Question
I intend to start my vegetable from scratch this year and I have a couple of questions about getting started. I am going to try to do everything using organic fertilizers and composted mediums. If I live in zone 8, central alabama, and our last frost is usually mid to end of march when would be the best time to start potting. also what is the best method for transitioning plants from artificial lighting in the basement at a set temperature to natural lighting outside.Thanks

Answer
Corey, I always start my plants indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. This allows enough time for root development and for the plant to mature enough to transition outdoors.

When moving plants outdoors, they need to go through a process called hardening-off. Hardening the seedlings is essential in order to properly acclimate them to outdoor conditions. This is necessary because they have been in a controlled environment over the winter and need to be introduced slowly to the changes in temperature, wind, sun, and rain.  

This process is accomplished by placing the seedlings outdoors in a shaded or covered area for a few hours the first day to protect them from the wind and sunlight. A covered porch or a coldframe are both good options. Leave them out 6 hours the second day, 12 hours the third, and the entire day the fourth. Each day move them more towards the sunlight. The reason for this is to protect them from sun scald.  You can then plant them into the garden seven days after starting this process, assuming that all danger of frost has passed.  

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.  

Regards,  

Mike