2. Why start plants from seeds?

Why start your own plants at all? Well, one answer is the same as to the previous question - the variety. If you long for those plants you see in magazines, or read about in books, starting them yourself might be the only way to get them. The same is true if you want to attempt a theme planting, such as a naturalized woodland garden, or to explore more varieties of your favourites (like hostas or lilies).

Another reason is the sheer joy of it. I discovered this last season, when I started some plants from seed for the first time. It's fun, and so rewarding to say "I started those from seed myself". It also brings spring into the house in the middle of the winter, which is great in my books. The seeds I started last year were ones I bought from my local garden centre, but this year I'm hitting the catalogues!

And yet another reason is the cost. You can save substantially over buying plants from your local garden centre, if you are willing and able to put in your own time and energy. There are some start-up costs if you choose to invest in a grow light, or a light stand with several levels of trays, but you don't even need those if you have a sunny window sill. The savings will be greatest for perennials, which take longer to reach planting size, and often will not flower until the second season. The reason for their high price at the store is the fact that they are usually a good year old by the time you get them so they will flower right away. But if you are patient (and isn't that a prerequisite for gardening?) you will save a lot by starting them yourself.

..next..

1. How do I order from Mail Order Catalogues, and why would I want to?
2. Why start plants from seeds?
3. Sending away for mail order catalogues
4. Deciding what to order

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