Should I Start Seeds Indoors or Just Buy Plants?
Asked by GardenGuru123
I'm trying to figure out the best approach to getting my garden started: is it better to sow seeds indoors or buy plants from a store? Last year, I germinated tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, and squash indoors using an LED shop light, but my peppers either didn't germinate or didn't thrive. This year, I ended up purchasing 14 pepper plants (4 varieties) from a local nursery for about $22. The tomato plants I grew myself were available for around $8-10, but they weren't as robust as the nursery-bought ones. I'm now questioning whether it's worth the effort to start my seeds indoors or if I should stick to buying them in the future.
Answers
Buying veggie starts can be pricier than seeds; here they run about $3 for a 4" pot. Seeds are usually cheaper and offer a wider variety, plus once you master seed starting, it's a great money-saver in the long run. During the pandemic, I was glad I had stocked up on seeds before the prices went up.
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I start all my seeds indoors using T5 lights, and it's become routine for me. Sure, at first it was a bit overwhelming with all the care they need, but now I really enjoy it. If you have a significant garden, it's much more cost-effective to start from seeds, especially for types you can't find at the store.
NatureNerd22: You hit the nail on the head! It's not just about saving money; it's also about growing unique varieties that aren't sold as starts. I love the variety of heirlooms.
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Honestly, if you're looking for convenience or only a few plants, buying from the store makes things easier! I just check in on my little plant buddies throughout winter to keep my spirits up, but I'm leaning more towards purchasing common varieties going forward.
PlantEnthusiast101: Totally get that! I’m the same way, but I’ve also found that starting unusual or hard-to-find types fresh from seed can make all the difference.
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GreenThumbGal: That’s a smart move! I switched to seed starting for that very reason—it can get expensive buying starts, especially if the local nursery has limited options.