If you're in Zone 4, you're really pushing things by wanting to start now.

As a rule, tomatoes and artichokes, probably up to 6 weeks ahead of transplanting out. If you're doing 'Imperial Star' artichokes, the ONLY kind which will do anything in your zone, you need to give them a 2 week vernalization when they are at the 6 leaf stage, in order to get them to bloom. Easiest way to do this is to stick the plant, pot and all, into the fridge for about 2 weeks. I let them get slightly dry, then slip the whole thing into a big ziplock. This has worked well for me -- you need to check them every few days and make sure they're not too dry, or too wet and getting moldy.

Cucurbits should be started maybe 3 to 4 weeks ahead of transplanting.

Peas and beans are best direct-sown. Peas can be planted about the time when daffodils begin to bloom. Beans should be planted at around your last frost date.

Probably around April 1st for your earliest starting would be best. I assume you last frost date is probably in late May, perhaps even early June.

Determine the average last frost date in your area - your county extension office or local weather source can provide this. Most things in your list would then be started no more than 6-8 weeks prior to that date.

Some of the things on your list are normally direct seeded and planting dates for them will depend on your weather and soil temps. EX: beans require a soil temp of 50-55 degrees to germinate.

Hope this helps as I know it is hard to wait this time of year. ;)

Dave

This should help you find your frost dates, Tropheus. Select your State and then Freeze/Frost List.pdf.

You can then plug those numbers in here. You must recite appropriate mathematical incantations, summoning all forces of nature and finally guess within 2 or 3 days!!

Whatever you do, don't go ahead and sprinkle tomato seeds in potting soil if the daytime temperatures are below zero. That will indicate a late Spring and be something I foolishly did one day in February years ago.

Steve

Thanks for all of your replies. I know that starting now is way too early. I just felt that last year, my first garden, I started just a little too late. I want to get a little bit more of a head start. I guess I need to block time on the calendar and not let anything stop me from getting the garden planted.

denninmi, I think that I will forgo the artichokes this year just because that seems like more of an experienced gardener item. With 4 kids, I couldn't keep that kind of thing in the fridge and expect it to be ok, even for a day. If you have or had kids under the age of 12, you know exactly what I mean!

I am getting excited.

Thanks again!!