Start your garden

Starting from Seed

Starting from seed may seem like a daunting task but it is much more rewarding and saves more money than buying plants from the store. If you choose to start from seed it’s important to note that some plants are best sown directly in the ground while others can be sown indoors and transplanted to optimize and lengthen your growing season.

USDA Hardiness Zones

The STEM Environmental Education Center is located in Seagoville, TX and that puts us in hardiness zone 8. Your hardiness zone is helpful to know because it tells you which plants can tolerate the coldest temperatures that your area typically reaches. It also helps you understand the length of your growing season. Many seed packets and plant tags from nurseries will tell you if any particular plant is suitable for your area. The planting dates in this guide are based on zone 8a and will differ depending on your location. You can find your hardiness zone by a quick search or using maps such as this one on the right. If you are in a different zone you will have to alter the planting dates to accommodate your area; all other information provided will remain the same.

Where should I put my garden?

Find a sunny spot! Most garden veggies require 6+ hours of direct sunlight. Some herbs and greens can tolerate partial shade so it's important to consider which crops you want to plant before putting anything into the ground. Other important factors to consider when choosing the best location for your garden include bring near a water source, soil drainage, being near where gardening tools are stored, and that the location is easy and safe for everyone to get to.

What type of garden structure should I use?

Consider who will be using the garden. Three common garden structures include in ground, raised bed, and container gardens, but there are other types as well. Smaller raised garden beds are great for kids to ensure they can reach into the garden to help plant, weed and harvest their crops. Elevated container gardens can increase accessibility for kids and people with limited mobility. Container gardens are great if you don't have a lot of space and raised garden beds are a wonderful option if you have plenty of room. Container gardens are versatile and allow you to bring plants in and out to avoid frost. Raised beds allow for more room for roots to grow but are also more permanent. The site you select may help determine what works best for your situation. If starting a large garden feels intimidating then start small! Success on a small scale can help build your confidence for bigger endeavours. Remember, every master gardener has killed tons of plants, so if you lose a few you are on your way to learning!