Flower Gardening Basics: Buying Seeds and Seedlings
When we talk about flower gardening, the first things that come into our minds involve tilling the soil, planting the seeds, and watering the flowering plants that spurt out from the flowerbeds. Sometimes, we are so focused on this area of gardening that revolves around actual gardening work that we sometimes forget the many things we have to do before this.
Proper preparation is just as important as actual gardening work because without it, success will be very difficult to attain. Planning and preparation will see to it that we are able to organize things in such a way that will make it easier for us to work on our flower gardens.
One of the things we have to do during pre-gardening is to buy flower seeds or seedlings. It is needless to say that this is very important because as we all know without seeds or seedlings, we will not have a flower garden.
Although buying a flower seed may seem like the easiest task of all (you may find yourself saying, "these tiny things are just so easy to buy!"), the truth is there is more to buying seeds than just getting the first seed packet that we first see on the local garden store.
Just like when we are buying garden tools and equipment, we must also be diligent when shopping for our seeds. After all, this is where everything begins. So now you ask yourself, "what do I do to find the best seeds?"
This article talks about the essentials of seed buying and all the tips you need to ensure that you end up with worthy seeds that your precious flower garden truly deserves.
When it comes to buying seeds and seedlings, you have the option to do your shopping either manually or online. When we say manual buying, we mean local garden centers and flower nurseries that you can personally visit. On the other hand, buying online means you do the purchasing in front of the computer by surfing the internet. Both shopping methods have their own pros and cons. By knowing these, it will be easier for you to make a decision.
Whether you are buying wildflower seeds or some other seeds, the main advantages that you will get from buying online are convenience and being able to save time. Because you do not need to personally go into the store to make your purchase, you will be able to save a lot of time and energy that you can instead devote to your gardening activity. Aside from that, seeds are considerably cheaper online and you will many great deals. The drawback to this however is that you will not be able to see the actual seeds or seedlings until you have purchased them and they are delivered on your doorstep.
To avoid the unfortunate scenario of buying seeds that are not of good quality, here are some tips on online shopping.
- Buy only from a reputable store. Get recommendations from friends and family who have tried shopping online for seeds. You can also browse through different online stores and read customer reviews to see which stores uphold integrity and sell good quality seeds. Go for stores that have expertise on the field of gardening so you know that you will be properly assisted in the process of your shopping.
- Examine photos and read product descriptions carefully. If you are not familiar with the name of the flower, it is difficult to guess how it would look like when it blooms by just looking at the seed. Reputable seed stores have photos of the flower blooms that will grow out from the seeds that they are selling. They also have tips on how to properly raise up these flowers.
- Read policies on shipping, cancellations and returns so that you are aware of the penalty charges as well as the processes you have to undergo when buying these seeds.
Meanwhile, buying from local garden centers and nurseries is also good in the sense that you will get to see the seeds or seedlings in actuality before you buy them. However, if you were the busy type, it would be tedious for you to go from store to store.
When buying seedlings from a local garden center, it is a must that you examine the plant thoroughly before buying. Make sure that it is in the pink of health by looking at the leaves and foliage carefully. Also, make it a point to talk to the seed store personnel and ask anything that you want to know about the seed that you are buying.
Another consideration you have to make when buying seeds is choosing whether you want to enjoy the long lasting blooms of perennial flower seeds or the vibrant and exciting colors of the annual flowers.
Perennial flowers last longer than annuals, which means less work. However, the blooms of perennials are relatively short compared to annuals. They are also more expensive than annual flowers but since they last longer, the investment will be worth it. On the other hand, flowers that grow from annual flower seeds bloom for a longer time but they die out after one growing season. Annual flowers are ideal for those who do not mind replanting every season and for those who always look forward to a new look for their garden.
Popular perennial flowers include foxglove, sweet William, lupine, black eyed Susan, coneflower, daylilies, hosta, peonies and garden mums. Annual flowers include petunias, marigolds, zinnias and impatiens. It is also a good idea to buy flowers that reseed so that you will be able to save money in your gardening budget.
Buying flower seeds and seedlings is not rocket science. You do not need a doctorate degree in gardening to be able to find seeds that will turn your garden into a beautiful one. Just be sure that you spend time and effort so that you will be able to buy the right kind of seeds and seedlings.
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