As we recorded this episode, snow was gently falling outside our windows here in New England. But that isn’t depressing for us—it simply means it’s time to start our seeds! Today we are joined by digital editor Christine, and we are talking all about which seeds we’re starting this year and why. There’s an assortment of edibles and flowers on our lists, and we discuss the best practices for getting them to germinate. Do all seeds need a heat mat? Or is it a good idea to pop your packets of seeds in the freezer before sowing them into a soil block? Get the answers to these pressing questions (and find out which zinnia had Danielle and Carol screaming with delight) in this pre-spring conversation.  

Expert: Christine Alexander is the digital content editor at Fine Gardening. 

Danielle’s Plants 

‘Green Lightning’ patty pan squash 

‘Shimmer’ celosia (Celosia argentea var. plumosa ‘Shimmer’, annual) 

‘Mojito’ cucumber 

Carol’s Plants  

‘Agave’ zinnia (Zinnia elegans ‘Agave’, annual) 

‘Happy Ring’ cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Happy Ring’, annual) 

‘Alexandria’ alpine strawberry (Fragaria vesca ‘Alexandria’, Zones 5-9) 

Christine’s Plants  

‘Blacktail Mountain’ watermelon  

 SimplySalad® Kale Storm (mix) 

 ‘Juliet’ tomato