How To Grow Plants From Seed

This is a special time when, you the grower, begins doing things in a smarter way. Growing from seed gives you a bit more control in the growing process providing you, your family and friends with nutrient dense fruits and vegetables. 

Growing from seed, enables you to plant specific varieties of fruits and vegetables that not only you enjoy but, the variety that will thrive in your specific plant hardiness zone and climate.  This is important because for example, one variety of cabbage may do well in mild winters but, will not do as well in areas that experience consistent freezing temperatures.  Knowing what your plans are for the crop you are planning to grow, is helpful so that you know how many seeds to plant. 

So, lets get into it  

Growing from seed may seem like a difficult task but, it is quite opposite.  There are a number of reasons to be motivated about starting your plants from seed. 

One main reason, Growing from seed will save you money!

Let us think about how much it costs to buy a small transplant from the big box store. Transplants will typically cost around five dollars depending on the size of the plant and many other factors.  You are paying for the operating costs and profits of at least two growers, the seed farmer, shippers, marketers and the retailer. 

A pack of seeds may cost about the same amount as a transplant but, if every seed in that little packet germinates, you now have dozens more plants for a fraction of the price.  I always plant more seeds than my plan or space allows because, you never know how many seeds will actually germinate.  It is good practice to plant 2-3 seeds in each cell in the growing trays to be sure that germination is successful. 

Then, if every seed germinates, you could either thin out or, separate each seedling carefully and replant them in it’s own cell.  That is a win win.  You now have options that were not available when buying a transplant from the big box store.  

Two Ways to Start Your Seeds

Growing from Seed: Starting Indoors

There are a lot of benefits when starting seeds indoors. 

• Get a head start on the growing season. 
• Better germination rates.  Sowing seeds indoors provides better control of conditions.  Like light, warmth, and moisture.  
• Transplants will grow faster and stronger with ideal conditions provided indoors.  When the time comes to transplant outside, they will have a head start making them more resilient to pests and disease. 

Growing from Seed: Direct sowing

You can easily start seeds directly in the garden.  This is commonly known as direct sowing.  So, when you see the proper date to direct sow on the seed packet you purchased, now you know what this means.  The process is simple.  Dig a small furrow. A furrow is basically a long narrow trench.  Seed packets will generally give you all the information you need.  

Seed depth

Well this simply means how deep to plant the seed you are working with.  A tricky trick is that the first line on your pointer finger is approximately one inch, so plan accordingly.  

Seed spacing

This one is pretty straight forward.  Space the seeds out according to the guidelines on the packet, or don’t.  If you don’t, no big deal.  I often will dig a small furrow and simply lightly spread the seeds along the furrow.  Move that hand at a steady slow rate across your miraculous furrow spreading them as evenly as you feel capable of that day! 

Nothing to think too hard about.  With this approach you have better chances of more seeds germinating.  However, you will have to thin your sprouts to the appropriate spacing at the appropriate time.  

The appropriate time is when your seedlings have shown their true leaves. When the plant grows its true leaves, it is now capable of sustaining itself.  But, do not turn your back on it just yet.  Because it still needs a bit of TLC from you.  

Difference between seed leaves and true leaves

Seed leaves

Seed leaves will be the first leaves you are lucky to see.  This first sign of growth is exciting after all your hard work.  They will typically appear smooth and rounded or narrow.  You put a lot of love and dedication into planting these seeds, so it is very exciting to see that this small seed that you put love into has germinated.  Go ahead and give yourself a slap on the back because, this my friends, is just the beginning of a pure addiction. 

True leaves

The true leaves come out next and will look like a smaller version of the mature plant leaves.  When you see two sets of leaves, that look different from the seed leaves, your plants are ready to transplant (if you started seeds indoors).  

Where to Buy Seeds 

There are many companies to consider when buying seeds.  Some better than others with higher rates of germination and some not so good.  So, do some research and learn about the different seed companies.  One company I stand by, trust and have been getting my seeds from for many years is Peaceful Valley.  You can find them at groworganic.com.  The prices may seem a bit steep but, their seeds are the best.  I can mention other companies I buy seeds from upon request but, they are one of the best.

Now onto the different types of seeds.  I will cover this subject very lightly as, this can be a tricky one involving many variables.  

Different Seed Options

Well lets just scratch the surface.  Heirloom seeds, organic seeds, and non gmo seeds.  Take this part with a grain of salt.   

Heirloom seeds

Heirloom seeds are very important to us.  Because, growing crops from heirloom seeds gives you the option to successfully grow your crops AND enable you to save the seeds of the specific variety you chose.  

Organic seeds

Organic seeds will typically come from plants that were grown organically. 

Non organic seeds

These seeds are from plants that may have been sprayed with synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. So, plan accordingly.  

Non Gmo seeds

Typically only large scale farmers can buy GMO seeds.  Home growers do not provide a profitable market to fund the sales of GMO seeds. However, there has been talk that GMO seeds are becoming readily available for all farmers/gardeners, so do your research. 

And…… there you have it.  Growing from seed, instead of buying expensive transplants from the big box store, provides so many benefits making your gardening adventure more efficient and a lot less expensive.  Do not let the various decisions of which type of seed to buy stop you.  Whether you decide organic, non organic, or non GMO.  Just get that food growing.  Take the first step by growing food, and consider all the variables later. And if planning is your jam, don’t forget to check out our latest article on preparing your garden for spring!

Happy growing friends!

Until next time….. keep your socks wet.