Hiring experienced CDL drivers! Click here for more details

Ask Koopman: Starting From Seeds

By: Matthew Hersee

Dear Sow What?
This is a great time to ask these questions. Seed sowers need to think and plan ahead. There are several reasons people choose to start plants from seeds.

Our growing season is short

It takes time for a plant to grow from seed to mature plant. Here in New England we have a race against that first frost in the fall. Some plants, if planted by seed outdoors, will not reach maturity before that first frost in the fall. Starting seeds indoors – and early – can give you a jump start on the growing season.

It can save you money

Growing plants from seeds allows you to get lots of plants of one kind rather inexpensively. If you love to line your walkway with several dozen impatiens, or you want to produce 20 quarts of your famous tomato relish, starting those plants from seed can save you some money. Do be aware that you will need to invest in supplies like your growing medium, seeds, containers and lighting. Watch the Koopman flier for sales! You will save even more.

It can be loads of fun

I love watching things grow. And I love the variety of plants I can get from seeds. However, seed growing takes time, and detail, and planning. Planting from seeds requires careful attention to details as you select seeds, monitor their growth, provide for the right environment of warmth, light and moisture, and successfully transplant them in the out of doors. This hobby is not for everyone, but it can be a real joy to see your garden filled with the fruit of your labor.

Since you are new to gardening, I would suggest you select just a few kinds of plants to grow from seed the first year. Learn how the process works, try out a system and see if you actually enjoy the process. You will learn a great deal about your seeds and yourself as you grow together.

Here are a few plants that typically do well here in New England:

Veggies: tomatoes, beans, peas, squash, cucumbers, corn, and carrots
Annuals: cosmos, marigolds, morning glories, sun flowers, poppies, and nasturtiums.
Herbs: basil, chives, chamomile sage, thyme, lemon balm

For inspiration, tips and a little folk wisdom, ask your gardening neighbor, visit online with the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, or email Koopman’s own horticulturist at: