Direct Seeding vs Starter Plants - Which Is Better?

Seeds vs Starters...has there ever been anything more universal in the world of gardening? Whether you are new to the gardening game or you're a seasoned veteran with a green thumb, planting our crops basically boils down to different methods: Direct Seeding or Indoor Starter Plants.

Today, we're going on an in-depth look into both methods to see which ones is better. Which planting method rules them all. Buckle up, because its a bit of a spicy one and everyone seems to have their own opinion on the matter, right or wrong!

Other Seed Start Videos Of Interest:

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#gardeningtips #seeds #seedstarting #gardening

[TheRipeTomatoFarms]

If you're just starting out gardening in 2023, please check out my Amazon Affiliate links below to get the right tools for the job! It doesn't cost you a cent, but this channel receives a small incentive for any items purchase through Amazon. Happy Gardening!

Seedling Trays!


pH/Water/Light Meter


Composting Tumbler!


Handy 12-piece Garden Tool Set!:


Hand Pruners:


Watering Can:


Spray Gun:


Gardening Gloves:

[SpiceyKy]

Which is better? BOTH! Succession planting is life!!!

[sandyhayden-bristow]

I don't have room where I can do indoor starting, so by default I am a direct seeder. It's nice if you have an option but regardless seeing those first seeds sprout will always bring thrills.

[rebeccasterling]

Can't seem to get the "like" button to work on this one. I always love the information. 😊

[Livingsamsara]

This was timely. I love your Pro/Con list. It may require a lot of thought (and notes, like I do) for new gardeners or newer crops but it's appreciated! This year is my first time attempting melons and thanks to my friend saying "Well they grow so fast, so I never start them early." We're in zone 8. [But yes, we all start our tomatoes & peppers early here.] Thanks again!

[elizaC]

You're right both works, depending upon crops.

[shieh.]

It should be noted that most plants don't start counting their time to maturity until planted outside. You can shave off a bit of time with germination and such, but you really can't grow a tomato plant for 50 days indoors and expect it to have mature fruit on it 25 days later. You'll still likely need to wait 55 days or so for ripening fruit.

[lajoycestewart]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME--CAPS-EYESIGHT

[myrustygarden]

I think it depends on your needs as I only want 2 or 3 pepper plants I buy them as starters. I have for some reason terrible luck with brussel sprouts so I normally buy a 6 pack of starters and give sis in law 2. I tell people there is no shame in buying starters if your not ready or don’t know what you want 😂😂 plus I don’t need 300 broccoli plants. Have a great week Jeff, Ali Langley 🇨🇦

[joepeduzzi]

The biggest downside to starts is that a plant determines how much it is going to produce within the first couple of weeks by how far it can spread its roots out. When you start in a pot or plug a plant's roots hit the side of the pot the plant will determine it will not reach its genetic potential due to lack of space for the roots. Direct sowing will always produce higher-yielding plants but the success rate is obviously lower so just over sow and then thin out to make enough space between the plants. I've planted starts right next to the same exact plant that I direct sowed and the direct sowed out produced the start by double every time

[donnakacz]

Hi Jeff. I'm late, better late than never. But so so glad I dropped what I was doing and checked out my notification. This video gee, I feel like you made it just for me!!! Lol. It's so helpful. Now I'm going to rewatch ( even though I saved it) and make my notes in my Jeff notebook. Thanks so much. Love and God bless.

[kshahkshah]

Your content has been so consistently good over the years man. Kudos

[johnlorenzo]

I watch and like every video you put out ☺
Very useful information.
I have been watching all of your past videos and encourage everyone that wants a successful garder to do so.
Thank you.

[pagebypaget]

This year I started peas, some outside and some indoors. The one outdoors started nicely and quickly, but the rats came to eat. They didn't eat the leaves. But rather the remaining part of the seed in the ground. When I set out the indoor starters, the rats were more focused on the cabbage and spinach. I need advice on keeping rats out of the garden. Traps, but they never stop coming. Sound buzzing and other tactics don't seem to have effect.

[abemichau]

Morning Jeff. I was wondering if you could direct me to one of your videos that addresses seed table temperatures. You inspired me to build a propagation room in my grow tunnel. I utilized a old RV hot water tank that is circulating hot water through pipes encased in a concrete table. I’m maintaining 77f -26c degrees on the concrete but my ambient temperature can drop to around 55 F -12C ish. I’m seeing shoots now among the 604 seeds planted but wondering if I’ll need to provide warmer ambient temperatures for the veggies as the plants grow? Thanks for your videos and advice that’s really appreciated for a noob like me. Happy Thursday!

[MrScubacat]

Your presentation is outstanding. Makes a person want to grow things.thanks

[rg-mihh]

Last year we took old pots that had flowers and used that soil, compost, a little leftover potting mix and out it all together. Much cheaper to use.

[emylytle]

Morning Jeff, 👩‍🌾😊 that’s a good session of how to start seedling direct sow or indirect, but I tried both and if I fail one way the other then I will do that! Hey another great topic love it! My phone was malfunctioning 🤦🏻‍♀️ see you! 👍👍😊👩‍🌾

[elenanoumilelini]

thank you so much for your time and wonderful channel, I learned so much from every video, your work is priceless. ✊🏻🌱🙏

[waynesell]

Hello hello I'm in Michigan zone 5 b. Will be starting seeds under both florescent and LED lights.. really enjoying this video! Thanks