But why? To begin with, it is less expensive. For the price of a 4-pack of annual plants, you can
have dozens or maybe even a hundred plants in colors you may not find at the garden center. In
addition, there are more varieties of seeds in catalogs and online than are available at the local
nursery. You may want to plant organic or heirloom, which are not always readily available as
plants.
There are a few things you should consider before you place your seed order. Do you have
lighting? It is fairly easy for seeds to sprout in a warm spot like the top of the refrigerator, but
after they germinate, they need a good light source. A window may work to start a small amount
of plants. If you want to start enough to plant a garden would probably require a florescent
lighting system which is easy and inexpensive to set up in the home.
Does your schedule allow you time to tend the tender seedlings? Seedlings require daily
monitoring for moisture. If they are in a window they will need to be turned frequently as plants
will naturally grow toward the light source.
Do you have space? Once the seedlings start to crowd the starting container, they will need to
be transplanted into larger containers. This will require additional well lighted space.
Starting your garden from seeds is very rewarding and inexpensive. The University of Kentucky
Extension service has detailed information to help you get started. Publication HO-56, Starting
Plants from Seed at Home gives information on containers, germination medium, heat
requirements, lighting, moisture, transplanting, fertilization and more. Click here to download the
publication Starting Plants From Seed At Home or pick it up the McCracken County Extension
Office, 2705 Olivet Church Road, Paducah, KY.
