Why start from seed?
When the local garden center has racks and racks of seedlings ready to plant, why bother with seeds? They’re certainly less expensive than buying seedlings – you can get a package of seeds for under a dollar that will produce dozens of plants.
You also get the opportunity to experiment with different varieties of your favorite herbs and vegetables – or try something brand new. Garden centers carry the most common herbs and vegetables. They can’t afford to take up shelf space on plants that won’t appeal to the masses. Since seed packets take up so little space, they often carry a lot more variety in seeds.
Planting seeds is also a great educational activity for the kids. Even children as young as two can get involved, and older children will enjoy watching their seedlings grow and develop.
How to get started
The quickest and easiest way to start your seed garden is to visit your local garden center. They will carry everything you need:
- Seed media (a special potting soil designed to sprout seeds
- Pots or grow trays
- Seeds
Simply place the seed media in the pot or grow tray, soak it in water for a few minutes, then place a few seeds in the media. Keep the grow tray or pots in a sunny, warm area and keep them moist but not too wet.
Once your seeds have sprouted, you will need to transfer them to larger pots or to an area in your garden.
Why not experiment with a few heirloom plants? They are varieties that you won’t find in your local grocery store, and often have great flavor. If you want to experiment with heirloom varieties or other exotic plants, contact your local garden club. They are always happy to share their resources with you, and often have seeds available as well.
Seed catalogs are another great resource for hard to find seeds. Most seed companies have online ordering capabilities, and will gladly send you a copy of their catalog as well. Seed catalogs are a great resource in themselves, and are a great place to gather ideas for your garden.
How long will it take?
Most seeds take between 7 and 14 days to sprout. Check the back of the seed packet to find out each plant’s germination period. After your seedlings have sprouted, let them grow for another 2-3 weeks, or until they are about the size of the seedlings in the garden center. Transplant them to a prepared area in your garden, or to larger herb pots that will give them plenty of space to grow. Transplanting is a very stressful activity for your plants, so you should be sure to plant them in an area or pot that will accommodate their full growth.
