The Imperfect Gardener
Gardening by Seed

by Adina Sara

I am a sucker for seed packets. How can anyone resist what promises a profusion of flowers covering 250 square feet for only $2.49? Instructions are so simple: "Sow seeds after all danger of frost is past." That's just about every day in our weather-blessed part of the country. I gather up armfuls of seed packets in the nursery, splay them open like a bouquet, and realize there is no need to choose. I can buy them all and still get change from a $10 bill.

It is a sobering moment when I gingerly tear open the corner of the packet to reveal a cluster of black dots that clump into the sweaty creases of my skin. Although in theory I understand that this is how a gorgeous row of flowers begins, it's hard to make the leap.

Still, I plant the little things in evenly spaced rows, one-quarter inch deep, sprinkle with a fine dusting of dirt, label it with name and date if I am diligent, and go on my way.

Degree of Difficulty

Most seeds that will likely sprout even if spilled in the garden shed, can be sown directly in the ground, and as long as they get enough regular moisture, have a good chance of looking like the picture on the packet. In the edible category, this includes most loose-leaf lettuces, basil, cilantro, dill, cucumbers, beans, peas, and the plentiful squash family.

As for flowers, the best odds for seed success come from almost all varieties of zinnias, cosmos, alyssum, and nasturtium (though these can get a bit too friendly over time). Giant sunflowers are the most dramatic proof that $1.49 can go a long way. Requiring a bit more attention, but generally easy to grow from seed, are heaven-scented sweet peas (give them room to climb), delicate columbine, and nigella. The contents of seed packets marked "wildflowers" generally grow easily but should be read carefully. You may end up with a field of borage and scotch broom.

Seed gardening is for gardeners who remember from one day to the next what it was they had set out to do and commit to daily watering, inspecting, protecting, thinning, and more watering. But all sorts of obstacles crop up in the seed-to-flower story. A hose dragged along the dirt, the neighbor's cat, not to mention a week's vacation, can instantly upset a perfect little seed plan. And that's not even talking about snails, who lie in wait for the little green shoots to finally present themselves.

Go ahead and try your luck with a handful of packets. It is a worthy bet, considering how great the reward a guest tastes a bite of your salad or compliments your brilliant display of zinnias, and you say, "Why thank you. I grew it all from seed."

Gardener's Exchange

Thank you to the first Metro reader who has responded to the call for plant exchange. They have offered their spare nigella (an easily reseeding annual with tall, delicate flowers), linarea purpurea, lychnis coronaria (dusty miller, a silver-grey, dramatic landscape addition), perennial pink-spiked gaura, and blue agaves (careful they can grow to the size of small refrigerators). Contact REIMOON\@sbcglobal.net if you are interested. And remember to e-mail Imperfectgardens\@cs.com if you have any other plants to share with other Metro readers.

Until next time, water those seeds if you can remember where you planted them.