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!
I know. Epigeal and hypogeal germination probably won’t be the most riveting topic at your next backyard cocktail party. Hear me out, though, because plant science is pretty dang cool. Mind you, the differences between epigeal and hypogeal germination probably won’t matter very much in what you choose to plant in your vegetable garden. So […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
As someone who grew up and lives in New England, tropical fruits hold a special intrigue for me. Apples? I’ve picked hundreds. Strawberries? Every June they glow like red rubies in fields nearby. But passion fruit? Bananas? Oh, to put my hands on those magical tropical fruit seeds! I do have lemon and lime trees, […]
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.
If you think the idea of saving heirloom seeds sounds special, well, that’s because it is. An heirloom conjures the magic of something sacred passed down from one generation to the next. That Persian rug that belonged to your great-grandmother, your grandfather’s military medals, that bureau that’s been in the family since 1674 … these […]
One would assume that starting seeds outdoors is as simple as putting them in the ground, throwing a bit of dirt on top, and leaving the rest to nature. I won’t say that method never works. It’s great for wildflowers and perhaps some hardy perennial herbs, but I can tell you from experience, if you want your garden to grow, you’ll need to put a little more intention into your efforts.
As a kid, I was committed to saving vegetable seeds from every vegetable on my dinner plate. I loved the idea that food could make more food and in a weird way, vegetables could live forever. My parents had to gently break it to me, however, that cooked vegetable seeds would not fare well in the mini paper dirt cups lining our windowsill.
When I first began gardening, I had no idea there were different seed sowing methods. Of course, I knew a little about planting in rows, but even then, I just assumed you dug a little trench, dropped your seeds every few inches or so, and covered them up, and that was it. In any case, […]
