertilizer once sprouted.
5. Thin and Transplant
Thin overcrowded seedlings. Harden off and transplant outside after last frost.
6. Enjoy Your Homegrown Plants!
With proper care, your outdoor-started plants will thrive in the garden.
Tips for Success When Starting Seeds Outdoors
Follow these tips to get great results from your outdoor seed starting efforts:
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Provide shelter if temperatures drop. Be prepared to move containers inside temporarily.
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Ensure good drainage in containers. Consider adding perlite to soil mixes.
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Use row covers or cloches to protect emerging seedlings. Remove during warm days.
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Check soil moisture frequently. Don’t let containers fully dry out.
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Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to more sun and wind before transplanting.
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Transplant on a calm, cloudy day to reduce stress on young plants.
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Handle new transplants gently when planting. Disturb roots as little as possible.
Starting seeds outside in containers is an easy, effective way to get a head start on the growing season. With the right timing, materials, and care, you can have thriving seedlings ready to move into the garden well before summer. Just be sure to provide protection from cold snaps and pay close attention to soil moisture. Follow the tips above, and you’ll be harvesting homegrown fruits and veggies sooner than ever!
What Kinds of Seeds Can Be Started Outdoors?
Tropical plants are the only ones that don’t do well when planted outside in containers when it’s cold. You may, however, start tropical seeds outdoor in containers once all danger of frost has passed.
Otherwise – flowers, veggies, herbs, perennials – any seed can be starting in cold weather in containers outdoors.
Planting Seeds Outdoors in the Containers
The most exciting part is putting the seeds in the soil after putting the soil into the pots.
- Place your preferred potting soil mix in the pots and fill them up at least half way. The potting soil should be damp but not sopping. Wet the potting soil ahead of time in a wheelbarrow or bucket so that it’s evenly wet. It’s too wet if you squeeze some soil in your hand and water runs down your arm. It should look like chocolate cake batter after you add more soil.
- Follow the directions on the package for how deep to plant the seeds in the pots. Keep track of the seeds that need to stay on the soil’s surface for light to germinate them (like chamomile).
- Put the lids on the containers and set them somewhere they won’t be disturbed until the seeds start to sprout and need to be moved to a larger pot. During most temperate growing zones, you can do this from December to August.
- As soon as the seeds sprout and get their first true leaves, they are the same as any other seedling. Pot them up or plant them directly into the garden.
Starting All Your Seeds Outside | What To Expect
FAQ
Can you start seeds in containers outside?
Can you put seeds straight into soil outdoors?
When can I plant seeds outside in pots?
Should you soak seeds before planting outside?
Can you start seeds indoors?
An alternative to starting seeds indoors in your home, is to start them outdoors in a soil medium in containers or soil blocks. In this outdoor seed starting guide, I’ll go through why you may want to start seeds in containers or soil blocks outdoors, rather than direct sowing or indoor seed starting.
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 outside?
Any jump in health you can give your plants will pay huge dividends in the long run! #2 Outdoor seed starting in containers or soil blocks can give you a big head start in the winter and early spring because the soil medium heats up faster than soil in a garden, and therefore the seeds will germinate more quickly.
Can you sow seeds outside?
You can sow seeds outdoors for a huge number of plants. Annuals and biennials for flower beds and cut flower gardens are perfect for sowing outdoors, as are many vegetables and herbs. Tender plants and those that have a long growing season, including the likes of tomatoes and eggplants, are best sown indoors earlier in the year.
How deep should a seed container be?
Fill the container with soil and run water through it to check drainage before sowing. DIY containers also need to be deep enough to hold soil and provide space for roots to grow. Aim for a minimum of two inches deep. For those reusing seed trays or other containers, clean them well before you start.
Can you grow plants in a container garden?
If you grow plants in a container garden, then it is perfectly acceptable to sow seeds outdoors directly into the pots. Any container needs to have drainage holes in the bottom and be filled with a good-quality potting mix. Sow the seeds at the recommended depth and gently moisten the compost.