Each type of vegetable has its own set of rules for getting growing and some of them have a bit more wiggle room with those rules. Here's a list of the most popular homegrown vegetables and how to start them from seed so that you actually end up with the vegetables that you want.
FYI: We're using the last frost date of March 1 to determine when to start the seeds in NorCal.
A list of equipment for starting seeds indoors is at the end, so just keep a readin'.
Basil
How to sow: Direct in the garden soil lightly covered with soil or start indoors 3-4 weeks prior to transplanting outdoors by surface sowing (don't cover) and keeping mo-ist
When to start: 2/1/14 indoors, after 3/1/14 outdoors
What to expect: Germination in 5-10 days
How to sow: Direct in the garden soil, 1" deep, 3 seeds per pole
When to start: End of February or after soil temps have exceeded 60 degrees, so after it's been 60 degrees during the day for a week or more
What to expect: Germination in 3-7 days. Climbing the trellis within a month of germination.
Beets
How to sow: Direct in the garden soil, 1/2" deep, 3-4 seeds/inch, no need to thin
When to start: After soil temps have exceeded 45 degrees. So, like, whenever you want in NorCal.
What to expect: Germination 7 days, young greens in 2 weeks
How to sow: Direct in the garden soil, lightly covered with soil, 30 seeds/ft, DO NOT LET SEEDS DRY OUT
When to start: End of February or after soil temps have exceeded 60 degrees, so after it's been 60 degrees during the day for a week or more
What to expect: If moisture is kept consistent and temperatures warm, germination within 1-3 weeks (yes, they take forever to germinate)
Corn
How to sow: Direct in the garden soil, 1" deep, 1 seed/hole, in blocks of 4 rows (for pollination to occur)
When to start: End of March or after soil temps have exceeded 65 degrees, so after it's been 65 degrees during the day for a week or more
What to expect: Germination in 7-14 days
Cucumbers
How to sow: Direct in the garden soil, 1" deep, 4-6 seeds per mounded hill
When to start: End of February or after soil temps have exceeded 60 degrees, so after it's been 60 degrees during the day for a week or more
What to expect: Germination in 7-14 days
Eggplant
How to sow: Start indoors with bottom heat and supplemental light to 12 hours/day, 1/4" deep, 1 seed/cell
When to start: 1/11/14 or 8-10 weeks before last frost
What to expect: Germination in 10-21 days
Kale
How to sow: Direct in the garden, lightly covered with soil to 1/4"
When to start: Early spring for a spring/summer crop
What to expect: Germination in 10-21 days
Lettuce
How to sow: Direct in the garden, lightly covered with soil to 1/4" according to the depth indicated on the package
When to start: After February 1, while temperatures are still cool
What to expect: Germination in 7-10 days
Melons
How to sow: Direct in the garden soil, 1/2" deep, 4-6 seeds per mounded hill
When to start: End of February or after soil temps have exceeded 60 degrees, so after it's been 60 degrees during the day for a week or more
What to expect: Germination in 7-10 days
Peas
How to sow: Direct in the garden soil, 2" deep, 6" apart
When to start: Early spring for a spring/summer crop
What to expect: Germination in 7-14 days
Peppers
How to sow: Start indoors with bottom heat and supplemental light to 12 hours/day, 1/4" deep, 1 seed/cell
When to start: 1/11/14 or 8-10 weeks before last frost
What to expect: Germination in 10-21 days
Squash
How to sow: Direct in the garden soil, 1/2" deep, 1-2 seeds every 3'
When to start: End of February or after soil temps have exceeded 60 degrees, so after it's been 60 degrees during the day for a week or more
What to expect: Germination in 10-14 days
Tomatoes
How to sow: Start indoors with bottom heat and supplemental light to 12 hours/day, 1/4" deep, 1-2 seeds/cell
When to start: 1/25/14 or 8-10 weeks before last frost
What to expect: Germination in 7-10 days
Seed starting equipment for indoor growing
Bottom heat: Heat mats
Trays: 11x22 tray
Domes: Fits 11x22 trays
Flats: 72 cell flat
Grow lights: 4' fixture
Fan: Oscillating fan
Soilless mix: Seed starter mix
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