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Starting from seed For less money and long-lasting benefits, parent your plants from the beginning  Image courtesy iStockphoto Growing annuals from seed takes equal parts patience and optimism as you wait for seeds to germinate and hope you get a high yield from mysterious specks. "In some ways [starting from seed] is for the fearless beginner or the experienced gardener," says Rose Marie Nichols McGee, gardening author and owner of Nichol's Garden Nursery, Albany, Ore. But if you're up to the challenge you'll be rewarded, say horticulture experts. Seed-started flowers, vegetables and fruit (counting tomatoes), cost a fraction of developed plants, and you have the opportunity to purchase new varieties that aren't available as plants. With attentive care, the seedlings you nurture are also sturdier and may be less prone to disease. To start, buy soil mix designed for seedlings, not regular garden soil, says McGee. For germination, she prefers little black plastic seed shells with lids. The shells are inexpensive and recyclable. "Keeping the dome on the shell when the seeds start out holds in the moisture. As soon as you see some green, the lid comes off. It's fun to see these little things come to life," says McGee. For a simpler approach, you can buy a seed starter kit instead of buying soil and seed shells separately. "They're all pretty much the same with a container to hold the seeds and a germination [soil] mix," says Nona Koivula, executive director of the National Garden Bureau, Downers Grove, Ill. Next, have simple tools on hand to help plants thrive. Poor lighting is often a problem. You don't need grow lights, but you need a bright spot in your home, or extra fluorescent lighting for the plants. "If the plant shoots up and is flimsy, it isn't getting enough light," McGee says. Temperature is also important. Place the newly sewn seeds on a heating pad that is approved for moist heat, McGee advises. Once the seeds have germinated, warm temperatures aren't as important, but you'll want to keep the newly developing plants moist. Finally, don't let the soil dry out, and make sure plants have plenty of circulating air, running a small electric fan if necessary. "The plants will develop a sturdier stock and won't fall over," says McGee. Transplanting seedlings outdoors is easy, but should be done gradually. During warm days, harden the plants by setting them outside for a few hours. If your plants aren't growing outdoors, there's a good chance you've rushed them into the ground. "Basil can't deal with temperatures lower than 50 degrees for growth. If you wonder why peppers and eggplant aren't growing, check the temperature. If it's too cold the plant will survive, but won't grow," says Koivula. Some annuals are easier to grow than others. To avoid frustration, Koivula and McGee recommend starting off with the following flowers, herbs and vegetables: bachelor buttons, cilantro, cosmos, cucumbers, radishes and sunflowers.
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Bev Bennett, a veteran food writer and editor, is the author of "Dinner for Two: A Cookbook for Couples" and "30-Minute Meals for Dummies"
