Many kinds of seeds sprout quickly and reliably without anything more than even moisture and light. This is especially true of annuals, but perennials, trees, shrubs, and vines can all be started from seed as well — they just require a little extra patience. While seed-sowing takes some strategy and attention to detail, and specific germination requirements vary from plant to plant, the good news is that the basics are pretty much the same for all types of seeds.
In this section, you’ll find information on everything from choosing plants to buying seeds and using the information on seed packets. You’ll learn how to figure out how many seeds to buy, how to test whether seeds are too old (if you’ve held onto them from previous seasons), and how to harvest and save your own seeds. You’ll see how to develop a sowing and planting schedule that is adapted for your garden. In addition, you’ll find information on common problems and how to deal with them.