Seed gardening is the most rewarding type of gardening!
To take a small, dormant capsule of life and unlock its culinary and/or aesthetic potential is glorious indeed!
There are few gardening experiences as rewarding as gardening from seed. If you're a novice gardener and you're wondering whether you need to start your seeds indoors our out, a few well-thought-out considerations will help you choose the right time and place to sow your seeds. You can ask yourself a handful of questions about the seeds you want to start, such as:
How long does it take to produce or blossom?
Does it do better with a head start inside?
What time of year do I want to sow it?
Does it transplant well?
Once you've considered those questions, it's time to get organized.
Sowing Guides
These guides will give you all the timing information you need to make informed choices on what and when to sow.
Why start seeds indoors?
Some varieties are best started indoors because you have more control over the growing conditions. Starting seeds indoors extends your gardening season, allowing you to grow varieties that require longer growing times than your area's natural growing season allows. In the case of perennial flowers, an early start can reap first-year blooms. Read more about seed starting indoors.
Should I start my seeds outdoors?
Nature sows directly outdoors. It's often the easiest and best method for you, as well. Often, plants sown directly outdoors are more vigorous and healthier than transplants. Read more about direct sowing outdoors.
Getting the best germination.
All varieties germinate differently, which is why our packets give easy-to-follow sowing recommendations on each packet. There are, however, a few general items to consider to get the best germination: moisture, sowing depth, temperature, light, pathogens, and seed coats. Read more about how to get the best germination.