14 Easiest Vegetable Seeds to Start Indoors

Starting a vegetable garden in the spring can be a rewarding and satisfying experience, but getting started can be overwhelming, especially if you're new to gardening. One of the best ways to get started is to start your own seeds indoors. This way, you can give your plants a head start and have them ready to transplant when the weather warms up.

I was planting my own seeds this week and I stared at the back of the of seed package and some said you could plant them indoors while others said to sow outside, although I often see transplants for those that it said to sow outside. This left me questioning what I should plant. After some research and planting my own, here are 14 of the easiest vegetable and companion seeds to start indoors for a spring garden:

1. Lettuce - Lettuce is an easy seed to start indoors. It germinates in just a few days and can be transplanted in about 4 weeks. There are so many unique varieties – Oakleaf, Black-Seeded Simpson, and Little Gem Romaine. Head lettuce varieties are harder to start indoors.
2. Basil – Basil is easy to grow in the ground or in containers. There is the sweet basil, but also Thai basil and a purple variety. Start them 6-8 weeks before moving them outside.
3. Kale – Kale is a great addition to the spring garden. You only need to start them indoors 3-6 weeks before planting. I recently added Red Russian kale to my garden.
4. Tomatoes - Tomatoes are a bit more challenging to start indoors, but they can be done. They should be started about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date and need a longer time before transplanting. I’ve planted some Super Sweet 100, Beefsteak, and Sweet Chelsea this year. You can also try tomatillos.
5. Cabbage - Cabbage is another easy seed to start indoors. It germinates in just a few days and can be transplanted in 6-8 weeks. Cabbage Red Acre adds a pop of color to any garden
6. Broccoli - Broccoli should be started about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. DeCiccio is a great cultivar or you can try something different like broccoli raab.
7. Cauliflower - Cauliflower is slow to mature, so it can be started indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. The Early Snowball is a great cultivar or you can weird your kids out by planting a purple variety.
8. Brussel Sprouts – Since these take a long time to mature from seeds, you can start them 4-6 weeks before planting them in the garden. Hestia Brussel sprouts is a great variety.
9. Eggplants - Eggplants should be started about 8-10 weeks before the last frost date and need a longer time before transplanting. Patio Baby is great for containers while Galine is a high-yielding, more traditional type.
10. Peppers - Peppers can be started indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. There are so many varieties you can use including sweet bell, cayenne hot, and jalapenos.
11. Okra – This one I was a little skeptical about since the package said to sow outdoors, but you can start these 4-6 weeks before planting. You may need to soak the seeds in water for 12-24 hours for before germination. Red Burgundy okra is a great addition, but the green okra is always popular as well. Eat the fruit when they are on the smaller side.
12. Watermelons – Since it takes a long time to form a melon, start them 4-6 weeks to give them a head start. Once you transplant them, don’t disturb the roots are you could stunt their growth. Sugar Baby and Jubilee Bush are smaller versions for the home garden.
13. Marigolds – Marigolds are a common companion to attract pollinators and deter pests. It is super easy to grow indoors. Start the seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before planting in the spring. The French Marigold variety have great nematode resistance.
14. Nasturiums – Nasturtiums are great companion plants and have edible flowers (spicy). You can start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. It can help germination if you nick the seed coat with nail clippers before planting.

It's important to note that starting the seeds indoors should be done with the appropriate conditions such as light, temperature, and moisture, the seeds should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and monitored for signs of mold or disease. With proper care, your seedlings will be ready to transplant into the garden when the weather warms up, giving you a head start on your spring garden.

Starting your own seeds indoors can be a great way to get a jumpstart on your spring garden. These 14 easy vegetable seeds are perfect for starting indoors and will give you a bountiful harvest in no time. With a little bit of care and attention, you'll be able to enjoy fresh, homegrown vegetables all spring and summer long.