Though the garden lies dormant in winter, and our thoughts may be far from tomatoes and flowers, now is the perfect time to plan next summer’s garden and even get some seeds started! Browsing seed catalogs is a favorite wintertime activity of many gardeners, and once the seeds we’ve chosen arrive in the mail, we’re eager to put them in soil and watch them sprout. Read on for tips for seed-starting success.
The Best Seed Catalogs for Serious Gardeners
Even though you can browse and order seeds online, there’s nothing quite like flipping through a printed catalog, dog-earing pages and starring interesting varieties. If you don’t already have a favorite catalog, you can request one from any number of seed companies, from the popular Burpee to the lesser-known Annie’s Heirloom Seeds.
Learn more about some of the best seed catalogs here.
What Is Winter Sowing?
Once you receive those colorful seed packets, your fingers may itch to start planting them. Winter sowing offers a simple way to get the garden started early without the threat of losing tender seedlings to freezing weather. All you need are some plastic containers from the recycling bin, seed starting mix, and suitable seeds.
If you’re eager to get started growing, check out this winter sowing guide.
How to Grow Beets from Seed
Beets are among the easiest vegetables to grow from seed, and they also provide two separate crops: beet greens and beetroots. Sow them in loose, well-drained soil in spring, and remember to thin them once they’ve sprouted. But know that even if you don’t do everything perfectly, they’re pretty forgiving!
Check out the following article to learn more about growing beets from seed.
How to Grow Carrots from Seed
Carrots take their time germinating, which can make them a bit more difficult to grow, but they’re a very rewarding crop. They also like loose, moist, weed-free soil. As with beets, they’ll need to be thinned to give their sweet, crunchy roots sufficient space to plump up.
The tips in this carrot sowing guide will help make the process easier and more successful.
How to Grow Leeks from Seed
Though not the most common vegetable, leeks can be grown and harvested almost year round, and they make an excellent onion substitute. They’re also easy to grow from seed and can be direct-sown or started indoors and transplanted out for an earlier harvest. The only trick is to mound up the soil as they grow to bleach more of the base white.
Learn more about growing leeks from seed.
How to Grow Marigolds from Seed
Is a vegetable garden really complete without a few marigolds? Luckily, these classic flowers can easily be grown from seed — and you can even save a few flower heads at the end of the season to plant next spring too! Simply sow the seeds directly in the garden, and they’ll quickly spring up to delight you with their feathery foliage and ruffled blooms.
Take a look at this simple marigold seed-starting guide.
How to Grow Zinnias from Seed
Vibrant zinnias come in a rainbow of striking hues that will brighten any flower bed or vegetable garden. Sow them directly in a sunny spot in the garden or give them a head start indoors. Either way, make sure to plant plenty for an abundance of colorful blooms that attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Learn more about growing zinnias from seed.
