Are you looking to get the most out of your gardening season and take your skills to the next level? Gardening expert Matt Dursum breaks down the many benefits of planting seeds ahead of schedule.
There’s a famous saying that rings true in gardening: “The early bird catches the worm.” For many gardeners across the United States, limited growing seasons mean a brief window of time to enjoy outdoor cultivation.
Fortunately, the adaptability of plants allows us to extend this precious growing period.
Whether you choose to start seeds indoors, build cold frames, or practice winter sowing in clear containers, there are numerous ways to stretch your gardening season.
Initiating seed germination early, no matter where you live, can yield an abundance of early produce and provide you with additional chances to shape your garden just the way you like it.
Here are 12 compelling reasons to get a jumpstart on planting your seeds this season.
Benefits of Early Seed Planting
- Harvest Ahead of Time
There’s something truly rewarding about picking your crops sooner than expected.
When you start seeds before the traditional growing season, your plants have the chance to settle in and mature quicker.
This means you can enjoy fresh vegetables and fruits earlier in the summer.
- Enjoy Multiple Harvests
If you’re new to gardening in cooler climates, the idea of having several harvests might seem far-fetched.
With strategic planning, however, it’s entirely possible to reap a variety of crops throughout the season.
- Practice Succession Planting
Succession planting is a game changer for those looking to keep their meals fresh or create homemade sauces, as it fosters a continuous supply of produce without long waits in between.
Enhancing Your Gardening Experience
- Give Slow-Growing Plants a Head Start
Starting slow-growing varieties early allows you to enjoy them longer during the growing season, effectively enhancing your culinary options.
- Improve Garden Layout
By beginning your seed planting early, you give yourself more time to thoughtfully design your garden layout and decide exactly which plants you’d like to include.
- Beat Pests and Heat
By having your seedlings ready sooner, you can help them withstand challenges posed by pests and extreme temperatures, ensuring their health and vitality.
- Acclimatize Gradually
Getting a head start on planting lets your seedlings adapt to outdoor conditions at a gentle pace, decreasing the likelihood of transplant shock when you move them outside.
- Outpace Weeds
When you plant early, your seedlings can grow strong enough to outcompete weeds that may otherwise crowd them, creating a more favorable environment for your plants.
- Encourage Creative Experimentation
Starting your seeds early also provides the luxury of time.
Experimenting with different plant varieties or gardening techniques becomes much less daunting when you aren’t racing against the clock.
- Share Your Seedlings
Preemptively sowing seeds gives you the chance to propagate more seedlings than you need.
Come summer, you can share your bounty with friends, family, or neighbors, spreading joy and healthy plants.
- Test Your Seeds’ Resilience
Early planting lets you see how well your seeds handle various temperature fluctuations, giving you valuable insights into the climate conditions in your area and enhancing your future gardening endeavors.
- Unlock Your Gardening Potential
Taking the initiative to plant seeds early provides a world of benefits, allowing you to enjoy a more productive gardening experience.
Use this time wisely to cultivate the garden you’ve always dreamed of!
By embracing these advantages, you can transform your gardening journey and fully tap into the potential of your green space.
Happy planting!
Source: Epicgardening