Direct Seeding vs. Transplanting?

With planting season creeping up, we wanted to talk a little about some of the ways to plant into your garden. As you are preparing your beds and planning what to plant, you should also consider how you are going to plant.



Plant from seed? Pop in starts? You've got options! 

You're all amped up to plant a Spring garden. You're wondering which to plant into your beds, seeds or starts. Here's a checklist of the pros and cons of each method below to help you decide which planting path you should take.

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It's good to note that some vegetable plants, such as beets, carrots radishes, turnips, spinach, and even lettuce, aren't typically thrilled to be transplanted. So we suggest planting them directly into the garden bed by seed. As for the rest of them — the choice is yours.

Seeds — challenge, excitement, and reward! It's like the first time you cooked your own dinner- from scratch.

     Pros:

• Seeds tend to be the least expensive way to start a garden.
• They offer the most options for the varieties you are considering. You can order seeds from anyone, anywhere, nearly anytime. 
• Oh, the satisfaction. There are very few gardening tasks as rewarding as growing a plant from a teeny, tiny seed.

Cons:

• Seeds can be a bit delicate, so there is definitely a learning curve. Don't worry, you can do it, though.
• Seeds need to be planted pretty dang close to the "right time" on the garden calendar to grow sturdy plants with robust root systems. Pay attention to your frost dates!
• Some seeds need special nurturing ("babying") while they're germinating. For instance, tomato seedlings need some moving air (such as a fan) to develop well.
• Growing a new garden from seed takes time and dedication. You will need to care for your seedbeds daily for several weeks.

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Starts ( transplants or baby plants)

Of course, all plants begin with seeds, but not all gardens have to!

     Pros:

• Your garden starts off with vigorous baby plants since someone else did the delicate baby part for you.
• Most local starts are grown to be suitable for your area, so you don't have to worry so much about whether the plant will thrive in your growing zone.
• With strong, young plants, you have way more leeway for not planting in the "right" planting times.
• Starts are great for beginning gardeners who may want to skip the vulnerable stages of seeding plants.

Cons:

• Starts can be an expensive way to plant a garden, and prices vary drastically from shop to shop.
• Your choices and variety are limited to the plants sitting in the nursery or garden center.

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Now, whether you are going to be direct seeding, transplanting starts or a combination of the two you have a bit of info to get you started.

And remember, Sprouting Farms will have garden vegetable starts available throughout the growing season!

We will also have classes coming up in the following months to help you start your spring and summer gardens. Check them out here.

New to gardening and have questions on how to get started?
Seasoned pro and would like to share some wisdom?
Leave a comment below or connect with us on Facebook or Instagram #Ways2Grow

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