It’s almost the time of year when you can start your seedlings indoors and prepare for transplanting into your garden when the danger of frost has passed. Some “cool season” crops like cabbage and broccoli can even be transplanted a bit earlier.

Many gardeners prefer to grow their own seedlings so they can select specific cultivars (varieties) and control seedling growth. By starting seedlings indoors, gardeners can enjoy vegetables and blooming annuals earlier in the growing season. Transplanting also reduces some of the hazards (birds, insects, rains, and weed competition) that can occur when seeds are sown directly in the garden.

For a comprehensive guide to starting your own seeds indoors, download this free guide from Iowa State University Extension & Outreach.

Click here for more tips and a video about starting seeds indoors.