Make the right choice for your urban garden success
Seeds or Transplants? Know the Difference
One of the first decisions when starting a garden is whether to grow from seeds or buy transplants (also called seedlings or starts). Each approach has distinct advantages and disadvantages. This guide helps you understand the differences and choose what works best for your situation, timeline, and budget.
Direct Comparison
πΎ Growing from Seeds
β Advantages
- Much more affordable per plant
- Unlimited variety selection
- Full control over growing conditions
- Exciting to watch from start to finish
- Better for large quantities
- Genetic selection available
β Disadvantages
- Requires more time to reach harvest
- Need proper seed-starting setup
- Higher germination failures possible
- Some seeds difficult to start indoors
- Requires grow lights or sunny windowsill
- More monitoring and attention needed
πΏ Using Transplants
β Advantages
- Fast path to harvest (4-8 weeks faster)
- No seed-starting equipment needed
- Higher success rate for beginners
- Instant gratification
- No germination guesswork
- Great for occasional gardeners
β Disadvantages
- Significantly more expensive per plant
- Limited variety selection available
- Risk of transplant shock
- Possible pest/disease introduction
- Less rewarding experience
- Nursery plants can be leggy or stressed
Detailed Comparison Chart
| Factor | Seeds | Transplants |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per plant | $0.10-$0.50 | $2-$8 |
| Time to harvest | Full season (60-120 days) | Reduced (30-90 days) |
| Setup required | Seed trays, lights, soil mix | Minimal – just planting hole |
| Variety selection | Hundreds of options | Limited to local nurseries |
| Success rate | 70-90% with proper care | 95%+ for most gardeners |
| Learning curve | Moderate to steep | Gentle – beginner friendly |
| Risk factors | Germination failure, damping off | Transplant shock, leggy plants |
| Best for | Patient, budget-conscious gardeners | Quick results, beginners |
How to Decide: Seeds or Transplants?
π― Choose SEEDS if:
- You want to save money and grow many plants
- You need specific varieties not available locally
- You enjoy the full growing experience
- You have time to monitor seedlings
- You have adequate indoor space and lighting
- You’re growing easy crops like beans, squash, or peas
π― Choose TRANSPLANTS if:
- You want the fastest path to harvest
- You’re a beginner or occasional gardener
- You lack space or lighting for seed starting
- You’re growing plants with long seed-to-harvest times
- You prefer guaranteed success
- You want to minimize effort
Timeline Comparison
February-March: Start Seeds Indoors
If starting seeds indoors, begin 6-8 weeks before last frost. Growing transplants are available at nurseries.
April-May: Transplant Outdoors
Harden off indoor seedlings and transplant after frost danger. Or purchase and plant nursery transplants.
June-August: Establish & Grow
Both seed-grown and transplant plants should be well-established and producing.
August-October: Harvest
Seeds started in February are ready to harvest. Earlier-planted transplants may have finished.
Cost Analysis Example
Growing 24 tomato plants for the season:
Growing from Seeds
- Seed packets (2): $4
- Seed trays: $10
- Soil mix (if not on hand): $5
- Grow lights (amortized): $20
- Total: ~$39
Using Transplants
- 24 seedlings @ $4 each: $96
- No equipment needed
- No additional supplies
- Total: ~$96