When the wind in howling and the snow is blowing, it is hard to think about spring flowers. However, many savvy gardeners know that using a flower plant seed to begin their gardens in the middle of winter is the most efficient and economical way to enjoy those blooms all through the summer. It is not hard to start your garden from flower plant seeds, as long as you have a few green tips under your belt to get you started. We have techniques for working with seeds that will help you enjoy your flower gardens this summer for a whole lot less green.

Which Plants to Choose?

There are many species that can begin indoors from a flower plant seed and then transplanted outdoors when the danger of frost has passed. If you are not sure which plants will work the best, simply read the back of the individual seed packets for recommendations. Some will clearly state that plants can be started indoors six to eight weeks early with a flower plant seed, while others will advise gardeners to wait and sow the seeds outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. In most cases, the best plants to start from a flower plant seed are an annual flower plant, since perennials can be a bit finickier to nurture all the way to blooming from this early state.

How to Plant

Most flower plant seeds will germinate well in a basic potting mix. One common mistake that new gardeners make is to sow their seeds too deeply under the dirt. A good rule of thumb to avoid this problem is to place the flower plant seed just low enough to completely cover with dirt. This means bigger seeds will be planted a bit deeper, while smaller seeds can remain just under the surface of the soil for best results. If the flower plant seed requires light for germination, it should not be covered with soil at all. Once seeds are planted, it is a good idea to cover them with a plastic lid or bag until sprouts begin to pop up.

As you are planting each flower plant seed, make sure you clearly label which plants are which on the front of your pots. You might be surprised at how much your marigolds will look like your snapdragons – at least in the early stages of growth. This will ensure you can place your flowers in pots or beds precisely as you want, even if the plants are not blooming right away. Beginning your garden indoors with flower plant seeds is a great way to get a head start on the spring sowing that is to come.