Here at Northern Homestead, we often dive into seed starting because it’s a valuable skill. However, it’s perfectly okay to buy seedlings, too! Buying vegetable or herb seedlings doesn’t mean you’re failing in your gardening journey.
When is it advisable to buy seedlings?
There are plenty of good reasons to buy seedlings! For new gardeners, we often recommend starting with seedlings from a nursery to get a jump start, allowing you to focus on mastering other gardening skills before taking on indoor seed starting.
A busy spring is another great reason to skip the seed-starting process and buy seedlings instead. Sometimes, conditions aren’t ideal for seed starting, and you might not have the means to improve them. Additionally, with rising seed prices, it can actually be more economical to buy a seedling than to invest in seeds, soil, and pots—especially if you only need one or two plants of a particular variety.
So let’s look into some tips on buying vegetable and herb seedlings.
Seedling size matters
Now, let’s talk about seedling size. Bigger isn’t always better! The price of seedlings is often tied to the size of the pot they’re in. Smaller pots usually mean a lower price. Look for a healthy seedling in a smaller pot, not too small a seedling, though.
For heat-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers, a bigger pot is essential for healthy growth. If you have some space and time, we suggest starting those plants from seed since you may want several of them.
On the other hand, members of the cabbage family are fantastic choices to buy as seedlings, and they can be quite small. You can even save a bit of money by looking for multiple plants in one pot! Since you plant them out early and they’re not very sensitive to being disturbed, you can easily divide them. Check out our other guides on handling multiple seedlings in a single pot.
It does not have to be all or nothing
As mentioned earlier, there is no need to be extreme in your gardening practices. You may excel at growing one variety of seeds but struggle with another. It’s perfectly fine to purchase what you’re lacking without any guilt.
Additionally, you might want to consider buying young seedlings and repotting them at home. This approach allows you to give them more time to mature, effectively enabling a partial seedling growth process.
Herbs are a great option for buying
Herbs are another great choice to purchase as seedlings. Starting herbs can be a bit tricky, and when you want a diverse herb garden, the seed packets can add up quickly. Personally, I often leave herb seed starting to the nursery, especially since many herbs, like dill, savory, and cilantro, tend to reseed themselves. So, I really only need to buy seedlings once, let them go to seed in my herb garden, and have them forever.
Even small pot herb seedlings often contain multiple plants. Just be gentle when removing them from the pot and separate them accordingly.
Look for local growers
When considering buying seedlings, most people think of the nursery or greenhouse section at a store. However, that’s definitely not the only option—and it may not even be the best one. There are local growers who enjoy starting seeds and selling them. Check your local marketplace or even garage sales; you might find great quality seedlings and unique varieties this way.
If you know a seedling grower, you might also be able to place an order in advance for exactly what you want. I have done this for clients before, and it benefits both parties: the grower knows what you want, and you receive exactly what you need.
Swapping instead of buying
Seed and seedling swapping is an excellent option for local gardeners who need more support. Gather as a group of gardeners to host a swapping event, or list what you have on the marketplace to see if anyone else has what you’re seeking. With some experience, this can turn into an annual event.
This practice is particularly beneficial for perennial plants, as they multiply easily, but you can also include annual seedlings in the swap.
Stay away from overgrown seedlings
Now, a word of caution—avoid overgrown seedlings! While smaller pot seedlings tend to be cheaper, we don’t recommend buying those that look overgrown. If a plant has been in a small pot for too long, it might not recover well. Look for young, healthy seedlings that will transplant better and thrive in your garden. If you notice roots bursting out of the bottom or the pot is overflowing with roots, it’s likely root-bound and not a good choice.
Stay away from diseased seedlings
It’s also crucial to avoid diseased seedlings. You’d think nurseries would only sell healthy plants, but that’s not always the case. Remember, there are humans involved, so it’s good to give them some grace but be vigilant. Inspect the roots and check under the leaves for any bugs or diseases. If you spot anything suspicious, steer clear. Bringing a diseased seedling home can lead not only to a plant that struggles to grow but also to the contamination of your other garden plants.
With these tips on buying vegetable and herb seedlings, you should feel well-equipped to kickstart your vegetable garden! Happy gardening!
Do you prefer starting your plants from seeds or buying seedlings? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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