Seeds

Starting seeds is a cost-effective way to get a jump start on the garden, but can be tricky. Learn how to successfully kickstart your garden!

Small lettuce seedlings growing in soil-filled compartments of a clear plastic container, with plant markers labeled for identification.

Seeds

9 Pros and Cons of Winter Sowing

Considering winter sowing to simplify seed-starting this season? Now is the time to get going. The easy and rewarding method is full of advantages and yields sturdy seedlings. Garden expert Katherine Rowe explores the merits and potential variables of winter sowing.

Close-up of young seedlings with tiny round cotyledons growing in cardboard egg trays filled with fresh soil to reduce seed-starting cost.

Seeds

6 Ways to Reduce Your Seed-Starting Costs This Year

Seed starting doesn’t need to be expensive, but it does require attention to detail and proper timing. If you don’t have the budget to invest in greenhouses, grow lights, and heat mats, former organic farmer Logan Hailey is here to help you start seeds for a reduced cost.

A woman standing, inspecting the crops planted in the garden beds.

Seeds

7 Things to Do Before Ordering Seeds This Year

Seed catalogs inspire us gardeners to plot the landscape of our dreams! Before you buy hundreds of seeds, some preemptive work now will help you avoid excess maintenance later in the process. Seasoned grower Jerad Bryant shares seven things you should do to prepare your garden for new seeds.

Close-up of small plant seedlings with oval, jagged, bright green leaves sprouting from seeds in soil blocks.

Seeds

15 Best Seeds to Start in Soil Blocks This Year

Soil blocking is a productive seed-starting method that suits most ornamental and edible annuals and perennials. As the soil becomes both the growing media and the “pot,” healthy roots move easily to the garden at transplanting. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe explores dynamic varieties for seed blocking this year.

Close-up of winter sowing supplies, featuring a row of white plastic milk jugs repurposed as seed containers, arranged against the wall of a house in a snowy winter garden with patches of green grass.

Seeds

5 Essential Winter Sowing Supplies and Equipment

Now is the time for winter sowing - an easy, resourceful, rewarding way to start seeds working with nature. Using simple containers for homemade “greenhouses,” strong seedlings emerge, ready for transplanting. With a few essentials and repurposed household supplies, we’ll be on our way to (nearly) effortless seed-starting. Join gardening expert Katherine Rowe in all that’s needed for this streamlined approach to seeding.

Close-up of a starting tray with sprouted seeds showing thin upright stems and slightly curled green oval leaves on a windowsill, ideal for starting seeds in Zone 2.

Seeds

When to Start Seeds in Zone 2

If you want to garden in some of the coldest regions in the U.S., you’ll have to do some serious planning. Gardening in zone 2 is one of the biggest challenges a gardener can have. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you when to start seeds in zone 2.

Close-up of a gardener's hand starting seeds in Zone 1 by planting round, pale green pea seeds into loose soil.

Seeds

When to Start Seeds in Zone 1

Did you know that with the right timing and preparation, you can grow a garden in the frigid tundras of zone 1? There are many challenges to consider first, but it is possible to do it successfully. In this article, horticulture expert Matt Dursum shows you when to start seeds in zone 1 climates.

Vibrant pink, funnel-shaped flower with delicate veining and rounded green leaves with slightly serrated edges, showcasing one of the new seed varieties January gardeners can order.

Seeds

15 New Seed Varieties We’re Ordering In January

It’s seed-selecting time! From reliable favorites to new varieties, there is plenty to be excited about as we dream up our warm-season selections. Explore delicious new seed varieties to look for in January with gardening expert Katherine Rowe.

Uniform square soil blocks with smooth edges, each holding a tiny green seedling, neatly arranged on a white surface, showcasing a soil block without blocker method.

Seeds

How to Soil Block Without A Blocker: 7 Seed-Starting Hacks

Soil blocking is an innovative, resourceful way to start seeds, where the soil becomes both the growing media and the vessel for seedlings. Interested in making soil blocks with a DIY blocker? Join gardening expert Katherine Rowe in exploring ways to start seeds without a commercial tool.

Pretty lavender flowers growing in a wooden box outside of a house.

Seeds

13 Perennials You Can Winter Sow In January

Winter sowing gives seedlings a jumpstart in a protected outdoor environment and is a rewarding way to seed many of our favorite perennials. Simple containers like milk jugs become mini-greenhouses, protecting the seeds and allowing them to sprout naturally as the weather warms. Explore perennials to winter sow in January with gardening expert Katherine Rowe.