I had to laugh as I made room in the fridge for my lavender last week, chilling lavender seeds is just some of the craziness I’ve taken on in trying to grow 4000 lbs. of food this year. I wouldn’t have even attempted it a few years ago, which made me realize: gardening is a learning process.
If you are new to gardening, try to remember, it’s about the experience, just as much as the result. A packet of seeds typically costs less than your average heirloom tomato at the grocery store, so the stakes are pretty low. Killing off an entire packet {which I have totally done} happens. Start small and give yourself time to learn. Choose the veggies or herbs you know you use often–or choose a variety of plant you would never allow yourself to pay for in the grocery store–and then work on growing just that.
If you are going to start your own seeds, which I totally recommend, both for the cost and the experience, choose quality over quantity. I love Botanical Interest seeds because I have learned {the hard way} that quality seeds go a long way in making your growing season more successful. I can’t tell you how many failed attempts I have had from low quality seeds.
Next, get a light. You don’t necessarily need to get a fancy schmancy set-up, but relying only on the light from a window is a total crap shoot, and the successful plants sometimes get a little leggy. I found that when I finally moved to a grow light {fluorescent would work too} my success rate grew–literally! It’s the one ‘must-have’ in my unprofessional opinion.
You can start your seeds in seed trays or in all sorts of salvaged pots {think: empty yogurt containers, egg cartons, etc.}. Get creative with your supplies. You are investing time into a hobby, and sometimes money, but it doesn’t have to be that way, the level of investment you want to make is a personal choice. Get creative.
Gardening really is about the joy. I don’t want to get all one-with-nature on you here, but I get a lot of satisfaction from fresh grown produce. I get even more when I get to share it. Real food is an experience, enjoy it.
Happy Gardening.
~Mavis
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Heidi says
I was at Coastal Farm and Feed (not sure where all of their stores are) I’m in the Portland area and they have their Botanical Interest seeds on sale. I think they were 25% off.
GlitterMamma says
I could really use all the tips I can get! I’m going to have a raised bed for the first time this year. (when should I have it ready by?) I don’t really have space to use a grow light but was able to start a few seeds in a window last year. Since I have limited indoor growing space (longish skinny windowsill) What veggies do you recommend I start from seed and what can I buy as a plant? Also what are good starter veggies for a first time gardener? Thanks!
Sara says
GlitterMamma, try those that are best direct seeded. This includes all greens, squash, corn, carrots, beets, beans, peas, and probably more that I can’t think of right now. Try to select varieties that will do well in your climate whether that means they need to be heat resistant, short season or little heat and such. Read seed catalogs, especially if you can find one that is regional to your location. If you end up buying a few seedling plants from the nursery the first year, it’s no big deal. At least you’ll hopefully see what a healthy seedling of that crop should do for the next time when you try to grow your own.
Sophie says
Tips for newbies are awesome! My grandfather was a professional gardener for a local farmer who had a farmers market for most of his life. My grandmother grew a garden with vegetables/fruits/flowers etc at their home until about 10 years ago. Later in life, they filled in their pool and converted their entire backyard into a garden when he retired and he maintained that. Sadly, none of their talent ever was passed on to me through my mom. My grandmother was also an amazing seamstress and although she taught my mom, again not something that I ever learned. I am desperate to learn these types of skills to be a little more homemade and self sufficient!!
Mary says
Sophie,
I also grew up watching my dad grow a beautiful garden every year and appreciated the fresh veggies. Now I couldn’t exist without a garden. If you have a space in your yard that receives a lot of sun you could easily start a small garden the first year and increase the size each year if you want. A really easy way to start is by using the lasagna gardening method which covers the grassy area with cardboard or thick layers of newspaper and then put your dirt on top of it. The book Lasagna Gardening is very good and helpful. If you want to start in the spring a couple of easy things to grow are lettuce, raddish, Swiss chard, green onions, etc. If you don’t have a yard you can always plant in containers. Gardening really isn’t that difficult. If the plants get enough water, sun, and nutrients you usually are pleased. Sewing works the same way. Get a simple pattern and go from there.
Erin M says
An awesome post Mavis. The basics really are so important. You’ve probably helped a lot of people get off to a good start.
Heather D says
Mavis, thanks for all the work you put into your blog. I appreciate the information and entertainment! The Kansas State University Horticulture Department has a video on how to make your own inexpensive grow light. I haven’t made mine yet, because I live in the middle of nowhere and I haven’t been anywhere I can get the supplies yet. Here is the link to the video:
http://www.hfrr.ksu.edu/p.aspx?tabid=980&cat=Tools_Skills_and_Practices&itemid=68&cmd=view#68
Mavis says
Thanks! I’ll take a peek.
Krystal says
Hi Mavis you rock! Which soil do you prefer for your seedlings? Also, which planting trays do you like to use? Thank you!
Mavis says
I like to use Miracle Grow seed starting mix. Home Depot sells it for around $3.52 a bag. 🙂 I use the plastic seed trays they sell there for $2.99. Hope that helps. 🙂
Krystal says
Thank you! Thank you! I’m going to go crazy on my garden this year! Which I have to say you have inspired me to do. My husband laughs at me b/c I always say well Mavis said to do this and Mavis did that. Lol You’re a household name :o)