Seed Starting in Spring: What to Start & When

Seed Starting Guide for Atlantic Canada: What to Plant and When

Spring is the perfect time to get a jump on your garden by starting seeds indoors—especially in Atlantic Canada, where our last frost typically lands in early to mid‑May.

What to Start Indoors (and When)
Here’s a simple timeline based on regional planting calendars:

Early March
Start longer-season veggies like onions and leeks, which benefit from early indoor sowing. Both can be started in early March and transplanted outdoors in May.

Mid-March
This is when many popular garden plants can be started indoors, including:

• Basil (germinates in 5–21 days; transplant early June)
• Cabbage
• Celery (for experienced growers—germinates slowly)
  These plants appreciate a few extra weeks of indoor warmth before heading outside.

Late March to Early April
As days brighten, start quicker growers like broccoli, bok choy, zinnias, marigolds, and other annual flowers to enjoy a colourful early-summer display. Many flowers—like zinnias and marigolds—are commonly started this time of year in cold climates.

Direct Sowing Outdoors

Once frost danger has passed—around mid-May in much of Atlantic Canada—you can directly sow hardy crops like:

• Carrots
• Beets
• Arugula
  These can be seeded outdoors shortly after soil becomes workable.

Final Tips

• Always check your seed packets—they’re your best source for timing guidance.
• It’s better to plant a little later than too early, especially in cooler regions.
• If in doubt, base your schedule around your local last frost date to keep seedlings healthy and on track.

Stop into Feeds’n Needs to ask our experts for all your gardening needs.

More information about local frost dates: Canada Hardiness Zones Frost Dates | Veseys
Growing from Seeds | Veseys