As a beginner farmer, it can be challenging to identify the best plants to grow from seed. At present, there is a broad spectrum of seeds you can plant directly in your garden.
Generally, growing plants from seed are way cheaper. This is because you won’t spend money buying transplants. You can get seeds from eaten fruits/vegetables. In this article, we look at some of the easiest plants to grow from seed.
To growing plants from seeds or transplants?
Gardening experts conclude that it is okay to grow from both seeds and transplants. Nonetheless, you have to use the correct techniques for planting. Remember, plants are different.
Some vegetables are hard to grow from seed, while others are simpler to grow from seed. Plants grown from seed incorporate a more extended maturation period since you have to wait for the seed to germinate and mature.
On the other hand, growing from transplants takes a shorter period. You can buy transplants from your nearest local garden store.
Easiest plants to grow from seed
- LETTUCE
One of the most popular vegetables you can grow from seed is lettuce. Once you purchase lettuce seeds, sow them directly in your garden. This plant incorporates a short maturation period and offers harvest throughout the year.
All you have to do is to plant them in batches every week. There is a wide variety of lettuce species. The one you choose often depends on your requirements. You can use lettuce to make salads, among other recipes.
- GREEN BEANS
Every beginner farmer should plant beans. Beans can grow in many areas; since they can withstand poor quality soil. There are different bean varieties you can choose to grow.
Some are climbing plants, while others do not grow as long as pole varieties. Beans are best grown in warm and moist conditions. You can sow them directly in the soil and still obtain an abundant and continual harvest.
- RADISHES
Radishes are one of the easiest and fast-growing plants you can choose to grow. They mature after three to four weeks and are best planted during spring. You can sow them directly in your garden.
All you have to do is insert each seed, observing an interval of two inches between each seed. Use soil to cover the seeds lightly. Then, ensure you thin the seeds immediately they sprout. Consider growing radishes next to carrots since they are a great companion plant.
- CUCUMBERS
Cucumbers are very easy to grow in your garden. All you need to do is ensure they get a constant supply of potassium and nitrogen in your garden. Gardening experts always advise planting cucumbers next to a fence.
This way, they will act as a support for climbing plants. Also, if possible, plant cucumbers next to corn. Corn acts as a windbreaker and accumulates the warmth that cucumbers love.
- KALE
Kale is also an easy plant to grow. Kale can withstand harsh climatic conditions and offers a continual harvest. The flowers and buds produced by this plant are also edible.
For best results, plant them in spring and fall. You can get kale seedlings from your nearest local garden store. Homeowners use kale to make smoothies, salads, among other meals.
- SWISS CHARD
The next simple plant to grow is Swiss chard. Swiss chard can thrive in both warm and cool temperatures and belongs to the beet family. Thus, it is rich in nutrients and vitamins. You can use it to make salads and smoothies. Not to mention, Swiss chard significantly improves the aesthetics of your garden.
- BEETS
Did you know that beets are also simple to grow? Sow beet seeds directly into the soil, observing a distance of four inches between each seed. Thin the seeds after a while.
Beets don’t take long to mature, and you can harvest the roots continually. As you wait to harvest the roots, you can always eat the leaves; they are edible, just like spinach and kale.
And to make things much easier you can grow beets using a quality indoor grow kit from aerogarden, try it out.
Can you plant seeds directly in the garden?
As mentioned earlier, planting seeds directly in the garden is relatively affordable. All you need is the right seeds and quality soil. Additionally, it is simple to plant directly in the garden.
This is because you won’t have to worry about the potential damages if transplanting. However, note that every plant is different. Some plants don’t grow well when planted from seed.
So, before you start planting seeds directly in the garden, it would be best to evaluate your plant’s requirements. Luckily, there is a broad spectrum of plant seeds you can sow directly in the garden.
Before Getting Started
As a gardener, you should understand the water, soil, and temperature requirements for the plants you plan to grow. You can conduct research or consult a gardening professional.
Fortunately, most seedling manufacturers indicate the growing needs of the plant. All you have to do is read and understand the planting guidelines.
Typically, most plants grow well in loamy soil. Loamy soil has excellent drainage and water retention properties. If you don’t have such soil, use organic leaf mold, compost or fertilizer to make the necessary amendments to the soil.
Other than improving the texture of the soil, ensure your soil has the proper nutrients and pH level. It would be best to use a soil test kit to adjust the pH.
Alternatively, you can collect a soil sample and take it for testing at your nearest local garden store. Moreover, ensure that the climatic conditions of your area can accommodate your plants.
Procedure of sowing seeds directly into your garden.
- Step 1: Prep the soil
Prepare the soil by removing all debris and dirt lying around the garden. Remove all weeds using the necessary technique and ensure your soil has the correct pH and nutritional content. Apply organic compost or decomposed leaf mold to improve the quality of the soil. You can also apply liquid fertilizer at this point.
- Step 2: Prep the seeds
The next thing to do is to ensure your seeds are ready for planting. Always read and understand the seedling manufacturer’s instructions before sowing the seeds. Some seeds may need a little softening before sowing. On the other hand, some seeds won’t require any preparation procedure.
- Step 3: Plant the Seeds
Most seed packets indicate the planting instructions. So, ensure you read and understand the planting requirements for the seeds.
Generally, some seeds require that you sprinkle them across the soil, while some need to get inserted a few inches deep into the soil.
Once you understand how to plant the seeds, sow them as required. It is always important to cover the seeds lightly with soil after placing them in the soil.
- Step 4: Moisten the Soil
After planting the seeds, water the soil. It is essential for the soil to remain moist. However, avoid overwatering the soil since this can damage the plants. Before watering the soil, dip your fingers to check whether it’s damp or dry.
If the soil is damp, there won’t be any need to water it again. Most seeds need moisture for germination. So, it would be best if you water the soil from time to time.
- Step 5: Mark Planting Location
When planting directly in your garden, you need to mark your planting location. Doing this helps you keep track of your plants well. If you don’t mark your planting location, you might end up overcrowding the seeds.
In turn, this hinders healthy plant growth. Marking also helps you identify weed and diseases infested areas, hence forcing you to make better planting decisions in the long run.
- Step 6: Recognize the Seedlings
After planting the seeds, keep monitoring them until they germinate. You will have to watch your seeds for the next few days closely.
Different plants have different germination periods. It is essential to know how your seedlings look like to avoid confusing them with weeds.
After sprouting, you may need to thin the seedlings. Doing this helps you create enough space to encourage plants to grow to their maximum potential.
- Step 7: Care for the Seedlings
Indisputably, you need to take good care of your seedlings. Young seedlings are very delicate. Thus, you need to ensure the soil is moist and expose them to the correct temperatures.
Doing this encourages the healthy and fast growth of the seedlings. In some instances, you may have to water the seedlings twice a day. Check the condition of your seedlings from time to time.
Apply the correct fertilizer with the required nutrients. Most of all, ensure you follow all the planting instructions as per the manufacturer. Watch out for any weeds growing around your garden.
Remember, weeds compete with your plants for nutrients. So, if you are not careful, they may weaken and kill your seedlings.
Learn to grow your plants from seed
At present, there is a broad spectrum of plants you can grow from seed. Some include lettuce, kale, and radishes. Growing plants from seeds is not as complex as most people think. In fact, long time gardeners report that this process is simple.
All you need to do is master the correct growing techniques. Every plant seed is different and requires a specific sowing technique. Some seeds require sprinkling, while others may require you to insert the seed deep into the soil.
Regardless of the seed type, always read and understand the planting instructions before you begin sowing.
