When to start sowing indoors

[Shelle]

In eager anticipation of starting to sow, (and reading other posts from people who have started) I have been wondering when to start sowing indoors.

Because of space, I am planning on starting a few seeds of each of the veg I have selected indoors, and also sowing a few seeds directly outdoors. I thought one container with plants I sowed indoors, and a second container with the directly sowed outdoors ones as an experiment.

My question is when do I start the one indoors? I am in the north east which is colder than the south. We did have a lovely weekend (10 degrees) followed by VERY thick frost this morning! What timescale should I be using for sowing indoors and then transferring outside? A month before they are due to be planted out? I also have a mini greenhouse (plastic 4 tier one) that I can use, and I thought I could maybe use this as an overflow. Also bought a mini cold frame from Ikea in the hope this might help space wise too. Would it work if I sowed indoors, and then shortly before they go out in the containers outdoors, put them in the greenhouse, thus freeing up some windowsill space in the house? I have plenty of fleece (bought absolute loads for just £3.00 last October) so can cover them easily if frost came. Or do I sow indoors, and then shortly after germinating, go into the greenhouse (unheated) or cold frame?

In short, how much earlier than the recommended sowing date do I sow indoors, and when do I transfer out to mini greenhouse (if at all) before the great outdoors in their containers?

I am growing the following:

Cabbage (mini)
Calabrese (mini)
Dwarf french bean
Pea (half pint)
Carrot
Cauliflower (again mini - you've guessed the theme by now?!)
Spring onion
Radishes - sow direct outdoors?

I am a newbie, in my second year but have expanded greatly so really a newbie in my first year again, so treat me gently!!

[gardenplot]

put my carrots in beds today cos packet did say sow feb outdoors, did my cauliflower & cabbage in pots till should be ready to put out by end of next month

the seed packets should have a planting out guide on them to follow.

[Shelle]

Thats why I am getting confused, as most of my seed packets dont say how much earlier I can sow if I do it indoors. A week? A month? The majority of my seeds are to be planted outdoors march onwards, but I dont know what is best sown direct, and what is best to be started off indoors/mini greenhouse. I am limited for space, so need to ensure I have enough space at the right time, which is why I am trying to working out sowing times in readiness.

I know being northern, I start later than some people on here. All I have sown so far is 4 pepper seeds, of which one has germinated so far. Another complication I have is the fact I have no airing cupboard, so am using radiators to generate heat!!

Learnt quite a bit last year, but didnt sow anything indoors, which is why I have a huge learning curve again.

[gardenplot]

Eager anticipation of starting, I have just sown 6 of each seeds in pots that should be sown in march its just a trial & error all kept in unheated greenhouse and seem to be doing ok, my cauliflowers are sprouting now, nowt to loose really cos you get loads of seeds in a pk, it what you feel happy doing, I like to experiment and see how it works out.

[gardenplot]

Shelle


have a look at this site it might help.
Vegetable Diary Planner shows when to plant vegetables