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Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed. A package costing less than $3. will grow into a cheering row of bright yellow blooms.
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The Frugal Gardener
Everyone is worried about the economy, and we’re all finding ways to save money. Being thrifty is fine but don’t let prudent money matters keep you out of the garden. The garden is a place for relaxation and renewal, and these days we need all the stress relief we can get.
There are many ways to garden on a budget, and the first comes in early spring. This season, consider growing some of your annuals from seed. A package of seeds costs about the same as a six-pack of annuals, but that packet holds dozens, sometimes hundreds of potential plants.
The easiest annuals to grow from seed can be planted directly in the ground once all danger of frost is past. Zinnias, cleome, cosmos, alyssum and nasturtiums can be planted directly in the garden, or in flats or pots. Success depends on keeping the ground or potting soil damp while the seeds germinate and the plants are small. As the annuals grow, taper down the watering until you are watering them deeply twice a week.
Perennials often take longer to grow from seed, but
Echinacea and Rudbeckia are usually easy to sprout. Biennials such as foxglove and
Verbascum are also reliable about growing from seed. Those who don’t want to grow perennials from seed can save money by purchasing small plants.
Most garden centers stock small potted perennials at the start of the season. If these are put into loosened garden soil that has been amended with compost or composted manure, most plants will double their size in the first season. If small perennials can’t be immediately placed in the garden, put them in a larger pot with fresh potting soil and they will grow larger because they have more room for roots.
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