Three Advantages to Growing By Seed

When I first started gardening, the idea of growing vegetables and flowers from seed felt overwhelming. Instead, I stuck to using transplants from local nurseries. But as the seasons went by, my confidence grew, and I started experimenting more with my raised beds. I learned to embrace garden failures as opportunities to grow (no pun intended!) and began to enjoy the process of gardening as much as the harvest itself. The turning point for me, though, was seeing my mom’s bold, beautiful zinnias—they finally convinced me to take the plunge into seed starting.

Now, I’ve discovered that growing vegetables and flowers from seed deepens my connection to the garden and reminds me of life’s small miracles. There are plenty of other reasons to grow from seed, too. Here are a few:

Cost Savings

Growing from seed is significantly more affordable than using transplants. For about $4, you can buy a single organic transplant at a nursery—or you can get a pack of 25 to 50 seeds for the same price. Plus, when stored in a cool, dry place, seeds can last for more than one season, making them an even better investment.

Unique Varieties

When you rely on transplants, your options are limited to what the nursery has decided to grow. But with seeds, the choice is yours—and the options are almost endless. Browse through a seed catalog, and you’ll find incredible varieties. Thanks to seed growing, I now enjoy teddy bear sunflowers, pale pink zinnias, and golden beets in my garden.

Less Plant Stress

Some vegetables actually grow better when started directly from seed, as their root systems don’t handle being disturbed during transplanting very well. In my Houston garden, cucumbers, zucchini, bush beans, carrots, beets, and radishes all thrive when directly sown. Lettuce and arugula are also fantastic candidates for direct seeding.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, let this be the year you try something new. Experiment with unique varieties and start more vegetables and flowers from seed—you might just find it’s one of the most rewarding parts of gardening.