Should You Use Starter Plants or Seeds?

When planning your garden, you'll want to consider whether or not to grow some of your plants from seed or transplants (starter plants). What can help you determine this is are a few factors: the length of time for the growing season, if the plant easy to germinate from seed and whether or not the plant transplants well.

For example, squash plants do not transplant well. Root crops such as carrots, beets, green beans, cucumbers, okra, peas, pumpkins, radishes, rutabaga and parsnips do much better when you direct sow the seeds.

Each has their own pro's and cons. Using seeds are much less expensive, but do take time to germinate and maintain. As for starter plants, if you don't have a long growing season, it's best to go with starter plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and some herbs. Starter plants are great for people who have colder climates and have shorter growing seasons. 

Using starter plants can be very convenient for those who may not have the time to grow and maintain seeds. Consider both methods. Starting your vegetables from seed is very rewarding. You can share seeds with swap clubs and purchase unique vegetables that are rare to find as starters.