As an Artist, my garden provides a bountiful harvest during the summer months and is an enormous source of inspiration for my Art. The journey from seed to harvest is a gratifying one! Gardening from seed has many benefits that often go unnoticed. From the satisfaction of watching your seeds grow into mature plants to the knowledge that you are providing yourself with fresh, home-grown produce, the benefits of starting a garden from seed are plentiful. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned expert, this blog post will explore the power and surprising benefits of creating a garden from seed.
It's Cheaper
One of the biggest benefits of starting a garden from seed is the cost. Buying packs of seeds is usually much cheaper than buying individual transplants from a nursery. When you want to grow a lot of plants, the savings can really add up. As well, the selection of plants at local nurseries can be limited, so planting from seed affords a much wider choice of plant varieties. This is especially important if you're looking for specific heirloom varieties or want to try out new and unusual plants. By starting your own seeds, you can experiment with creative gardening and grow a wide range of plants without breaking the bank. Plus, with the health benefits of gardening and the satisfaction of feeding your family homegrown produce, the cost savings just make it even more worthwhile. And let's not forget that by growing from seed, you're also helping the planet by reducing the carbon footprint associated with shipping and transporting young plants. All in all, there are so many benefits to seed starting that it's no wonder more and more people are discovering the joy of gardening from scratch.
You Can Grow Heirloom Varieties
There is nothing more rewarding than growing your fruits and vegetables. And what could be more special than growing heirloom varieties? An heirloom plant is at least 50-100 years old, and its seeds have been hand-selected by gardeners for their outstanding traits. These plants’ heritage and “pass-along” aspects tell the complete history of an heirloom variety.
Starting your garden from seed allows you to grow these unique plants that may not be readily available in your local garden center. Heirlooms are generally known to produce better taste and flavor than hybrid varieties, making them perfect for feeding the family. They are also more nutritious and less expensive over the long haul. Though heirloom plants may require a bit more care than their counterparts, your effort will be worth it.
By growing heirloom seeds, you are also playing an essential role in preserving the genetic diversity of plants. Hybrid and GMO seeds grow plants with valuable traits, but they require the existence of the original seeds to produce them. Growing heirloom varieties ensures their survival for generations to come.
You Have More Control Over the Growing Process
One of the most significant advantages of starting a garden from seed is the amount of control you have over the growing process. When you start with seeds, you can control everything from the soil and fertilizers to the water and sunlight your plants receive. This allows you to customize the growing conditions to the specific needs of each plant, resulting in healthier, more robust growth.
When you buy young plants from a nursery, you're essentially at the mercy of the grower. They may have used synthetic fertilizers or other chemicals you don't want in your garden, or they may not have given the plants the right amount of water or sunlight. By starting from seed, you know exactly what's going into your garden and can tailor your growing methods to your preferences.
You Can Start Gardening Earlier in the Season
One of the many benefits of starting your garden from seed is that you can begin gardening earlier in the season. This means you can enjoy fresh produce earlier and extend your growing season.
Knowing when to start seeds indoors, it's essential to know when to create them. Most seed packets will instruct when to plant seeds indoors, typically six to eight weeks before the last frost. This timeframe will vary depending on the type of seed and its germination rate.
By starting seeds indoors, you'll have a head start on your growing season, allowing you to plant outside earlier than those who purchase pre-grown plants. Additionally, you'll have more control over the growing process and can monitor the seeds' progress.
Inspiring, Rewarding, and Beneficial to the Health of our Planet and families
Starting a garden from seed can be an enriching experience, not just for ourselves but the planet and our families.
The health benefits of gardening are also numerous. Research has shown that gardening can lower stress levels, improve cognitive function, and even boost our immune system. By spending time in nature and engaging in physical activity, we also reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health problems.
Moreover, gardening can help our planet by reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices. Growing our food reduces the need for transportation and packaging, thus lowering greenhouse gas emissions. We can also use organic methods, such as composting and companion planting, to maintain healthy soil and reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers that can harm the environment.
Finally, gardening can be a creative outlet that inspires us to experiment with different plant combinations, colors, and textures. It allows us to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. As we witness the miracle of life unfolding from tiny seeds, we learn to understand the value of patience, persistence, and resilience.
Making a Difference
Gardening is a significant source of inspiration for myself, my family, and my Art! The varieties, the colors, I can't help myself. This year I chose to seed directly into soil and so far my results are great as illustrated in the attached video. Using seeds to start my garden has opened my eyes and palate to new flavors and ideas, both for my garden and pictures for my artwork. An example of my artwork, which was a direct result of a harvest from 2022, is attached below. The goal always is to share and inspire in hopes of others making small changes to benefit our environment.
Join the movement to improve our environment, reduce our carbon footprints, and provide healthy sustenance for your table and a healthier lifestyle!
