Tip Tuesday: Start a Garden from Seeds!

Since the weather has turned nice, Judah and I decided it was time to start our seedlings for our garden this year. Our purple hyacinth and yellow daffodils have already graced us with spring fragrances and blooms. Our rose bushes are turning green and our mums show buds peeking through the soil. All we need is some annual plants to complete our garden.

We have a town home but being on the end has allowed us to grow some vegetables on the side of the house in years past. In previous years, we have done bush beans, snap peas, broccoli, lettuce, and peppers here to help save some money at the Farmer's Market. The front of the house we save special for flowers like rose bushes, hydrangeas, hostas, and my all time favorite, snap dragons. We usually even display hanging baskets of geraniums from the porch ceiling to complete our homey landscape.

Most years we also plant herbs. Herbs can be expensive directly from the store. Also, you end up wasting your herbs before you can use them all. So in the past we have maintained cilantro, oregano, rosemary, parsley, basil, and many others in window boxes that hang on our porch railing.

To start our garden this year, we first need to pick out some herb seeds. Most people are intimidated by starting seeds, not knowing what to do. Seeds though can be a frugal way to start your garden if you keep in mind simple precautions. Then anyone can start seeds no matter where you live.

To select the right seeds, you must consider the following tips I learned long ago from my days in 4-H in order to help you be the most decisive and economical.

Know your temperate zone. Your seed package will explain to you when you may start planting seeds in the ground depending on frost dates. You may get a head start by planting the seeds indoors and setting the box outside on warm, sunny days. Later you will transplant these mature seedlings into the ground when they are hearty enough to withstand the current temperatures.

Know how much sunlight your designated area receives during the day. Choose seeds that require the proper amount of sunlight that your garden will receive. For instance, I plant my "sun" plants on the side of the house where they will receive the most light. I learned to plant seeds that require shade in front due to a large tree that limits sunlight during the summer daylight hours.

Check to see what the anticipated growth will be. You do not want to have vine plants like squash growing in a small area. Likewise, you do not want to transplant smaller plants behind taller plants where they cannot access light or water.

Determine how far apart you may plant your items. Knowledge of space will help determine how many seeds you are allowed to plant in your designated area. You do not want to start too many seedlings without no where to plant them. Also, you want to check to make sure you have enough space for a bountiful harvest.

Choose seeds you will actually use and enjoy. Do not waste your space with tomatoes if no one will eat them. Choose items your family will use.

Your goal proves you can not only exhibit a green thumb but provide some economical value in your harvest. Gardening can be a hobby but also lead you to a life of more simple living. Have fun choosing the right seeds for you and your family this year.

For other frugal living tips, visit Frugal Tip Tuesday at Learning the Frugal Life.