Escape to Purpose: Grow Something New From Seed

February 19, 2024 | C.L. Fornari | Seeds

It’s the seed-starting season!

I am starting my pepper seeds and a few perennials this week. In mid-March I’ll be sowing tomatoes, eggplant, broccoli and kale, and later in April many varieties of flower seeds will be put into small pots. Knowing that later in the spring Hyannis Country Garden will be filled with six-packs and small pots of seedlings, why do I go to the trouble of starting plants from seeds? Two answers. First, because I can grow varieties that we never get in the garden center, and secondly because it’s fun.

Beyond the same-old-same-old

There are many varieties that our vendors don’t grow, but they’re valuable plants for the garden. Some, such as pole beans and California poppies, need to be sown directly into the soil, so you won’t find them in pots or six-packs. Others aren’t available because growers don’t have the space to start everything, so they offer the most popular or one standard variety. You have the option of growing these yourself, however, whether the seeds go directly in the ground or get started indoors.

Seedlings for these flowers and vegetables are seldom found in the garden center, but all are worthy garden plants.

For the fun of it

One of the most life-affirming things I know is checking on your seeds every morning and evening. I go to the flats in the morning with my coffee, and at the end of the day, to see what has germinated or how much the plants have grown. Seeds are tiny miracles, and watching the small plants grow is so enjoyable.

Many seed packets are pretty. If it’s not time to start the seeds, display them in some fashion and enjoy the images in advance of the plants. Pin them to a bulletin board, clip them into a photo-display holder, or line them up on a shelf or kitchen countertop.

We have tips for success

Check out these blog posts from the past for tips on starting your seeds at home.

Seed Starting Tips #1 https://www.hyanniscountrygarden.com/seed-starting-tips-1/

Seed Starting Tips #2 https://www.hyanniscountrygarden.com/seed-starting-tips-2/

Possible Pitfalls: https://www.hyanniscountrygarden.com/seed-starting-pitfalls/

We have all the supplies you need for successful seed-starting. From heat mats that encourage germination, flats, and pots of all types and sizes, there are products that will help you to be successful. And if you have questions about what will work best for you, Country Garden has people who can answer your questions.

It’s fun to compare the different varieties of plants that are available in seed form. Hyannis Country Garden carries several brands of seeds, including the organic High Mowing.

If you have a favorite variety of vegetable or flower, by all means grow that again this year. But it can be fun to try something new, and seeds are an inexpensive way of branching out and experimenting with other varieties.

Learn about seeds with fellow plant geeks

On Sunday, March 10th, C.L. Fornari will be giving a class on seeds as part of the Plant Geek Groups. Attendees will hear about some interesting and unusual plants to grow from seed, along with tips for success. We’ll share seed-starting experiences, and every attendee will go home with a goodie bag that contains seeds, seed starting supplies and a couple surprises. Register here.

Join with other Cape Cod plant geeks for an afternoon seed celebration in March.

Watch a recorded Horticultural Happy Hour about seeds

See this “Seed It!” happy hour, held in early February. Find the recording here.

Posted in Seeds