Seed starting vs nursery

**Russ** · 12-22-2009, 07:39 PM

I have never been the type to start seeds at home but I'm considering doing it next year. My reasoning is trying to avoid tomato blight that was so bad this past year.

Anyone care to share their tips and tricks, pros and cons? Is it really better than nursery bought plants?

TIA.

**craftypam** · 12-22-2009, 07:49 PM

I have planted from seeds more often than not. I mix vermiculate with dirt put the seeds in and cover lightly. I then spray them with water and cover with plastic. I put them on top of my freezer. When they start getting tall I take off the plastic or they will rot. Don't plant too early because tomato plants grow very leggy. Pepper plants grow very slow; so I've planted them in January and the one year I did they did very well. Probably was also a combination of the weather being just right that year too. Are you only planning on tomatoes? Some plants I find do better planted by seed straight into the garden.

**Russ** · 12-22-2009, 08:00 PM

Tomatoes and maybe broccoli.. two of our favorites.

**madhen** · 12-22-2009, 08:25 PM

Cost-wise, it is cheaper. I typically plant from seed because I want specific varieties. And if you do heirloom varieties, you can save the seeds from the fruit and use those for next year's crop. No cost but the soil.

I don't baby my seeds. I pop them in a yogurt cup full of potting soil, water them, put a plastic bag over them, and then stick them somewhere warm. Once they break ground, the bag comes off and they go to a warm and sunny windowsill to grow until transplant time. I always end up giving a bunch of my plants away, because I usually plant at least four, just in case some don't sprout, and usually 75% DO sprout, leaving me with 1-2 plants more than I need of each variety.

**frugalfranny** · 12-23-2009, 12:04 AM

In my area, if you want anything other than 'the basic' popular tomatoes, you have to do seeds. I like some of the yellow and orange tomatoes and you can't find them at the stores. So for those I do seeds.

I spray/mist my seeds with a combo of instant tea, baby shampoo, and water until they germinate. If we are having a dark, rainy, spring - which usually happens - I use a grow light in one of the metal lights like they use for a brooder. Can get them at Lowe's or HD and they clip on my shelf.

Also, I bought quite a few plants last year that WEREN'T as marked. (first time it was THIS bad) REAL FRUSTRATING when you think you have a winter squash plant and it turns out to be zucchini!! So I will be doing seeds for my squash too.

**paul wheaton** · 12-26-2009, 11:51 PM

Since what I have to say on this is gonna sound really crazy, I feel I had better preface this with some qualifications.

I am a certified master gardener and a certified permaculture designer. I have written a fair amount on a lot of horticultural topics.

Less than a year ago I studies under the amazing Sepp Holzer - in my opinion the most brilliant man in horticulture today.

And ..... Sepp lives in the alps of austria - with a climate similar to montana.

Sepp does not transplant any annuals.

He plants tomato seeds outside. Straight into the soil where the plant is to grow. He says everybody should go ahead and try it. Plant a seed a foot away from your freshly planted transplant and see which one does better by the end of the season.

**frugalfranny** · 12-26-2009, 11:58 PM

Thanks PW...I will certainly give that a try.

I have a great spot too that should heat up well. My brick house helps grab the heat. Looking forward to a new adventure in gardening.

**Saule** · 01-07-2010, 12:40 AM

We're a household of two, and I've learned my lesson and plant a lot less than I used to. Even with dehydrating, freezing, canning, I had more than I could reasonably use or gift. I buy seeds for things I know I won't be able to buy. I buy tomato plants - I have figured out whi8ch ones will do well here, buy some heirlooms and interesting varieties for fun.

When I started tomatoes or if I buy them early, I don't have a problem with leggy ones. If it's too early to plant outside, save orange juice or similar containers, cut off the top, make holes in bottom. Pinch off all but the top clump of leaves, place in container and fill up soil to the top. You will grow roots all along the elongated stem. Your plant will be much stronger then others. When transplanting in garden, trench plant - instead of deep hole, dig a trench, lay down tomato with just top showing, and fill in trench. Remember how you did this so you do not sever while cultivating! You will not believe the strong growth.

I also trrenchplant the ones I buy. It's hard to pull off all those stems and leaves, but I promise, you will see results- they will grow roots all along that stem and be very strong producers.

I also plant a few in tubs and put out before it's safe to plant. If it[s going to be cold, they are dragged into the garage. I have tomatoes a few weeks before anyone else. Small fruited or bushy type or actually cherry type tomatoes are best for this, not the big fruited ones. Plant parsley or other herbs around the tomatoes in the tubs.

**mombottoo** · 01-07-2010, 08:55 AM

My dd & her hubby start their own plants every year. Because of the size of their family and the amount they have to plant it definitely is cheaper for them to start their own.

She reuses the plastic nursery containers I have given her over the years. They have their own hobby farm so the dirt she uses comes from the farm...it's well fertilized already KWIM. She just uses regular grow lights & she also has a fan that she puts on the plants once they start to grow...makes them stronger & not so spindly. Once the weather permits she starts putting the trays outside to harden the plants.