You can choose to start all of your plants from seed, purchase plant starts (transplants) from a nursery, or a combination of the two. While starting from seed requires more effort, I personally enjoy the process as it brings great satisfaction to see a flourishing garden that originated from small, indoor-sown seeds. However, purchasing and planting transplants is also a viable option and should not be overlooked. In fact, I often buy a few from our local nursery most years. There are a few instances I think purchasing transplants can be a great idea. Let’s discuss some things to consider when deciding whether to start your garden from seed, purchase transplants, or maybe a combination of the two.
Buying Plant Starts
First of all, some plants are just so difficult to grow from seed! I have always had a hard time getting lavender seeds to germinate so some years I choose to avoid the battle and purchase my lavender. Even the most seasoned gardener will have some seed starting fails. Plant starts can fill in any gaps from stubborn seeds or seedlings killed by a late frost.
Second, even with all the planning, sometimes we miss the window for starting a certain plant. Especially in shorter growing seasons like mine, some plants have a pretty narrow window of time in which they need to be sown to ensure they have enough time to mature.
Third, there are some really cool plant varieties out there! I like to experiment with a few new varieties each year and it can be hard to resist picking up a new variety that you’ve never experienced before.
Lastly, if buying starts will get you to garden then do it! Starting seeds can take up space in your home and time in your day so if those are a concern just go ahead and get those transplants.
Starting Seeds Indoors
As I mentioned earlier, it is so satisfying! Part of that for me is visual growth. Seeing something as tiny as those little seeds grow into these huge plants, which then turn into dinner. Eating home-canned salsa in march while starting your onion, tomato, and pepper seeds never ceases to amaze me.
There is a lot more time and effort involved in starting from seed. You need to plan ahead quite a bit. I start planning my seeds over the winter. This really gets me through those cold winter months here in Minnesota, dreaming of the warmer seasons ahead!
You also have more control over the quality. If growing organically is important to you, you can purchase organic seeds, soil, fertilizer, etc. If purchasing a plant start you won’t necessarily know they have been grown organically.
You also have more control over the timing. Even though a nursery may have transplants that are ready to go into the ground doesn’t mean that your climate is ready. When starting from seed you can plan to have your plants ready to transplant when the weather permits.
If you choose to start some or all of your seeds indoors, see my Indoor Seed Starting Guide for more information!
Where to Purchase
Plant Starts
In my opinion, the best way to go is to find a smaller, local nursery or greenhouse for a few reasons. They are more likely to have varieties suitable for your climate and started at the appropriate time for your zone. You may also be given more information on the plants. In some cases, you may pay slightly more but I like to support the smaller, local growers and sellers when I can. Take a look at your local events as well, many farmer’s markets will sell some beautiful locally grown plant starts. In my area, there are also multiple plant sales and plant swaps so keep an eye out in your area!
Seeds
Nothing gets me through a cold, white, winter day browsing those colorful seed catalogs! There are so many wonderful seed companies, too many to list but here are a few that I have purchased from and loved:
- High Mowing Seeds (Great for Organic Seeds)
- Territorial Seed Company
- Bakers Creek (All Heirloom varieties)
- Vesseys
- Johnnys
I have also however purchased seeds from the big box hardware stores and even the grocery store and they turned out just great! There is no need to be a seed snob! One thing to keep an eye out for however is the date on the seed packet. Each packet of seeds will have a “packed for” year on the back. I have found seeds in big box stores that were packed for the previous year. Purchasing from a reputable seed company will ensure they are new seeds. Also, most seed company websites will offer a bit more growing information for each seed variety on their website than what is on the back of the seed packet which can be very helpful. Don’t forget about the wonderful world of seed saving! See my post on Saving Seeds for more details on this process.
Happy Growing!
