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Some gardeners prefer to start vegetable and flower plants from seed. Others purchase young plants, to get a jump start on the growing season. Most growers do a little of both. Here are tips to help you decide whether to start from seed or seedling. Both garden starting methods have advantages. So before deciding, take a look at the pros and cons of each approach.

* Advantages of Starting From Seed *

Pride in "Growership": Growing from seed, to plant, and back to seed, allows you to follow the plant through its entire life cycle, and that's reason enough to give any gardener a sense of accomplishment. This method is more work, but pays off in pride.

Variety to Choose From: Seed catalogs provide a vast range of plant varieties, colors, growth forms; you name it. So starting from seed allows you to choose, very specifically, what you would like to grow, rather than having to settle for the plants available at your local garden center. Seed catalogs often have heirloom varieties and other rare plants, that you can try growing without investing much money.

Lower Cost of Seeds: Growing from seed can be less expensive than purchasing seedlings, but this is not a given. Starting seeds indoors, prior to the outdoor growing season, requires that you have the right supplies to create a suitable indoor environment (growing containers, good soil, fluorescent or special grow lights). At least initially, your first season of starting seeds may put a small dent in your pocketbook.

You don't have to start your seeds indoors. You may be able to wait until the outdoor climate is suitable, and then plant the seeds directly in the garden. However, for plants that require a long growing season, starting seeds indoors is sometimes necessary, particularly if you live in a colder climate with a short growing season.

* When to Purchase Seedlings and Mature Plants *

Convenience At the Expense of Variety: Purchasing seedlings or adult plants is typically more expensive, but much more convenient, than growing from seed. Sometimes you can purchase young plants through the mail. Mail order typically provides a larger selection of varieties than the garden center stock offers. Large seedlings and adult plants are also a great option if you've decided to add a plant later in the season, one that you did not originally include in your garden plan.

Other Reasons to Choose Plants over Seeds: When looking through the seed catalogs, while in the planning stages of your garden, pay attention to the germination rate of each type of seed you are considering. Some plants, such as lavender and rosemary, for example, are very difficult to grow from seed, and once germinated, grow very slowly. If you are a novice gardener, the more challenging plants are not the best candidates for growing from seed.

Learn more about this author, Tami Port MS.
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