When figuring out how to select good seeds for planting, there are a few variables to consider, like where the seeds came from and how old they are. There are some guidelines for identifying the good seeds and steering clear of the bad ones. One example: grocery store produce—their seeds are often sterile. If you find a beautiful heirloom tomato at the farmer’s market on the other hand – those seeds are likely more viable.
But there’s also a lot to learn about growing seedlings. It’s not always just a simple process of planting a seed in some dirt and watching it grow – in fact, it rarely ever is. Most gardeners who grow from seed use heating mats and grow lights, and germinate seeds indoors in early spring. But some plants, like strawberries, for example, are a pain to grow from seed and take so long to produce that most go right for the pre-grown plants at their local gardening store. Knowing that before you try to grow from seed could save you a lot of time and stress.
And sure, some gardeners start seeds outdoors, but there are only specific vegetables that will tolerate it, and you need to know which ones those are or, again, you’ll be sitting in a garden filled with empty rows of dirt instead of a bountiful food garden.
In the articles below, we dive into everything you need to know about growing seeds and planting seedlings. And you can learn even more in our How to Grow a Vegetable Garden: 10 Things Every Gardener Needs to Know Before Starting a Food Garden freebie. Enjoy!
Hi! I’m Amanda, and I’d like to talk about the different types of vegetable seeds. Why? Well, why not? Seeds are tiny miracles. It’s amazing to me that something the size of a tomato seed will, in the right conditions, grow into 10-foot tall, bushy vines that produce pounds and pounds of one of the […]
Too hot or too cold, and those freshly germinated seeds won’t go anywhere. They won’t grow into those juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, or rich eggplants that we love. So what is the best temperature for seedlings? How can we make sure they thrive? I’m not here to call anyone out, but when you get those […]
Like many things in life, success in gardening is all about timing. Plant your tomatoes in October and it’s unlikely you’ll have much to show for your work. When it comes to starting seeds outdoors, timing is absolutely critical. Start your garden too early and a hard frost could ruin your seeds before they get started. Wait too long and your plants won’t have time to mature before the weather gets too inhospitable.
I’m a big fan of different seed germination methods. Why? A few years ago, I found an old packet of seeds for one of my absolute favorite heirloom tomatoes. I was so excited that I didn’t bother to get any other tomato seeds that season.
I see it from the corner of my eye, the telltale green sliver poking up from the potting mix. Victory, thy name is Vegetable Sprout! My pride is brimming as I examine the pot from every angle, admiring my little germinated miracle. All melodrama aside, growing vegetables from seeds is one of the most rewarding gardening experiences because you get to be a part of every step of the growing process. One step that many folks get hung up on is trying to figure out how often to water vegetable seeds.
Seeds are a marvelous thing. Call me easily amused, but it’s just astounding to me that a handful of seeds can give us an entire garden full of squash, peas, tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, broccoli, and so much more. And all of that – everything that ends up on your plate – starts with those tiny little seeds. Personally, I find a seed germination temperature chart to be helpful in making this all happen.
I had the best tomato plant ever this year. The vine grew tall and strong, and once the plant started producing, it didn’t stop until well beyond when every other summer vegetable had died off. The fruit was absolutely delicious, and it got me thinking about how to store seeds long-term. Nothing against the other […]
Egg cartons, like popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners, are one of the quintessential craft items for school projects. You can turn an egg carton into a bird feeding tray or a spaceship. It’s perfect for holding odds and ends in your cupboard. And it’s perfect for gardening.
I never even knew what rockwool was before I started a hydroponic garden three years ago. To me, seeds sprout in soil, so why use anything else? However, now that I am germinating seeds all year long using an indoor garden that uses rockwool, I think it’s the easiest thing ever. Environmentally sound though? Let’s […]
Sometimes I think that if I spend time daydreaming about my spring garden, it will somehow conjure warmer weather and send the snowy New England chill packing! Before sketching out the placement for all my herbs, veggies, and fruits, I like to figure out how they will get into the ground in the first place. Deciding whether to plant from seed, seedling, or plant cutting dictates your planting timeline.
