It’s a good problem to have, and it’s one that even experienced gardeners face while poring over their seed catalogs: How on Earth do I choose the right varieties for my garden?
For beginning gardeners – or less experienced ones – seed selection can just be plain overwhelming.
We feel you, and we’re here to help.
Questions to Ask Yourself While Shopping for Seeds
Horticulturist and Baker Creek storekeeper John Lenz walks customers through the selection process all the time. Here’s what he advises customers to consider:
How much gardening experience do I have?
Even if the answer to this question is “none,” successful gardening is still very much within reach, John says. Dedication to success makes up for a lack of experience. Be honest with yourself about how much time and effort you’re able to commit to gardening and set aside any judgement about it. (This can be hard!) Assess your appetite for failure. (There is no wrong answer to this question.)
If you are just starting out, choose fast and easy crops like lettuce, peas, spinach, and radishes. These crops are easily direct sown, and they grow quickly. Brassicas like broccoli and cabbage can be tricky.
How much space do I have to grow?
Even experienced gardeners get overwhelmed, so if you’re just starting out, start small. If you’re pinched for space, growing on a patio or balcony, choose varieties that will grow well in containers – think herbs, greens, and dwarf varieties like Orange Hat tomato, Hedou Tiny bok choy, or Sugar Daddy snap pea.
What do I like to eat?
When it comes to growing vegetables, this may be the most important question of all. And while it may be tempting to try your hand at exotic tropical edibles like Urizun Japanese winged beans or Red Malabar spinach, factor in your growing conditions and climate before committing. Or, if you have a high tolerance for failure, give it a go! Everything in gardening is an opportunity for learning.
How much time and/or money am I willing to invest?
Gardening can be an expensive undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be, and seeds are usually the least expensive investment. Seeds are little genetic powerhouses chilling in a suspended state, and they need just a few elements to thrive; good soil, good light, water, and nourishment. They’re programmed to grow.
If you don’t feel confident about indoor seed starting or aren’t sure whether to invest in lights and heat mats, choose seeds that do well when direct sown. Many types do well in containers set in a sunny windowsill. Here are some of our favorite varieties for indoor growing.
If you don’t know the composition of your garden’s soil, or if you are concerned about any contamination, consider getting a soil test before you start growing. Every county has an extension service, and for a small fee they will analyze your soil and return a report to you. Use this online tool to search for your local extension service office.
If you are planning to grow in containers, do invest in high-quality soil that is fluffy and lightweight. We love Royal Gold products. You can also make your own mix by combining equal parts coco coir or peat moss, perlite or vermiculite, and compost.
High-quality fertilizers are also worth the investment, but remember -- when feeding your crops, dilute to one-half strength. You can always add fertilizer, but you can’t subtract. Too much fertilizer can harm your plants.
Finally, ask yourself: Can I provide the necessary conditions for success?
Most seed companies (Baker Creek included) will provide information in their online descriptions or on seed packets for days to maturity, seed planting depth, spacing, hours of sunlight, and ideal temperature for germination. Here is a handy online guide to minimum, optimal, and maximum soil temperatures for germination.
Take all of these into consideration. Does your garden space get enough sunlight (or too much sunlight) to support the crops you want to grow? Do you have an adequate water source? Do you have enough frost-free days to grow the crops you want to grow? (Look up your average first and last frost dates here.)
John's Top Tips for Seed Shopping
Start small.
Start with fast and easy crops.
Ask questions of successful gardeners. They love to share what they know.
Don’t believe everything you see on the internet.
And remember: Sometimes you fail.
For more expert advice from John Lenz, check out his recommendations and go-to gardening resources.
Key Takeaways
- If you are new to gardening, start small and choose easy, fast-growing crops.
- Evaluate the space you have to grow and plan accordingly.
- If you are growing food crops, grow your favorites.
- Remember that even the most experienced gardeners sometimes fail.
About the Author
Michelle Johnson is a nationally award-winning writer and editor and Baker Creek's unofficial seed historian.
