Seeds

Growing plants from seeds is an excellent way to diversify your garden. While seedlings offer a quicker result, most farmers markets, garden centers and online shopping spots offer many more varieties of seeds than they do of seedlings. Many of the varieties of heirloom tomatoes, spicy peppers, and brilliant flowers are only available to the shopper who is willing to grow seeds.Another important benefit of buying seeds is your ability to go organic. Most commercial nurseries are not capable of starting seeds and growing seedlings organically due to the volume and expense for a relatively niche market. By purchasing seeds that are certified organic, you can grow them yourself using compost, crop rotation, and organic methods of pest control. By going organic, your planting will improve rather than degrade the soil and in a small way, reduce the number of chemicals in the ground water.Some seeds can be sowed directly into the ground. When you plant seeds directly into the soil, make sure the soil is loose and moist. Plant the seeds closer than you want your plants, as you probably won't get a 100 percent germination rate. Cover the seeds with a shallow layer of soil. Once the seedlings sprout, you can pinch off any excess plants.Other varieties of seeds will need to be started indoors. If you are starting plants indoors, plant two or three seeds in each section of a small pot. Place your pots somewhere warm and damp (many people use the top of the refrigerator). Once your seeds sprout, you may want to put them in front of a small fan a few times a day. The most common problem with starting seeds indoors is dampening off, a disease that occurs when the soil is too damp and there is not enough air circulation around the plants. Once the plants start to develop a stocky stem, as opposed to the pliable stem they germinate from, you can pinch off any excess plants. When they are large enough to handle easily, you can go ahead and transplant your seedlings outside.