Nine Vegetables That Require Propagation through Seeds Only
In the spirit of the plant enthusiast, I get a kick out of strolling into garden centers and local nurseries during the springtime. It's a delightful experience, akin to visiting a pet shelter filled with adorable puppies. The endless rows of plants call out to be chosen for your very own garden.
The excitement of planting baby plants (or transplants) is undeniable. Unlike seeds that you must patiently wait for to germinate, transplants let you see the results right away.
However, not all plants are created equal when it comes to transplanting. Some plants struggle to adjust to the change in environment, leading to weaker growth and smaller yields.
Moreover, the cost of transplants can add up quickly, especially if you're growing a substantial garden.
So, which vegetables should you plant ONLY from seed?
Beans and Peas
Both beans and peas (green peas and black-eyed peas) excel when planted by seed in their native soil. Due to their spread-out roots, they require more lateral space compared to other plants. Additionally, they germinate well, making them excellent choices for planting from seed.
Squash, Zucchini, Cucumbers, and Melons
Although it may be tempting to purchase transplants from the garden center, especially when the selection is so appealing, it's best to resist. Transplants have a hard time adjusting to their new environment, especially when planted early in the season. Planting these crops directly from seed will allow them to grow and thrive, yielding a healthier plant and harvest overall.
Carrots
Carrots develop their fruit in their root systems, and they dislike being disturbed. When disturbed, the minute root hairs can suffer, leading to poor growth. Although carrot seeds take some time to germinate, patience is key, and they will eventually sprout.
Corn
Corn is another vegetable that doesn't adapt well to changes in its environment. Fortunately, corn is easy to plant from seed as long as the soil has warmed. They germinate rapidly within a week or so.
Again, the cost factor plays a role here. For a substantial corn crop, you'll need at least 16 plants, which can get pricey when buying transplants.
Okra
If you live in the South, where the growing season is long, planting okra from seed is the most cost-effective and convenient option. They sprout quickly once the soil has warmed, making them an ideal choice for direct sowing.
For more information on which plants are best planted by seed or transplants, check out the popular episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast: Seeds or Transplants? How to Know What to Plant.
Happy gardening!
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- For the best results, consider planting beans and peas, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, melons, carrots, corn, and okra from seeds rather than purchasing transplants.
- Transplants may struggle to adjust to their new environment, which can lead to weaker growth and smaller yields, especially for plants like squash, zucchini, cucumbers, melons, corn, and okra.
- Seeds can be a more cost-effective option, particularly for crops like corn and okra, where a substantial number of plants are needed for a large harvest.
- To learn more about which plants are best planted by seed or transplants, tune into the popular episode of the Beginner's Garden Podcast called "Seeds or Transplants? How to Know What to Plant." For additional free resources to help you grow your garden, sign up for the guides below. Join our community of garden enthusiasts for expert advice and helpful tips on gardening, home-and-garden lifestyle, and more.
