Welcome to Lawnmowing99! When I first started gardening, I was the type to buy young plants at the nursery, ready to transplant and go. I’d never even thought of starting a garden from seed; the idea seemed like too much effort, maybe even a little intimidating. But one year, when I couldn’t find a few specific plants I wanted, I decided to give seeds a try. I have to say, starting from seed completely transformed my gardening experience. Here are my top reasons why starting your garden from seed is something you should absolutely try this year – along with a few of the successes (and, yes, a couple of struggles!) I had along the way.
1. Endless Variety – Go Beyond the Basics
One of the first things I noticed when I began looking into seeds was the huge variety available. Suddenly, I wasn’t limited to the plants my local nursery carried; I could grow practically anything I wanted. Heirloom tomatoes, purple carrots, and even rare herbs like Thai basil and lemon balm – the possibilities were endless.
I remember discovering a variety of striped tomatoes called ‘Tigerella.’ They were unlike anything I’d ever seen at the store, and it felt exciting to think that I could have such unique produce in my garden. Starting from seed gave me access to a whole world of plants I hadn’t even known existed. Yes, there were times I questioned whether some of my unusual choices would even sprout, but it was so worth it when they did.
2. Cost-Effective – Grow More, Spend Less
Seeds are incredibly budget-friendly. A single packet of seeds costs a fraction of what a young plant would, and that packet often contains dozens (sometimes even hundreds!) of seeds. I started noticing how much further my money went when I was buying seeds instead of seedlings, and that meant I could fill my garden without stretching my budget.
Of course, there’s a bit of an investment in the beginning, like buying seed-starting trays or a good-quality soil mix. I did worry a bit when I bought my first seed tray kit, but it’s held up season after season, and I’m amazed at how many plants I’ve been able to grow from that one initial purchase. If you’re looking to grow more without spending more, seeds are the way to go.
3. Greater Control Over the Growing Process
Growing from seed put me in charge of every stage of my plants’ lives, from those first tiny sprouts to their full-grown forms. With seedlings, I used to wonder if they’d been exposed to pesticides or weren’t grown in the best conditions. With seeds, I knew exactly how they’d been cared for, and I got to choose organic, non-GMO options that aligned with my gardening values.
I loved that I could adjust the conditions to make my plants healthier right from the start. There were a few learning curves—like getting the watering just right and providing enough sunlight—but it felt like I was developing a deeper connection with my garden. By the time I transplanted my seedlings, they already felt like my little garden family.
4. Season Extension – Start Early, Harvest Longer
One of the biggest benefits of starting from seed was extending my growing season. Since I could start seeds indoors in late winter, I had plants ready to go into the ground as soon as the weather allowed. This early start meant I could enjoy my vegetables and flowers sooner and for a longer period.
My first year, I was a bit too ambitious and started some seeds too early, leading to a crowded windowsill. But once I got the timing down, I loved knowing that while snow was still on the ground, my plants were already preparing to grow. This little jump-start on the season kept me in sync with the rhythm of nature, and I now look forward to seed-starting season every year as a way to beat those winter blues.
5. Stronger, Healthier Plants
Seeds that sprout in the same environment where they’ll eventually be planted seem to grow up stronger and healthier. They’re already accustomed to the light levels, humidity, and soil type in my garden, which makes the transition from indoors to outdoors much easier.
I saw this first-hand with my tomatoes. The first year, I bought nursery plants, and while they did okay, they weren’t anything special. The next year, I grew them from seed, hardening them off gradually by bringing them outside for a few hours a day before transplanting. Not only did they adapt quickly, but they also grew more vigorously than the nursery plants. Seeing the difference made me a true believer in the power of starting from seed.
6. The Simple Joy of Watching Something Grow
There’s something magical about watching a tiny seed sprout and grow. It’s a small, daily reminder of the wonder of nature, and I found it deeply satisfying. Every day, I’d check on my seedlings, sometimes more than once, just to see if they’d grown a bit more. Even the smallest signs of progress felt like a victory.
And honestly, watching those seeds sprout brought me so much joy. There were, of course, some challenges—I had a few seedlings that never quite made it, and there was one batch that I accidentally overwatered. But the learning process made it all worthwhile, and the success of nurturing something from start to finish felt incredibly rewarding.
Making It Work: My Tips for Starting from Seed
If you’re new to seed-starting, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way to make the process easier:
- Start with Easy Seeds: Lettuce, radishes, and marigolds are great options for beginners because they sprout quickly and don’t require much fuss.
- Use Good-Quality Soil: Seed-starting soil is well worth the investment, as it gives seeds the best possible start.
- Light Matters: If you’re starting seeds indoors, make sure they get enough light. A sunny window works, but grow lights are even better.
- Don’t Overwater: This one took me a while to master, but too much water can drown your seeds. Keep the soil moist, not wet.
Starting a garden from seed may seem intimidating at first, but it’s such a fulfilling journey. You’ll save money, have more control, enjoy a longer season, and connect with your plants on a whole new level. Plus, when those first sprouts emerge, you’ll feel a kind of pride that can only come from starting from scratch.
So, if you’ve ever thought about trying it, I say go for it. Starting from seed just might turn out to be your favorite new part of gardening, just like it became mine. Please don’t forget to Like, Share and Subscribe to our channel. Happy planting, and here’s to your next great garden adventure!
Please don’t forget to Like, share and subscribe to our channel. Happy Sowing!