Pick the season, then the crop.
Cool-season crops prefer roughly 55–75°F averages; warm-season crops want warmer soils and nights.
Check soil temperature; a thermometer beats a packet calendar.
Kit
- Season-matched seed
- Soil thermometer
- Fine seed-starting mix or prepped bed
- Labels + watering can
Do this
-
Pick the season, then the crop
Warm roughly Mar–Aug (tomato, pepper, bean, squash). Cool roughly Sept–Dec and Feb–Mar (greens, broccoli, carrots, radish) per San Diego Master Gardeners.
UC MG San Diego.
-
Check soil temperature
Tomato germinates best around 65–85°F soil; at 50°F it may take 40+ days. Lettuce prefers cooler soil.
UC MG.
-
Prep a fine seedbed or sterile mix
Work beds when crumbly, not muddy. Trays: fine soilless mix — not heavy garden soil.
UC MG.
-
Sow at the right depth and moisture
Follow packet depth. Keep evenly moist until emergence.
UC MG.
-
Harden off transplants
Ease indoor starts outdoors over about two weeks before full sun and wind.
UC MG.
Want a San Diego bed seeded on the right calendar? Gardens of Gold plants and tends vegetable beds in San Diego County. Get a quote.