Seeds vs. Transplants: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Vegetable Garden

Seeds or Transplants: What’s Best for Your Vegetable Garden?

When it comes to planting your vegetable garden, one big question always pops up: Should you start with seeds, or should you go for transplants? It’s not always a straightforward decision, but don’t worry—we will break it down together so you can feel confident about your choice.

Why Start with Seeds?

First, let’s start with seeds. There’s something magical about watching a tiny seed grow into a full-blown vegetable plant, isn’t there? Plus, seeds come with some pretty great perks:

First, they’re budget-friendly. A single packet of seeds costs much less than buying transplants, and you’ll get way more plants out of it. You can also plant however many you need, and save the rest for the next year. On top of that, seeds open up a whole world of possibilities. Want to grow an heirloom tomato with stripes or a purple carrot? Seeds are your best bet. Unusual varieties usually  can’t be found in your local garden center.

Another big bonus? Flexibility. If you’re an eager gardener who wants to start early, seeds let you get a jump on the season by starting them indoors. For certain vegetables like carrots and beans, planting seeds directly in the garden is actually better. These plants don’t love being moved around and prefer to settle right where they’ll grow.

Why Go with Transplants?

Now, if you’re looking for instant gratification or a head start, transplants might a good choice for you. They’re great for several reasons:

For one, they save you time. If you’re busy (and who isn’t?), skipping the whole germination stage and starting with young plants can be a game-changer. Transplants are also beginner-friendly. If the idea of nurturing seeds into plants feels intimidating, transplants make gardening way easier.

And here’s a secret weapon: transplants are ideal for extending your growing season. Live in a cooler area with short summers? Transplants for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants ensure they have enough time to produce those delicious fruits before the weather cools down. And some just do better as transplants as you’ll see below.

What Should You Plant by Seed?

Some vegetables are pretty adamant about wanting to be started from seed. They just don’t love being moved around. For example:

• Carrots and radishes: These guys grow deep roots early, and they’re happiest when they can stretch out without interruption.
• Beans and peas: They germinate quickly and prefer to settle in where they’re planted.
• Leafy greens like spinach and arugula: These are fast growers, and planting them directly saves time and effort.

Here’s a tip: Always check the back of the seed packet. It’s like a little cheat sheet that tells you if the vegetable prefers to be planted by seed or if it should placed in the garden as a transplant.

What Should You Plant as Transplants?

Other vegetables are much more flexible and benefit from being either started indoors by you, or purchased from your garden center.  Transplants are especially handy for:

• Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants: These warm-weather crops need a long season to thrive, so starting with transplants is a smart move.
• Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage: These are a bit finicky when started from seed outdoors but do great as transplants.

And speaking of garden coaching, why not take it a step further? Join my 5-Day No Fuss Garden Challenge and let’s get your garden set up for success together. It’s fun, it’s simple, and it’s designed to help you grow with confidence.

Happy Gardening!

Karen