Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Picking Your Fruits and Veggies
Before you can choose your fruits and vegetables, you have to choose what stage you want
to take over the growing process. You can start your container garden from seeds or seed-
lings. The difference is how much responsibility you are willing to undertake.
Seeds are for those who have the extra time to tend to them from the very beginning. Some
people like the thrill of seeing the sprouts emerging from the ground for the first time. But
you are also taking the risk they might not sprout at all. For some, this is too risky. If having
these plants available makes a huge economic impact on whether or not your family eats,
then of course, don't attempt it.
Make sure to check the package of the seeds you are interested in to verify their growing
season. The U.S. is divided into growing regions, each one being slightly different from the
others as far as when specific seeds can be planted. The recommended period for planting in
each region is given right on the seed packet. Following these recommendations allows you
the best opportunity for producing a healthy garden.
If you find that the optimal growing season for your region has passed, you can still plant
your seeds as long as you accept the risk they might not produce. While these growing sea-
sons are not concrete, they are a very good judge of when the seed distributor believes their
product will grow.
Seedlings are the most common way of starting a container garden. The risk has already
been taken by someone else and you are now able to get a jump on growing your plants.
