1. What is Johnny's Seed Starting Calculator?

Johnny's Seed Starting Calculator helps gardeners determine the optimal date to start seeds indoors based on transplant date, weeks to maturity, and indoor growing period. This ensures plants are ready for transplanting at the right time.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the seed starting formula:

Where:

• Transplant Date — Planned date to move plants outdoors
• Weeks to Maturity — Total time from seed to harvest-ready plant
• Indoor Weeks — Period plants will grow indoors before transplanting

Explanation: This calculation ensures plants have adequate indoor growth time while being ready for outdoor transplanting at the optimal stage.

3. Importance of Proper Seed Starting

Details: Proper seed starting timing is crucial for healthy plant development, maximizing growing season, and ensuring successful transplanting without shocking plants.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your planned transplant date, the plant's total weeks to maturity, and how many weeks you plan to grow indoors. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why subtract maturity weeks and add indoor weeks?
A: This accounts for the portion of growth that occurs indoors versus outdoors after transplanting.

Q2: What if my plants need hardening off?
A: Add 1-2 extra weeks to your indoor weeks to account for the hardening off period before full transplant.

Q3: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate, but actual results may vary based on growing conditions, temperature, and specific plant varieties.

Q4: Can I use this for all plant types?
A: This works best for vegetables and annual flowers. Perennials and trees may have different requirements.

Q5: What's the ideal indoor growing period?
A: Typically 4-8 weeks for most vegetables, but check specific plant requirements as some need longer or shorter indoor periods.