What is better, starting seeds vs buying plants for the garden? Learn which crops to start from seeds and which can be transplanted right into the ground.
Economically, seeds are generally the best choice, unless you only need 4 to 6 sprouts of a particular plant (the number in a typical pack of plants). When it comes to variety, seed is also king. Between mail-order packets and seed racks, the options are nearly endless.
Germination time can also be a factor. Spring greens and plants from the cucumber family pop up so vigorously that it’d be a shame not to just direct-sow them so they never have to endure transplant disruption. And, on that note, certain plants deal with transplanting better than others. Tomatoes almost seem to enjoy it, and they quickly progress in growth, whereas squash plants, okra, and beans can become sickly and even die as they try to recover from transplanting. Some plants, such as lettuce, are also fragile, which makes them difficult to handle and transplant without damaging them.
When buying plants, choose young plants that can be purchased in 4- or 6-packs. While you might be tempted to buy the biggest specimens, plants in quart pots can be root-bound and may never recover and produce like a smaller, quick-growing plant will. If you purchase a plant you can’t immediately get into the ground, try to place it in a temperate environment and keep it watered, but not overwatered! When it’s time to transplant, plant in worked-up, loose soil and water well.
If you’re new to starting plants from seed, start with something easy, such as leaf lettuce or spinach, and plant it when the weather is cool. Just sow into a shallow row and gently cover with soil, pat down, and sprinkle with water.
When the ground is warm, summer squash and cucumbers are fun to grow from seed. These varieties do best if planted in a small mound or “hill” so they won’t get wet feet. Make two 2-inch holes in a hill and plant two seeds in each hole. Once seedlings emerge and you thin them to the strongest plants, they’ll typically take off quickly if the conditions are right.
Finally, take the opportunity to try something new every season. This will be key to gaining knowledge and experience in how and when to sow various plants.
Start indoors or purchase starts: Brassicas (including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower), eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, onions.
Start from seed outdoors: Beans, beets, carrots, cucurbits (including cucumber, melon, pumpkin, and squash), lettuce, radishes, spring greens, okra, peas.
Originally published as “Sow Seeds, or Try Transplants?” in the December 2024/January 2025 issue of MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine and regularly vetted for accuracy.
