In the world of gardening, the choice between purchasing seeds and harvesting seeds from fruit can significantly impact the success of your planting season. While harvesting seeds from fruit may seem economical and sustainable, there are several compelling reasons to purchase seeds instead. This approach offers advantages ranging from genetic quality to ease of use, especially for beginner gardeners or those looking to achieve specific gardening outcomes. Here, we explore why purchasing seeds is often a better choice than harvesting seeds from fruit.

1. Guaranteed Germination and Purity

One of the primary reasons to purchase seeds from reputable suppliers is the assurance of high germination rates and seed purity. When you harvest seeds from fruit, there’s no guarantee that the seeds will germinate, as they might not be mature enough or could have been damaged during extraction. On the other hand, purchased seeds undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet high standards of germination success and are free from contamination with other plants’ seeds. This is crucial for gardeners who want to maximize their planting efforts and ensure that every seed has the potential to flourish into a healthy plant.

2. Access to a Wide Variety of Species and Cultivars

Purchasing seeds allows gardeners access to a broader range of species and cultivars than what might be available through local fruits or even in local markets. Many seed suppliers offer an extensive catalog of options, including heirloom varieties, hybrids, and those suited for specific climates and soil conditions. This diversity enables gardeners to experiment with new types of plants that are not native to their area, or that offer better resistance to local pests and diseases. Additionally, some plants, especially hybrids, do not produce seeds that retain the parent plant’s desirable characteristics, making purchased seeds the only way to ensure the quality and traits of what you grow.

3. Disease-Free Assurance

Purchased seeds typically undergo treatments to be disease-free, minimizing the risk of introducing pathogens into your garden that could spread to other plants. When you harvest seeds from fruit, there’s always a risk that these seeds carry diseases, which can devastate both new and established gardens. These diseases can remain dormant within the seed and then manifest once the plant begins to grow, potentially leading to widespread infection that can be difficult to control. Buying seeds from a reliable source ensures they have been screened and treated for common pathogens, offering a safer start for your plants.

4. Cost-Effectiveness and Time Efficiency

While harvesting seeds from fruit might seem like a cost-saving measure, it can often be more time-consuming and less efficient, particularly if the seeds fail to germinate. The process of extracting, cleaning, and storing seeds properly is labor-intensive and requires precise conditions to maintain their viability. Purchased seeds, in contrast, come ready to plant and are packaged in quantities that match gardeners’ needs, eliminating the guesswork and inefficiency. This convenience can be particularly beneficial for those with limited time or those new to gardening, allowing them to focus more on the growing process rather than the preliminary steps of seed preparation.

5. Supporting Agricultural Biodiversity

By choosing to purchase seeds, particularly those that are organic or heirloom, gardeners can support agricultural biodiversity. Many seed suppliers play a role in preserving rare or endangered plant varieties by encouraging gardeners to cultivate them. This not only helps to maintain genetic diversity within plant species but also supports small and independent seed farmers who rely on the sales of unique and diverse seeds. In contrast, harvesting seeds from commonly available fruits often perpetuates the cultivation of a limited range of plant varieties, which can contribute to genetic erosion over time.

Purchase Seeds Instead of Harvesting from Fruits

Numerous benefits – including guaranteed germination, access to a wide variety of plant species, disease prevention, cost-effectiveness, and the support of agricultural biodiversity – support the decision to purchase seeds rather than harvesting seeds from fruit. These factors make purchasing seeds an appealing option for both novice and experienced gardeners alike, ensuring a more successful and rewarding gardening experience. As the gardening community continues to grow, the choice of seeds will play a pivotal role in shaping the health and diversity of gardens around the world. Whether you’re looking to explore new plant varieties or achieve a bountiful harvest, purchasing seeds is a wise investment that can yield significant returns in the long term.

Read More:

5 Fast Growing Seeds for Beginner Gardeners

10 Techniques to Increase Germination Rate of Seeds

In the world of gardening, the joy of planting a seed and watching it grow into a thriving plant is unparalleled. For beginner gardeners, this excitement is often tinged with impatience and the eagerness to see quick results. Fortunately, certain seeds grow at a rapid pace, offering almost immediate gratification and a sense of achievement. Here, we explore fast growing seeds ideal for beginner gardeners, ensuring a successful and rewarding gardening experience from the get-go.

1. Radishes: The Speedy Edibles

Radishes are the quintessential fast-growing crop, making them a top choice for beginner gardeners looking for quick results. These crisp, peppery vegetables can go from seed to harvest in as little as 20-30 days. Planting radish seeds in well-drained soil and ensuring they receive plenty of sunlight will yield a bountiful harvest in no time. Radishes are not only fast but also versatile, adding a fresh, zesty flavor to salads and dishes.

2. Sunflowers: Giants in the Garden

Sunflowers are not just fast growers; they’re also capable of reaching towering heights, making them a spectacular addition to any garden. With some varieties growing several inches in a single day, sunflowers can reach full maturity in about 60 to 70 days. Their large, bright blooms bring a vibrant splash of color to the garden, and their seeds attract birds and wildlife, creating a bustling garden ecosystem. For beginner gardeners, sunflowers offer the added thrill of watching a tiny seed grow into a giant, sun-seeking flower.

3. Lettuce: The Leafy Quick Grower

Lettuce is another fast-growing vegetable, ideal for those looking to harvest their greens in a short amount of time. Depending on the variety, lettuce can be ready to pick in just 30 to 50 days. It’s a cool-season crop, best planted in early spring or fall, and it thrives in cooler temperatures. Lettuce is perfect for beginner gardeners as it can be grown in containers or small spaces and offers a continuous harvest by picking outer leaves as the plant continues to grow.

4. Peas: The Climbers

Peas are not only some fast-growing seeds for beginner gardeners but also a delightful sight with their delicate tendrils and sweet flowers. From planting, peas take about 60 to 70 days to mature, but the shoots and tendrils can be harvested much earlier as a tasty addition to salads. Peas prefer cooler weather and can be one of the first seeds planted in the spring. Their climbing nature adds a vertical element to gardens, making them both beautiful and space-efficient.

5. Basil: The Aromatic Quickie

Basil is a must-have in any herb garden, especially for beginners looking for fast-growing, aromatic herbs. This versatile herb can go from seed to harvest in 30 to 60 days, adding a fresh, fragrant flavor to dishes. Basil thrives in warm weather and can be grown in pots or directly in the garden. Regular harvesting encourages more growth, providing a continuous supply of fresh basil throughout the season.

Growing Tips for Beginner Gardeners

To ensure the success of these fast growing seeds, here are a few tips tailored for beginner gardeners:

• Start Simple: Choose one or two types of seeds to start with. This will help you focus your attention and learn the specific needs of each plant.
• Quality Seeds: Invest in high-quality seeds from reputable suppliers to increase your chances of successful germination and healthy growth.
• Follow Instructions: Pay close attention to the planting instructions on seed packets. Depth, spacing, and watering guidelines are crucial for optimal growth.
• Monitor and Maintain: Regularly check your seedlings and plants for signs of pests or diseases. Early detection can save your crop.
• Patience and Persistence: While these seeds are fast-growing, gardening is a learning process. Mistakes are part of the journey, so keep experimenting and enjoy the process.

Try Out the Fast Growing Seeds for Beginner Gardeners Today!

Embarking on the gardening journey with these fast growing seeds offers beginner gardeners the perfect blend of ease and excitement. Watching seeds sprout and flourish in a matter of weeks is not only gratifying but also instills a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature. Whether it’s the towering presence of sunflowers, the crisp freshness of lettuce, or the aromatic delight of basil, these fast-growing plants promise a rewarding start to any gardening adventure. Remember, every successful gardener started as a beginner, and with these seeds, you’re already on the path to a thriving green space.

Read More:

12 Low-Maintenance Gardening Tips for the Busy Millennial

Starting Seeds Inside: The Basic Guide

Seed-saving is the practice of intentionally collecting and preserving seeds from plants grown in a garden or farm for future planting and propagation. It involves deliberately selecting, harvesting, and storing seeds from mature, healthy plants to ensure the continuation of specific plant varieties.

Why Care About Seed-Saving?

Seed saving holds immense significance in the realm of agriculture and sustainable gardening practices. At its core, it serves as a crucial mechanism for preserving genetic diversity within plant species. By intentionally collecting and safeguarding seeds from various plants, individuals contribute to the conservation of diverse plant varieties that might otherwise fade into obscurity. This genetic diversity acts as a reservoir of resilience, ensuring that different plants possess the genetic traits needed to adapt to changing environmental conditions, pests, and diseases. In fact, without seed saving, many unique plant varieties, each with its distinct attributes and adaptability, could be lost over time, diminishing the richness of our agricultural landscape.

By cultivating a habit of seed saving, gardeners and farmers maintain control over their food sources. They reduce dependency on commercially produced seeds, which might not always align with local climates or evolving environmental conditions. Through seed saving, individuals can consistently grow crops that are well-suited to their specific region, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable food supply. This self-reliance fosters a sense of empowerment and resilience, particularly in the face of uncertainties like climate change or disruptions in supply chains.

Learn a Little About Seed-Saving

Seed-Saving Techniques

There are many different techniques that you can use, and they vary depending on the types of plants you’re collecting seeds for/from. Here are some that you’ll want to master:

Dry Method

The drying method of seed saving is a straightforward technique suitable for a wide range of seeds. It’s particularly useful for those plants with dry seed pods, husks, or that are found within the fruit. It’s effective for seeds like beans, peas, lettuce, cilantro, and many flower seeds.

Process:

1. Harvesting: Allow the seeds to fully mature on the plant. For example, with beans or peas, leave the pods until they begin to dry and rattle.
2. Extraction: Collect the seeds by removing them from the pods or seed heads. This is often done by hand or by gently breaking open dried seed pods.
3. Cleaning: Remove any remaining plant debris or chaff from the seeds. A simple winnowing process or gently blowing air can help separate seeds from chaff.
4. Drying: Spread the seeds out in a single layer on a screen, paper towel, or a tray in a well-ventilated area. Ensure good airflow to aid in the drying process. Additionally, avoid direct sunlight or high humidity.
5. Checking for Dryness: Seeds should be completely dry before storage. Test by pressing seeds with your fingernail; properly dried seeds will not dent or show moisture.
6. Storage: Once dry, store seeds in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Label the containers with seed type and the date of collection.

Fermentation Method

The fermentation method of seed saving is particularly effective for seeds that are encased in a gel-like substance, commonly found in fruits like tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, and some peppers. This technique helps to remove this gel coating, which can inhibit germination if not removed.

Process:

1. Harvesting Ripe Fruit: Select fully ripe fruits from which you plan to collect seeds. Cut open the fruit and scoop out the seeds along with the surrounding pulp into a container.
2. Fermentation: Add water to the container to create a slurry with the seeds and pulp. Allow this mixture to ferment for a few days (typically 2-4 days) at room temperature. Stir the mixture once or twice a day.
3. Fermentation Process: During fermentation, the pulp around the seeds breaks down and separates from the seeds, and beneficial microbes help to remove germination inhibitors from the seed coat.
4. Rinsing and Drying: After fermentation, add water to the container and stir; viable seeds will sink to the bottom, while debris and non-viable seeds will float. Carefully pour off the floating material, then rinse the seeds thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining pulp.
5. Drying: Spread the cleaned seeds in a single layer on a paper towel or screen to dry thoroughly. Ensure good airflow to prevent mold or mildew. Once completely dry, store the seeds in a cool, dry place.

Additional Methods of Seed-Saving

The two methods above are commonly used. They’re a great place to start with seed-saving. Here are some additional techniques that you might want to master as well:

Wet Processing Techniques

Fermentation is one of these. However, there are also others:

• Winnowing is a seed-saving technique primarily used for seeds that have chaff, husks, or lightweight debris attached to them. Use it for amaranth, quinoa, or other grains with hulls. It involves gently pouring harvested seeds and chaff from one container to another in a gentle breeze or using a fan to separate the heavier seeds from the lighter debris.
• Wet Sieving. Seeds are placed in water and agitated to separate them from the surrounding pulp. Then they are sieved to remove debris. Plants like tomatoes, kiwi, guava, and squash, where seeds are enclosed in pulp or surrounded by gel-like substances, benefit from wet sieving.
• Washing and soaking directly uses water to remove debris or pulp from seeds. Lettuce, radishes, and flowers with easily removable chaff or debris from seed heads benefit from washing and soaking.

Cold Storage

Direct Planting

Direct planting as a seed-saving technique involves sowing seeds directly into the soil where they’ll grow, mature, and naturally disperse or be collected for future use. This method is particularly effective for self-seeding annuals and biennials such as calendula, poppies, or some herbs like cilantro. Additionally, certain vegetables like lettuce, radishes, and carrots can be directly sown, allowing them to bolt and produce seeds that are left in the soil for natural harvesting.

Natural Harvest and Winter Storage

Similarly, natural harvest involves allowing plants to naturally disperse seeds or keeping seeds within fruits or pods until they are ready to be collected. Winter storage, in this context, refers to leaving seeds in the ground over winter, where they undergo natural cold conditions. Plants like biennials (carrots, parsley), some perennials (echinacea, black-eyed Susans), and wildflowers (milkweeds, asters) are suitable for natural harvest and winter storage, allowing seeds to disperse or remain in pods on the plant through winter for collection.

Vigilant Harvesting

Vigilant harvesting refers to regularly checking plants for mature seeds and promptly collecting them to prevent pods from shattering and seeds scattering. This method is advantageous for plants like beans, peas, or annual flowers such as marigolds or zinnias, where seeds mature in pods or seed heads. Timely and frequent harvesting ensures the collection of seeds at optimal maturity, maximizing seed viability and preventing loss due to dispersal.

Hand Selection

Hand selection involves manually choosing the best-looking, healthiest seeds from plants for saving, ensuring better-quality seeds for future planting. This method is suitable for various plants, especially those producing large seeds like pumpkins, squash, or sunflowers, as well as tomatoes or peppers. By selecting seeds with desirable traits—such as size, color, or disease resistance—gardeners ensure the propagation of strong, high-quality plants in subsequent generations, contributing to better yields and healthier crops.

Read More:

• 5 Easy and Neat Seed Storage Ideas
• Starting Seeds Inside: The Basic Guide
• How to Get Free Seeds from the Government

Germination refers to the process of a seed becoming a plant. Some people don’t mind a very slow process. They’ll plant flowers that take two years to show their colors. However, sometimes you want an experience a little bit closer to instant gratification. While no plant is going to germinate overnight, there are techniques to increase germination rate of seeds.

What does Increasing Germination Rate Mean?

Obviously, what you’re trying to do here is to reduce the amount of time it takes for your plants to go from a seed to what you’d commonly recognize as a plant (a flower, a vegetable, etc.) However, note that often the process is really about improving the conditions for the plant. In other words, when you make the conditions optimal, the plant grows more quickly. It’s not as if you pour some magic fairy dust on the seeds and they suddenly sprout. Instead, you listen to what the seeds need and give it to them. That said, some plants really need dormant periods and slow germination to grow correctly.

Techniques To Increase Germination Rate of Seeds

After you’ve done some research to make sure that it’s okay to speed things up, you might use these techniques to increase germination rate of seeds:

1. Find Out What Your Seeds Need

We’re going to have general tips here that apply to many plants. However, you really need to research what each of your specific seed types need for optimal growth. Plant them at the right time of year, in the right growing medium, with the correct sunlight to optimize germination rates.

2. Disinfect Seeds Before Planting

Science in Hydroponics recommends using hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite solutions to remove microorganisms that might slow down germination rates.

3. Pre-Treat Seeds With Polyethylene Glycol Treatments

Science in Hydroponics also recommends pre-treating your seeds with PEG-6000. The specific amount and approach varies depending on the seeds you’re trying to germinate.

4. Pre-Soak Seeds Before Planting in Soil

AcuRite notes that you should get started on the right foot by providing ample moisture for seeds before you even plant them.

5. Then Keep Watering Well

Seeds tend to need a lot of water to become plants. You’ll usually use more water for seeds than you will once the plant starts growing. So, although you certainly don’t want to overwater your seeds, you should make sure to keep them well-watered during those early days.

6. Plant Inside Before Outside

AcuRite also points out that you do best to plant your seeds inside first. Then, make an effort to acclimate them to the move outside. By doing this part slowly, you actually increase germination rate.

7. Add Gibberellic Acid

Science in Hydroponics says that this is a great way to stimulate seed germination.

8. Add Beneficial Fungi

As mentioned above, you want to disinfect seeds from bad microorganisms. However, you can also introduce good organisms to the seeds. For example, some seeds do well when you add specific beneficial fungi to stimulate growth.

9. Temperature Is Everything

Every resource you’ll read about techniques to increase germination rate of seeds will emphasize the importance of getting the temperature right. Again, each plant needs something different. Some plants grow best in colder temperatures, others in warmer temperatures. Make the effort to find out what your seeds need and accommodate them if you want your plants to grow quickly.

10. Improve Your Soil

Make sure that your soil is ideal for the seeds you’re planting. Is it the right pH level? Does it offer the right kind of drainage and retention of moisture? Make the soil conditions right for the seeds to germinate into beautiful plants.

Read More:

• Seed Starting on a Budget: Germination
• What Are The Different Ways to Germinate Citrus Seeds?
• 5 Cheap Substitutes for Seedling Trays

Seed trays offer a great way to start off your planting season. However, you don’t need to purchase actual trays from the gardening supply store. Instead, you can upcycle/recycle/DIY many terrific substitutes for seedling trays. Here are five good ideas:

What Are Seedling Trays?

Seed trays provide a great opportunity to begin growing multiple plants from seed at once. You germinate a bunch of them together in the trays. Then, when they’re ready to go into pots or the ground, you transplant them. This allows you to start your planting season early, beginning plant growing inside until it’s warm enough for outdoor planting.

Cheap Substitutes for Seedling Trays

You can easily purchase seedling trays. There are many different varieties, made of different materials, and in the come in a huge range of sizes. However, there’s really no need to purchase these when it’s so easy to make substitutes for seedling trays yourself.

1. Egg Cartons

Egg cartons provide one of the best substitutes for seedling trays. First of all, you probably already have some. If not, ask your neighbors for theirs. Therefore, this doesn’t cost anything.

Second, as Treehugger explains, these are biodegradable. Therefore, when you’re ready to move the seeds from the tray to the ground, all that you need to do is cut apart the egg carton and bury each section in the soil. In other words, you don’t have to take the seed out of the tray at all.

Furthermore, if you still have your egg shells, then you can include those as part of the planting process. Leave half an eggshell in each cup of the egg carton. Plant the seeds inside of those. You get great nutrients and don’t waste those eggshells.

2. DIY Newspaper Pots

Treehugger also notes that you can do the same thing with DIY newspaper pots. Make them yourself with recycled newspaper glued together with wheat paste. Plant the seeds in the pots. Then, when it’s time, plant the pots into the soil. You can put each pot next to another inside of a cardboard box while the seeds are germinating.

3. Cardboard Coffee Cups

If you regularly purchase coffee to go, then you might be able to quickly accrue a bunch of cardboard coffee cups. Ask your friends if you need extras. Fill them with soil, poke some holes in the bottom for good drainage, put them into an upcycled box, and you have a seedling tray.

Country Living points out that you can use empty K-cups in the same manner.

4. Toilet Paper Roll Tubes

Basically, any cardboard or paper that you can fashion into a pot-like vessel can work. Therefore, both Country Living and Treehugger mention the common hack of using paper towel or toilet paper tubes. You fold one end to keep the soil inside, fill it with soil and the seed, and place into an empty box. Note: there are several alternatives for folding over the one end. For example, wrap the whole thing in brown paper bags.

5. Halved Citrus Rinds

Here is the most interesting suggestion from Country Living. Take a lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit and cut it in half. Juice it and enjoy the juice. Poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage. Then fill the center with soil and plant your seed in there. When it’s time to plant, just bury the whole thing in the soil in your garden.

Read More:

• Seed Starting on a Budget: DIY Containers
• Don’t Throw Those Pots Away
• Buying Seedlings: Getting Your Money’s Worth

There are so many reasons why you should plant wildflower seeds in the fall.

Can you believe I used to think planting flowers was a waste of space? I wanted veggies to take up every ounce of square footage I had when I first started gardening.

Now, my garden contains more flowers than ever before. Planting flowers, wildflowers included, is great for so many reasons. And fall is the perfect time to scatter those seeds.

Why you should plant wildflower seeds in the fall

Here’s why you should plant those seeds soon.

You’ll have flowers in the spring.

Fall planting means you’ll be gifted with pretty blooms as soon as spring arrives—timing, of course, depends on the varieties you choose to plant.

If you’re planting wildflower seed in a cold climate like mine, you need to ensure you get the timing right.

Plant too soon, and you risk having those seeds germinate. If they germinate, they’ll get killed right away by frost.

The best time to sow wildflower seeds is after at least one or two hard frosts. This lowers the chances that a thaw will occur, and the soil will warm enough for seeds to sprout.

In warmer climates, you can plant sooner. Sowing about two to three months before frost arrives allows those flowers to develop root systems that will enable them to survive over winter.

Order seeds here.

Some flower seeds need a period of cold to sprout.

Some seeds, including certain varieties of wildflowers, require a period of cold exposure to germinate. This is called cold stratification. When you plant in the spring, you might have to pop those seeds in the freezer. But by planting in the fall, you let Mother Nature do the hard work for you.

Planting is easier.

Another reason why you should plant wildflower seeds in the fall is that fall is less hectic. And since you’re unlikely to be doing much else, there’s plenty of time to dedicate to sowing wildflower seeds.

Fall also tends to be a nicer season compared to spring. Sure, warm spring weather is lovely. But in the fall, you’re more likely to have pleasant, non-rainy days suitable for working the soil and sowing seeds.

Weeds aren’t as much of an issue.

Weed seed that’s hiding out in your garden won’t be as much of a bother if you plant in the fall. That’s because, at the end of the season, weed seeds have gone dormant.

And, in the spring, weeds won’t have as much time to overtake the wildflowers, and you can easily spot and remove them before they become a problem.

People love to put avocados on everything. I’m as much an avocado fanatic as the next person, but they don’t come cheap. Here’s how to start an avocado seed at home.

Growing avocados at home

I’ll be upfront with you. Growing an avocado tree takes time and patience. And it’s not a task suited to beginners who kill most of their indoor plants.  Your homegrown tree is unlikely to bear fruit, even if you’re a meticulous pro. And it can take over a decade for some trees to produce fruit. Yikes!

But even if you don’t manage to cultivate any edible fruit, starting an avocado seed is a fun project to do with kids. It’s also a challenge all on its own.

Steps involved in starting an avocado seed

Before you attempt to sprout an avocado, you’ll need an avocado pit. So get ready to make some guacamole and save that pit for later.

Make sure you keep avocado out of reach of any pets in your household. It can be toxic to some animals.

You can start an avocado seed one of two ways: In a glass of water or in soil.

The glass water method is slower but it’s fun to watch the seed sprout.

In soil, everything happens out of view.

If you’re starting an avocado from seed as an educational activity with kids, use the glass water method because it’s more visual.

To start your avocado seed in water:

• Pop some toothpicks in the avocado
• Set the tooth-picked seed atop a full glass of water, half of the seed should be submerged in water
• Put the water glass set up on a sunny windowsill or under a grow light
• Make sure to add water as needed to keep half the seed submerged

It can take several weeks for the seed to sprout. Small sprouts will appear and, eventually, the main stem will emerge. At this point, go ahead and plant the avocado seed in potting soil.

To start your avocado seed in soil:

• Pot the seed up in potting soil destined for houseplants
• Make sure the pointy end juts out slightly from the soil
• Keep the potting mix moist but be careful not to overwater
• Fertilize regularly

Need a visual? Here’s a helpful video on how to grow avocado from seed:

There are a lot of reasons why seeds don’t germinate. Knowing what can go wrong is the first step in solving the problem. If you’re struggling to start seeds this spring, here are a few things to look out for.

Why Aren’t Seeds Germinating?

Here are a few common reasons why seeds don’t germinate.

• • It’s too hot. It’s a common misconception that seeds require heat to germinate. Not all seeds like it hot. Some germinate best when the soil is cool. The ideal temperature for lettuce seeds, for instance, is between 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Closer to 80 degrees means seeds are less likely to emerge.
  • It’s too cold. Similarly, some seeds require plenty of warmth to germinate. Things like tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers do best if you use a heat mat. If you don’t provide extra warmth, your seeds may take longer to germinate or not germinate at all.
  • The soil is too wet. Seeds and seedlings need air to survive. If you drown your seeds in water, they may not be able to access oxygen, and they’ll eventually rot. When starting seeds, you want your soil to be moist but not overly so.
  • Damping-off. This is a fungal disease that commonly affects seeds and seedlings. Avoid it by using sterilized seed starting mix, disinfecting tools, and using quality seed. If you notice your seedlings continually succumbing to damping-off, it might be wise to throw out that seed packet.
  • Seeds are getting eaten. In some areas, you may already be direct seeding outside. It’s a great way to get a jump start on the season. Unfortunately, some animals, like birds and small mammals, don’t really care that you’re excited about the gardening season. If you plant seeds and wonder why they aren’t germinating, it might be because critters are eating them when you’re not around. You can use netting or other protective covers, like cloches, to keep your seeds away from hungry mouths.
  • You’ve got duds. Sometimes, seeds, even from quality retailers, just aren’t going to germinate. Most reputable seed companies have a germination percentage figure on their seed packets to let you know how many seeds are expected to germinate. The lower the percentage, the more likely you are to have a few non-starters. If you continually find yourself with duds on your hands, it’s time to find a new seed supplier.
  • Your seeds are too old. Seeds don’t last forever. They’ll last a shorter time if they’re stored haphazardly. Some types of seeds also last longer than others. If your seeds aren’t sprouting, check the date on the packet. I often buy packets of seed that contain way more seed than I know I’ll be able to use. I like to share seeds with other gardening pals to make sure they don’t go to waste.
  • You’re not being patient enough. Some seeds take a while to germinate. While lettuce seedlings usually pop up within less than a week, many herbs take a lot longer to sprout. Others can take months. Seeds will also take longer to germinate if the conditions aren’t quite right.
  • Your seeds need an extra helping hand. Some seed types require periods of freezing weather or soaking in water to sprout. Always carefully read the back of a seed packet to check if this needs to be done. Some flower seeds have hard coatings, so you need to go through these steps to weaken the coating.
  • You’ve planted them too deep. This is more of an issue when direct sowing. Only plant as deep as the length of the seed. So for small seeds like carrots, you want to make sure you’re sowing them very shallowly.

Many factors affect plant growth. Plants have a few basic needs. Having these needs unmet will cause them to perish. There are also factors outside of a gardener’s control that can impact how well a plant grows. While some variables are out of your control, there are things that you can influence.

What affects plant growth?

Plants need several things to stay happy. If you have the ability to control these variables, doing so can help your plants thrive.

Sunlight

Sunlight is the lifeblood of a plant. Without it, plants die. Sunlight enables photosynthesis, which is the process that allows plants to process nutrients. Without sunlight, they can’t properly take up nutrients. Some plants need more sunlight than others and providing your plants with the right amount of sunlight is key. Giving plants like lettuce too much sun can cause them to wilt, bolt prematurely, and wither. Not giving enough sun to plants, like eggplant, can stunt their growth and diminish overall yields.

Water

Honestly, this is probably the most confusing task for gardeners to get right. Even the most experienced gardeners sometimes over or under water their plants. It’s one of the important factors that affect plant growth. When you’re gardening outside, Mother Nature does some of the work for you. Indoors, it’s all you, baby. Either way, watering is a bit of an art. Without water, plants will eventually die—even the most drought tolerant. Outside, mulch is a helpful way to retain moisture. Irrigation systems can also help you water deeply and consistently—and waste less. Inside, I highly recommend getting an app that reminds you to water on a schedule or creating a makeshift calendar of your own. Watering plants that have different moisture needs on the same schedule is a recipe for disaster.

Air

Plants are a lot like people. They don’t like being squeezed together like sardines. Pack them too close, and you can encounter problems like stunted growth, pests, and disease. Space plants accordingly to prevent overcrowding. Keeping them spaced apart helps improve air circulation, which will reduce instances of disease. It’ll also give your plants plenty of room to grow. If you’re a patient person, you can try an experiment. Plant squash close together instead of following seed packet spacing guidelines and plant them in another area where they have plenty of room to breathe. You’ll see a noticeable difference in how they grow.

Temperature

Out of all the factors that affect plant growth, this one can be tricky to control—especially outdoors. The weather can be unpredictable. Sometimes, even the most diligent gardeners end up with dead or sickly plants on their hands because an unexpected frost occurs. You can use crop protection and other tricks to play around with temperature, but when it gets really cold, there’s nothing you can do to stop the freeze. When starting seeds, getting the temperature right is key. Tomato and pepper seeds, for instance, won’t even germinate if the soil is too cold.

Nutrients 

Plants need food to survive. Often, good quality soil that’s amended yearly contains plenty of nutrients to get you through a vegetable gardening season. However, that’s not always the case. Poor nutrient uptake can happen for several reasons, including inadequate pH and environmental conditions. Without the right nutrients, plants can become diseased and stunted and provide a diminished or non-existent yield.

It’s that time of year when the seed catalogs start arriving in the mailbox. Getting new packets of seeds from a seed supplier is a real treat. Knowing that those carefully harvested seeds will eventually grow into food or flowers is so exciting.

It’s just as satisfying to sort through personally harvested seeds from your own garden. Collecting seeds right from your garden is not only environmentally responsible but can also save you money in the long run. Shiny new seed packets can get expensive, after all.

Pre-Packaged Seeds vs. Fresh Seeds: What’s the Difference?

Confused about what I mean between fresh and pre-packaged seeds?

Here’s why they’re different. When I refer to pre-packaged seeds, these are seeds that you buy from seed suppliers. They arrive in packets, and you can buy them in various quantities.

When I talk about fresh seeds, I’m talking about seeds harvested from your garden. When your cilantro plant bolts and flowers, it eventually produces seeds at the end of the season. To harvest them, you dry the pods and remove the seeds.

Hold on, though, fresh is really just a way to distinguish between the two. Once you store your garden-harvested seeds, they aren’t technically fresh anymore.

Both pre-packaged and “fresh” seeds can vary in freshness. When buying seeds, always check the packaging date to make sure you haven’t received a super old packet.

Really, the only difference between the two is the source.

Pre-Packaged Seeds vs. Fresh Seeds: Which Grows Faster?

There’s nothing more annoying than receiving a packet of seeds and finding out that most are duds. Unfortunately, it happens. It’s also proof that buying pre-packaged seeds doesn’t guarantee freshness or quality.

The plant growth rate has nothing to do with whether seeds come from your garden or a seed supplier. The same goes for germination. The rate of growth and germination has more to do with how you store seeds.

Proper storage is everything. It’s key to keeping your seeds viable for longer. Poor storage can turn quality seeds into duds very quickly. To make sure your seeds (whether from your garden or elsewhere) stay fresh:

• Store in an airtight container.
• Don’t expose them to moisture.

Tips for Starting Seeds

When the time comes to start seeds, there are also a few things you can do to speed up germination.

• Match seed type and temperature. Some seeds germinate best when exposed to warm temperatures, while others like it cooler. Keeping things at the right temperature can speed up the germination process.
• Keep soil moist. Moisture is key for germination, but make sure not to drown those little seeds.
• Manage airflow. If you’re starting seeds in a confined space, too much humidity can be a problem. It can promote mold growth and disease. If plants are too close together, it can also prevent adequate airflow.

Want some tips on how to save your own seeds? Here is a handy guide from Seed Savers Exchange.