When to start seeds indoors?

Last year I didn't start growing things from seed until June or July, and while I did get some edible vegetables (especially runner beans) I'd like to start things sooner this year. In particular, I have some American "beef" type tomatoes, various kinds of chili peppers, tomatillos, and squashes that I'd like to get more out of. Last year I got three tomatoes and several tomatillos, and about six courgettes. I tried to grow the butternut and scallop squashes in containers but I think they were too small or something, as they didn't start to flower and produce fruit until September, I think, and then they were killed off by cold weather before the fruits were more than a few inches big. I also planted yellow crookneck squash but it never took off. I'd also like to try celeriac, peas, and maybe mangetout or sugar snap peas if I can figure out where to put them, as well as various herbs (though I think they will mostly be in pots). Where should I start looking for information on what to start growing and when? Any favorite gardening books, etc. that have this kind of info?

 

I've started a topic http://www.gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/seed-sowing-plans-t25252.html?p=376581#post376581 about seed sowing plans as I'll be working on mine over this weekend based on last years experience, the backs of seed packets, seed catalogues I have here and online seed catalogues. I('m hoping that others will add to my topic to build a useful info page. So you may want to look at that and keep an eye on it.

Steve...

 

Hello Mander, June or july is a bit latr for planting most vegetables and January is a bit early.
The one thing that will be allright planted now is your chilli peppers as you can keep them inside on the windowsill.
Courgettes and squash are greedy feeders and will only do well in pots if very well fed and watered.
If you have a compost heap plant them there but not until all frost is past.
Pak Choi can be sown early as it's pretty cold tolerant.
For most other things April is a good time to start.
Other things can be sown earlier if you can give them some protection - cold frame or greenhouse and fleece at night.
Have a look at the links to the planting charts.
Good luck.

 

I overwinter chilli`s indoors and take cuttings early in the season to increase plant numbers quickly. I start tomato seedlings early indoors too, i have 5 that are just producing their first set of true leaves.
I`ll root cuttings from the healthiest ones to increase the numbers so when the real growing season starts the plants will be large, healthy and chomping at the bit :wink:

 

WoW!
Already growing tomatoes!?
Back to the OP, only peppers now to sow inmy opinion, tomatoes in march, squashes, bean april (just from what u were growing)
As said b4 june is too late for most things.

 

I'm planning to have a big seed sowing session this weekend.

Cabbages, beans, chillis etc. And flowers - Sweet Peas, Nicotiana, Marigold etc.

They'll stay inside until April, hardened off in the coldframe, then planted out a few weeks later when all frost risk has passed.