Tomatoes are a good example of a crop that benefits from starting off indoors. All you need is some seed compost, a seed container and propagator, if you have one, or a sunny window ledge if you don’t. Plant tomato seeds indoors at least six weeks before the final frost is expected in your area. Alternatively, wait to purchase store-bought seedlings in the spring.

Sow your seeds at two-inch intervals, cover with a layer of compost and water well. Transfer the seedlings to pots and when they’re bigger and the weather is warmer, you can plant them outside in the ground. "Your little seedlings should grow to about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20.5 cm) high, and have developed four to six real leaves before you transplant them to the garden or a larger pot," recommends Gardening Know How.

How to start a vegetable garden