Seedlings or Seeds? How to Decide Which Is Best for You

Before you start planting your garden, look at these benefits of both seedlings and seeds. They will help you decide which one is best for you and your gardening goals!

When you plant your summer garden, you have the choice between either seeds or seedlings to get it growing. You should know there are reasons to use both, and knowing if seeds or seedlings are right for you can help you achieve a successful garden. Before you start planting, look at the benefits of both seeds and seedlings, so you can decide which one is best for you and your gardening goals!

Seedlings or Seeds? How to Decide Which Is Best for You

First, let’s look at the benefits of seeds:

1. Seeds are cost effective.
A packet of seeds will set you back about a dollar or less. This makes seeds quite cost effective. For example you can buy a packet of 50 basil seeds for $1, or buy a single basil seedling for $1. You will get more basil for your buck if you buy the packet of seeds as opposed to the seedling. Vegetables and perennials both will cost you less if you purchase them in seed form instead of seedling form, so if working on a tight budget, seeds are a better alternative.

2. Seeds are great for planting in bulk.
Do you have a large area you wish to cover with plants? If you wish to cover a large space, seeds may be a better option. You can buy wildflower mixtures perfect for sprinkling over large areas and providing a great deal of ground cover. If planting numerous rows of vegetables, sowing seeds can cover numerous rows for less than seedlings.

3. Seeds are simple to grow.
When planting seeds, it really is as simple as softening the soil, making a hole, and dropping the seed in. Then, just provide plenty of water and light and allow it to grow. If you don’t have much experience with plants, seeds are a great option. Since seeds cost less than seedlings, you are also taking less of a financial risk if they fail.

4. Seeds provide extra plants perfect for trading.
When you sow your seeds and they start to grow, you will need to thin them out. You can take these plants you have thinned and trade them or even sell them for plants you may need. Thinning out your newly grown seedlings is a great way to come up with extra plants for your space.

Now, let’s look at the benefits of seedlings:

1. They are ideal for growing climates with short seasons.
If you live in an area with a short growing season, seedlings are for you. This way, you can enjoy the plants sooner than you would if you planted seeds. Seedlings will give you results quickly, without the need to wait extra weeks like seeds would.

2. They tend to be hardier plants.
When greenhouses sell their seedlings, they have chosen them from the strongest of the bunch. You will find that seedlings are hardy and can withstand the elements a lot more than freshly grown seeds will. If you live in a climate that is tough on plants, seedlings which have been grown with a strong start may be ideal.

3. Some plants simply don’t do well when planted from seed.
At the end of the day, there are some plants that just don’t do well if planted from seed. Some seeds require special care that only an experienced grower or greenhouse can provide. Before planting any flowers or vegetables, do your research. Make sure the seeds don’t require care that you can’t provide and if so, opt for seedlings.

4. Seedlings can fill a space quickly.
If you need a flower pot filled fast, seedlings are a better option. You could be waiting weeks for seeds to fill a flower pot or planter in, so using seedlings is ideal. If planting for eye appeal, seedlings are your best option for filling the space with color and fullness fast.

Before you decide on seeds or seedlings, consider these benefits of both. You might just find that one is more ideal than the other and can help you achieve your gardening goals with better success.