How To Start Plants From Seeds, According To An Expert

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Starting vegetables and flowers from seeds is a fun way to start gardening long before it’s time to set out a singletomato plant orflower in your garden. It’s also a great way to stretch your gardening budget. “Seed starting saves money because plants cost several dollars each, but a packet of seeds is far less expensive,” says Gary Pilarchik ofThe Rusted Gardener and author ofThe Modern Homestead Garden and co-author ofGrowing an Edible Landscape. “Most seeds last forthree years or longer if you store them in a zipper-top bag in a cool place, such as the fridge.”

• Gary Pilarchik ofThe Rusted Gardener and author ofThe Modern Homestead Garden and co-author ofGrowing an Edible Landscape.

Seed starting also allows you to get a jump on the season. By starting plants early indoors, you’ll have larger seedlings to transplant when conditions are right, which means an earlier harvest, says Pilarchik. Another plus is that you can grow unique varieties of plants that you won’t find at nurseries. Plus, it’s just plain satisfying to watch your plants grow–and it’s a mental health boost to get you through the last days of winter!

Some plants do better if seeded directly into the garden when conditions are right. That includesbeans,carrots, radishes, turnips, and flowers such as nasturtiums andcosmos. But heat-loving crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, andeggplants, benefit from an early start indoors.

Here's what else you need to know to start seeds:

In addition to seeds, you’ll need a few basic items to get started:

• Seed-starti