In this post, we’ll explore the best vegetables, herbs, and flowers to kickstart your seedlings, for a thriving spring garden in Zone 7a. No matter the size of your living space, whether you have a sprawling garden or simply a sunny windowsill, there’s a gardening adventure awaiting you.
*(please note: all transplanting time frames for all of these plants will be mid May. A general rule of thumb for us in zone 7a is the wait until Mother’s Day weekend)
Vegetables:
Tomatoes:
-Tomatoes are a great vegetable to build your confidence plus one bush will provide you with enough tomatoes for the entire season. I like to do large heirlooms and baby tomatoes – great for salads and sandwiches.
Peppers:
-There are a ton of choices in the pepper family. Pick your choice of sweet bell peppers or hot peppers.
Cucumbers:
-Easy to grow with a plentiful harvest. They are climbers so will need some help when the time comes to either have a trellis or some way to climb. But as far as the growing is concerned they are awesome.
Lettuce:
-Choose leafy greens like ‘Butterhead‘ or ‘Romaine’ or ‘Arugula.’
-Had first time success last year with lettuce. . The seedlings were so manageable and really came through better than expected.
-Transplanting lettuce outdoors is a delicate process so make sure that you are transplanting them into well prepared soil and also in an area with enough sunlight.
-If you like Arugula, this is a must. Fun fact: they seed like crazy so you will have seeds on seeds on seeds for many seasons to come.
Herbs:
Basil:
-Any time is a good time to start your basil.
– Grows beautifully and is one of the best companion plants to your tomatoes.
*For more on companion plants check out one of our recent articles : The Best Companion Plant, Hands Down
Parsley:
-Choose flat-leaf or curly parsley to suite your preference but again as far as herbs go I really feel that they are great for getting started as soon as possible.
-I like to keep both indoor and outdoor herbs.
Cilantro:
-Ideal for both leaves and seeds (coriander).
-This little herb packs a punch with flavor but doesn’t generate as much yield per seedling so plant more than you need. On the flip side though you will get a ton of seeds.
Flowers:
Marigolds:
-I don’t think the marigold gets enough attention in the flower world but that’s ok because she’s been known to shine in the veggie garden world. The most delightful companion plant to any vegetable garden as she not only brings the pollinators but she keeps away some of the pesky bugs. Love the bright pops of color too!
-Start them indoors and they will be rearing to go by May.
Petunias:
-Opt for cascading or grandiflora varieties.
-Can we just talk about a beautiful smelling little gem these are. Perfect for gardens, borders, hanging baskets, and containers. Their adaptability makes them a popular choice for both amateur and experienced gardeners.
Zinnias:
-Renowned for their bright and vibrant colors and are great for cutting.
-Long lifespan and once they start flowering, they continue to produce colorful blooms for an extended period.
-Considered easy to grow, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners and also perfect for cut flower arrangements due to their long stems, vibrant colors, and long-lasting blooms.
Alyssum:
-Low-growing and has a sweet and pleasant fragrance.
-Continuous bloomers throughout the growing season. The small, four-petaled flowers come in shades of white, pink, purple, and lavender, creating a carpet of color.
-Attractive to pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies.
Pansies:
-Pansies are excellent for colder temperatures and can add vibrant colors to your early garden.
-Since Pansies like the cooler temps don’t forget that you can start a second batch of seedling later in the season that will be ready to do their thing for Fall plantings.
SweetPeas:
-appreciated for the lovely perfume they bring to outdoor spaces and bouquets and I can’t get enough of these wonderful climbing beauties.
-excellent for vertical gardening, providing vertical interest and maximizing space.
-cool-season annuals, sweet peas thrive in cooler temperatures. If there is one flower you start in January please let it be this one!
Tools and Items Needed for Seedling Picks for Zone 7a
Seed Trays and Pots:
-Recommend durable seed trays with good drainage.
-Suggest biodegradable pots for easy transplanting.
Seed Starting Mix:
-Advocate for a well-draining seed starting mix with a balanced nutrient profile.
Grow Lights:
-Suggest fluorescent or LED grow lights with adjustable height.
-Consider light fixtures suitable for seedlings.
Watering Can or Spray Bottle:
-Emphasize the need for gentle watering, especially for delicate seedlings.
Heat Mat (Optional):
-Recommend a seedling heat mat to maintain consistent soil temperature.
Labels and Markers:
-Suggest waterproof labels and markers for easy identification.
Small Fan:
-Recommend a small fan to keep air circulating around seedlings.
-Enhances air circulation, preventing issues like damping off and promoting stronger seedlings.
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Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Prepare Your Space:
-Designate a warm and well-lit area away from drafts.
2. Fill Seed Trays:
-Fill trays with the seed starting mix.
3. Planting Seeds:
-Follow specific seed packet instructions for planting depth.
-Use individual cells for each type of seed.
4. Using Grow Lights:
-Hang grow lights at an appropriate height to provide sufficient light.
5. Watering and Care:
-Water gently and maintain consistent moisture levels.
-Keep an eye on seedlings for signs of growth.
Conclusion:
As we wrap up this journey into the realm of Seedling Picks for Zone 7a, here’s a friendly piece of advice: don’t feel the need to plant an entire botanical wonderland at once. Allow yourself the luxury of starting small, with just one or two seed varieties. Watch them grow, learn their quirks, and relish in the unique magic each brings.
Off you go, grab your supplies and I’ll meet you back here in the coming days as we delve into more home and garden experiences.
This is the beginning of something beautiful x
