Whether it's better to use seeds or seedlings depends on various factors, including your gardening experience, the specific plant type, climate, and time available.
Here are some considerations for both options, and you should know about all pros and cons in advance.
Let's start with seeds.
Cost-effective
Seeds are generally more economical than buying established seedlings.
You can purchase a pack of seeds and grow multiple plants from them.
Variety
Seeds offer a wide variety of plant choices, including heirloom and unique varieties that may not be available as seedlings.
Control over growth
By starting from seeds, you have full control over the plant's growth from the beginning.
You can nurture the seedlings and monitor their development closely.
Satisfaction and learning
Growing from seeds can be a rewarding experience.
It allows you to witness the entire lifecycle of the plant and learn valuable gardening skills.
Flexibility in planting time
Seeds can be sown at the appropriate time for your climate and growing conditions, providing more flexibility in planting.
Now, let's talk about seedlings.
Time-saving
Using seedlings allows you to skip the initial germination and early growth stages, saving time in the growing process.
Established plants
Seedlings are more robust and have a head start in growth compared to freshly germinated seeds.
This can lead to earlier harvests and a higher chance of success.
Suitable for short growing seasons
In regions with short growing seasons, using seedlings can extend the growing period and increase the chances of a successful harvest.
