Let’s get you started on Why use Seeds vs Plants
Seeds in most cases are best to use when you start gardening when planting many vegetables, herbs, annuals, and some perennial plants.
Not only will the plants do better when planted from seeds directly sowed in the garden, you can also save a substantial amount of money
Packets of seeds that can grow at least 8 plants and up to 100 plants can cost between $2.00- $10.00 while one plant can cost that or more. This will allow you to fill your garden with all the plants you want to grow.
The other side of using seeds is that you can collect many of these seeds from the best plants that you are growing to plant next years garden.
Know the temperatures at which your seeds can be planted in the garden for best germination and growth. Soil temperatures are critical to successful germination, it is essential to know your soil temperature before you plant.
Invest in a thermometer to check your soil temperatures.
- Easy-to-read green, yellow, and red tick marks
- 5-inch stainless steel stem penetrates soil
How to check your soil temperature
Use a thermometer that is made to test soil at least 3 inches below the surface of the soil. Seed temperatures need to be taken 3-4 inches down to provide your seeds with the right temperatures to germinate.
Allow the thermometer to sit in the soil at the prescribed depth for at least 1 minute to get a good reading.
Take soil temperatures in the morning to get the coolest temperatures and take 3 consecutive days to see if it fluctuates.
Where to purchase the best seeds
First, if you can use your own seeds you know exactly how good they are going to be, but if you are purchasing them it is best to buy from a reputable seed company.
See the list of my favorite seed companies to purchase from.
The Best Vegetables sowed directly in the garden
Beans both pole and bush varieties prefer to be started directly in the garden. the soil temperature needs to be 60 degrees.
Peas of all kinds prefer to be sowed directly in the garden in early spring, and you can plant every few weeks to keep them producing until it gets too hot for them. The soil temperature needs to be at least 40 degrees.
Squash both winter and summer varieties can be directly sowed or if you have the space to start them in early spring indoors you can. The soil temperature needs to be at least 50 degrees to sow in the garden.
Pumpkins are very similar to squash which can be sowed directly in the garden or planted indoors if you have the space. The soil temperature needs to be 60 degrees.
Beets prefer being directly sowed since they do not like their roots disturbed.
Carrots must be directly sowed to allow the carrot to grow without being disturbed. The soil temperature needs to be at least 40 degrees.
Cucumbers can be sowed in hills or can be started early in a greenhouse. The soil temperature needs to be at least 60 degrees.
Melons like squash can be sowed directly or started early in greenhouses. The soil temperature needs to be at least 60 degrees.
Corn should be planted in 4 ft blocks to do best since they are pollinated by the wind. The soil temperature needs to be at least 50 degrees.
Radishes must be sowed directly in the garden so that they are not disturbed after planting. The soil temperature needs to be at least 40 degrees.
Lettuce, like other leafy greens, enjoys direct sowing in the garden but can also be grown early in greenhouses and transferred to the garden. Soil needs to be at least 40 degrees
Spinach, like other leafy greens, enjoys direct sowing in the garden but can also be grown early in greenhouses and transferred to the garden. The soil needs to be at least 40 degrees.
Onions if started early can be directly sowed in the garden or started earlier in a greenhouse and transferred. The soil temperature needs to be at least 40 degrees.
Swiss Chard, like other leafy greens, enjoys direct sowing in the garden but can also be grown early in greenhouses and transferred to the garden. The soil temperature needs to be at least 40 degrees.
Herbs to directly sow in the garden
Herb seeds in general have the best germination when the soil is between 55-70 degrees.
Basil enjoys direct sowing or starting indoors early to establish small plants that can be planted in the garden.
Thyme is directly sowed in the garden or started early in the greenhouse.
Dill can be directly sowed in the garden and will reseed itself.
Cilantro enjoys being directly sowed in the garden early in the season.
Chives are directly sowed in the garden or can be started early in a greenhouse.
Annuals and Perennials that like to be sowed directly in the garden
Annuals and Perennials germinate best when soil temperatures are between 55-70 degrees.
Cosmos are one of the easiest to directly sow and easily reseed themselves, they are also one of the fastest growing annuals.
Marigolds can be directly sowed in the garden after the last frost or grown in a greenhouse 6 weeks before the last frost date for your area.
Zinnias are one of the fastest annuals to grow and are easily grown by directly sowing them in the garden.
Bachelor Buttons are both annual and perennial and like to be sowed in the garden before the last frost date since they enjoy a cold start to germinate.
Poppies can be directly sowed in late winter or early Spring and can even be planted at the end of the Fall season from the previous year. They do not like to be transplanted.
Sweet Peas can be directly sowed in the garden early in the spring as long as hard freezes are behind you.
Nasturtiums do not like to be transplanted so they are best to be directly sowed or can even reseed themselves
Sunflowers do not like to be transplanted and grow quickly if directly sowed in the garden.
Columbine can be directly sowed in the garden and reseeds itself very easily.
Viola or Pansies can be sowed directly in late Fall or early Spring and can reseed themselves.
Lupine seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing in your garden in the Spring.
Black Eyed Susans can be directly sowed in the garden after the last frost in the Spring and will reseed themselves.
Seed Planting dates are dependent on your last Frost Date
To know your frost date and the soil temperature that we provided you above.
Get out and start planting your own seeds directly in the garden this year.
Now that you know how easy it is to harvest your own seeds and Why use Seeds vs Plants in growing your garden you need to get started either with seeds you have collected or seeds you have purchased to grow a wonderful garden.
