Sowing The Seeds

Styled and Written by MARÉ BRENNAN
Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK

According to The Farmer’s Almanac, March 14th  is Northeast Louisiana’s last average frost date with temps getting down to freezing and you know what that means? This is your signal to get growing! After the last spring frost, it is safe to start planting outdoors. A trip to your local hardware store or online seed seller can provide you with an endless variety of seeds to get started indoors. 

There are several hardy, cool-weather crops that can be sown directly outdoors before the last frost, including peas, spinach, radishes, carrots, onions, and lettuce. Tender crops like tomatoes and basil need warmer weather and frost-free conditions, making them perfect for starting indoors before transplanting. Using March 14th as your guide, count backward to determine when to start seeds indoors. Most seed packets include a recommended sowing timeline.

What you’ll need to get started indoors:

Seeds

Seed-starting pots or trays

Plant markers

Seed-starting mix

Seed tray with humidity dome

Spray bottle filled with water

Thoroughly moisten your seed-starting mix and fill trays or small pots. Plant seeds at the depth listed on the packet — generally as deep as the seed is tall. Tiny seeds like mustard or basil can remain uncovered or lightly covered. Label as you plant using a marker and permanent pen, since seedlings look very similar until their true leaves appear.

Keep newly planted seeds moist and warm, but not soggy. Cover with a humidity dome to retain moisture; vents allow helpful air circulation. Sunlight isn’t necessary yet, but warmth is essential. Lightly spritz only when the soil feels dry.

Once seeds sprout, move them to a sunny, preferably south-facing window. Water gently every day or two without oversaturating — young roots sit close to the surface and need only light moisture. It’s always exciting to see those first green sprouts emerge from the soil!

(The first leaves are cotyledons, part of the seed embryo that provide early nourishment. The second set are true leaves, which begin photosynthesis.)

When seedlings develop their first true leaves, transplant them into larger pots and add diluted liquid fertilizer or compost tea. They need 12–16 hours of light daily. If plants become leggy, pinch back the top growth to encourage fuller, lateral growth.

As weather permits, begin hardening off seedlings by placing them outside for several hours during the day and bringing them in at night. Once the danger of frost has passed, transplant them into your garden.