The age old question! Every gardener finds their own balance here, but there are a few general rules that can help you strike the perfect balance for you:
What if my garden is a few containers on my patio or balcony?
Buy your plants from your local nursery. If you garden on a small scale, it’s more economical to buy all your vegetables and herbs as seedlings at your local nursery. The cost of seed starting supplies adds up quickly, so it will take years and years for you to break even at your smaller scale.
What if I have a large raised bed or several raised beds?
Seed start and direct sow. You’ll be able to recoup the cost of seed starting supplies in a year or two, making it well worth the investment. You’ll be able to direct sow some types of seeds (see below), and you’ll be able to grow an overwhelming variety of different types of vegetables and herbs (more than your local nursery could ever stock) if you seed start.
What if I’ve been gardening for a year or less?
Buy most plants from your local nursery and try direct sowing! Don’t make gardening any harder on yourself that it needs to be right now. Seed starting is an UNDERTAKING, and in your first few years of gardening, your focus should be on learning how your plants grow in your garden. I’d hate for you to take on too much, get overwhelmed, and quit gardening. Plus, putting beautiful and healthy plants from a nursery right into your garden is such a confidence boost and great way to start out your gardening season.
If I seed start, do I have to start everything from seed?
Nope! In fact, some veggies are healthier and happier if you start them directly in the ground. In Chicago, here’s the seeds that you should always start directly in the ground:
- Beans (both bush and pole)
- Peas (snow, snap, and shelling)
- Cucumbers (they don’t like their roots disturbed!)
- Leaf lettuce (you start so many of these that it’s easier to direct sow)
- Head lettuce (same here!)
- Carrots (again with not wanting their roots disturbed)
The balance between seed starting and direct sowing is one that you’ll become more comfortable with as you rack up the years in the garden! But these general rules above should help you get started.
Most importantly, enjoy that by deciding to seed start or direct sow, you’re taking the first steps toward starting your gardening season off! And that is such an exciting prospect – just imagine how your garden will look a few months from now!
*Photos courtesy of Second Star Photography
