The new year is upon us and that means it’s time to start thinking about this year’s garden! No matter what zone you live in, it’s important to know when and how to start seeds (indoors and outdoors). And if you’re like me and you live in zone 6, you should definitely start thinking about when to start seeds indoors zone 6.
As a gardener living in zone 6, you know that the conditions for growing plants can be challenging. That’s why it’s important to understand when and how to start your seeds indoors.
Starting your garden off right is key to having a successful harvest later on in the year. Knowing when and how to start your seeds indoors in zone 6 will help you get ahead of the game and give you an advantage over other gardeners who don’t plan their gardens as carefully.
In this article, we’ll discuss all the details about starting your seeds indoors so that you can have a fruitful garden season!
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How Do I Find Out What Growing Zone I Am In?
Knowing your growing zone is essential if you want to have success starting seeds in your garden.
With so much work and effort that goes into creating a flourishing garden, you don’t want to miss out by starting off with seeds unsuitable for your environment!
If you’re starting seeds and getting your garden ready for the upcoming season, one of the first steps is to find out what growing zone you are in.
A growing zone is an area that is designated based on its climate and temperatures – it helps us figure out what sort of plants will actually survive our local climate and it makes starting a garden much easier!
So, how do you figure out your growing zone?
Luckily, finding your growing zone is super easy – many online resources can give you a starting point, like the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
All you have to do is enter your zip code and you’ll get a reliable answer about the kind of climate in your area. Once you figure out your growing zone, happy gardening!
What Areas Are In Growing Zone 6?
If you are starting seeds for a garden in growing zone 6, you must choose plants that can successfully thrive in the warmer climate but that also can withstand several below-freezing days per year.
Growing zone 6 covers much of the United States, stretching from the east coast of North Carolina and South Carolina up to Michigan, then dipping down through Illinois and back up again to Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas, then extending further southwest into Arizona and New Mexico. Even parts of Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington enjoy the moderate climate that is zone 6.
In this zone, temperatures are warm in the spring months while they stay mild throughout the summer season. For that reason, planting season starts earlier here than other zones where temperatures may be cooler and ideal for starting seeds is later.
Gardeners in zone 6 should consider starting their seeds indoors somewhere between late January and mid-February. For outdoor seeds, gardeners should consider starting with vegetables like peas and peppers in late March before progressing to harder-hitting crops such as corn and tomatoes come April.
Read Also – How Long To Germinate Tomato Seeds?
When to Start Seeds Indoors: Zone 6 Calendar
It’s almost time to get the gardening season rolling in zone 6 and I’m over the moon excited! If you’re ready to get your seeds started indoors, now is a great time.
Read Also – Do Seeds Need Light To Germinate?
Just be warned, different zones have different ideal planting times so make sure to check into when it’s best to start your plants in zone 6. A good rule of thumb is to begin thinking about starting your seeds indoors around 8 weeks before the average last frost date happens in your area.
That will give all your tender little babies plenty of time to sprout and grow before the warmer weather sets in.
Start Seeds 8-10 Weeks Prior (mid-February in Zone 6 garden)
For gardening enthusiasts in zone six, the best time to start seeds indoors is between the months of February and April. This will give them plenty of time to get their crops established before the hot summer weather sets in.
With the right soil preparation, light, and watering schedule, gardeners can successfully achieve optimal growth throughout their growing season. Indoor planting may be a little more work up front but it is worth it when you have beautiful vegetables or flowers that you’ve grown from seed!
Make sure you keep a close eye on them, though – providing the necessary light, water and other growing conditions can mean the difference between crops that flourish and crops that flop. Here’s wishing everyone a bountiful harvest and smooth sailing for their gardening projects this year!
When Is The Zone 6 Frost Free Date?
The frost free date in Zone 6 can vary depending on the exact location, though usually it happens sometime near late April or early May. If you’re lucky, you might even make it to mid-April without a frost!
Knowing precisely when your area is out of the danger zone of frosts is key for when it comes to planning outdoor activities like picnics and outdoor planting-it’s just not worth the risk!
To figure out exactly when you should be in the clear, I’d recommend checking with your local county extension office or agriculture center-or better yet, keeping an eye on the forecast so no surprise chills catch you off guard.
You can also join a local gardening group (I am in a helpful Facebook one) and see what local experts are saying.
Last Expected Frost Dates by Zone
Here are the typical average last frost dates for the top USDA hardiness zones.
- Zone 1 – May 22 – June 4
- Zone 2 – May 15 – May 22
- Zone 3 – May 1 – May 16
- Zone 4 – April 24 – May 12
- Zone 5 – April 7 – April 30
- Zone 6 – April 1 – April 21
- Zone 7 – March 22 – April 3
- Zone 8 – March 13 – March 28
- Zone 9 – February 6 – February 28
- Zone 10-13 – No Usual Frost
Keep in mind these dates are still an average. For example, in my area (zone 6) locals say you’re not safe from frost until after Mother’s Day.
If you choose to start seeds earlier and move them outside sooner than your last expected frost date (which I recommend so that you can stay ahead of the intense summer heat) be sure to have a way to protect your seedlings from any last minute frosts.
Why Use The Last Frost Date?
Nobody wants their hard work to go to waste! And there is nothing more frustrating than putting hours of love and effort into a Spring garden, only to have everything die in an unexpected freeze.
Knowing the last frost date for your area can be a lifesaver – figuratively and literally! It’s when you can feel confident that it’s safe to put out plants and not worry about them dying in an unexpected late spring frost.
Knowing this information can help you to plan the perfect garden, making sure you time your plantings perfectly and get the most out of each season.
Plus, with a little knowledge of what grows best in different climates, you may even be able to extend your growing season with succulents, herbs, or other hardy plants – all just by knowing your last frost date!
When To Move Seedlings Outdoors Zone 6
The moment you’ve been waiting for… when should seedlings be moved outdoors in zone 6? I’ll cut right to the chase – your seedlings should head outside as soon as all danger of frost is over.
Here in zone 6, typically that means settling them outside around mid-May. Make sure to harden off babies beforehand, so they can transition from their indoor home to outdoor life without any setbacks.
Once those precious plants are all snug and cozy in their outdoor beds, watch them flourish!
In my area, locals tend to go with the standpoint that Mother’s Day is pretty consistently the last frost date of the year.
However, we plan on getting things started a bit earlier this year since last year waiting to plant until Mother’s Day resulted in everything getting killed by the intense summer heat.
This year, we will start seeds indoors in January, and move them outside in late March. Then we’ll watch the forecast and when a frost or freeze is expected, we’ll go out and cover all our seedlings with empty milk cartons or juice containers.
Wish us luck that this year’s garden produces a lot more than last year’s!
When To Start Seeds Outdoors Zone 6
Not everybody wants to start seeds indoors. Some people prefer outdoor seed starting! And of course, the specific plants you plan on planting will also determine if indoor or outdoor starting is best.
Some seeds do better when started where it is nice and cold. For example, beans, peas, corn, broccoli, and so on prefer cooler Spring temps. Root vegetables such as radishes, onions, and carrots also prefer things cooler.
Tomatoes and peppers on the other hand prefer things to be warm and cozy all year long. When seed starting these guys, keep them indoors for as long as possible and you’ll have greater success.
It’s usually a good rule of thumb to wait until late March or April to start sowing your seeds outdoors. You also want to make sure you don’t plant them too early, since cold weather can damage your plants and delay their growth.
To make sure that you get the best results when planting your seeds outdoors, always pay close attention to soil temperatures and take note of the first frost in your area so that you can be prepared. That way, you’ll have yourself a beautiful garden in no time!
Charlene has been dabbling in and learning about the homesteading lifestyle for almost 20 years. She recently started a real-world homestead with her extended family and is excited to share 20+ years of knowledge and experience with the world!
While she certainly doesn't know everything about homesteading and is learning more every day, she is excited to learn and grow along with YOU!
Charlene blogs about about homesteading at https://secretlifeofhomesteaders.com/.
Anna
Tuesday 24th of January 2023
I love this post. Right now, we have 6 inches of snow on the ground and 5 inches are expected tomorrow. Thinking of planning a garden and growing seeds is just the therapy I need. Thank you for all the helpful tips.