To Seed or Not to Seed: That is the Question
For those wondering if it is worth the time starting from seeds, here are ideas to stimulate and motivate you to consider this an adventure.
Start Your Garden from Seeds
It’s that time of the year to decide if you are going to put a garden out and if so will you be starting from seed. There is no doubt, no matter which way you choose to go, gardening, on whatever scale available, is a rewarding activity in many ways. Not only will you get some sunshine and exercise, you can save a bundle on your grocery bill, and be in complete control of how your food is grown, from seed to plate. In a time when most of our food comes from halfway across the world, growing your own food right in your own backyard is a bold, but simple, step to reducing your carbon footprint and eating more sustainably. [1]
For those who are trying to decide if it is worth the time invested in starting from seeds, here are a few ideas to stimulate and motivate you to consider this an adventure.
1. A Family Activity
Children are enamored with planting seeds and watching them grow into flowers and vegetables. Planting in containers is the easiest way to get started. Containers are small, flexible, portable and easy to control. Give your children “ownership” of several containers and make it their garden. [2]
2. Save Money / Teach Recycling
Not only are the seeds more inexpensive, when you purchase Heirloom seeds – you can get the next year’s seeds – right from the garden! You will save gas for future trips to purchase more seeds or plants. You can use recycled egg cartons, plastic containers, even the eggshells themselves to begin your seedlings. A packet of seed usually costs less than a six-pack of plant starts and will yield at least five to six times as many plants.
3. A Larger Selection Available
A Better selection of seed varieties is available. One such seed supplier, Denali Seed, offers several varieties that are only available from seed and are not available anywhere else in North America. Currently, there is much going on in the world of the “seed” with Monsanto and GMO (genetically modified organism). We suggest everyone go Heirloom as it allows us to continue sustainability!
4. It Promotes Activity & It is Therapeutic
Whether you start your seeds indoors for early planting or plant directly into the ground after the last spring frost, it does take more effort than purchasing the starter plant. Effort is movement and mental stimulation, both of which the body requires to stay properly functioning. Those who start the seeds have committed to investing time in connection with more than just their vegetables or flowers – it’s an investment in nature, self and the connection to all life and the cycle of life. So gardening is a very special part of our ancient and almost forgotten heritage that definitely promotes good health! Without a doubt digging, pulling, weeding and harvesting will burn calories.
5. Control Over Chemicals & Health of Plants
We need to know what goes in, on or around our bodies! There is no doubt we are becoming more and more aware as we are now seeing in action what the chemicals and those industries are doing to our physical body and planet. By starting your seedlings, you have control right from the beginning what type of soil it is grown in, the water that will be used to nurture it and the chemicals that will be used (if any) to ward against insects or disease. There is work involved when we take responsibility for our life, but the end result is a healthy vibrant body and life!
6. It’s Just Plain Fun
Yup, it’s fun! When you take the time to invest a little “TLC” into a seed and can watch it begin its journey of life, there is something miraculous about it. I am sure most of us did the potato exercise in school and watched the potato take life and become something entirely different. I was and still am amazed. It’s also fun to share with our partners, business associates or even as a community.
There are so many more reasons; this is just to get you started. If you can’t start your own seeds try to purchase locally versus the major department stores. Move inward and work with those around you to create beautifully sustainable seed starters or savers! And enjoy the knowledge that you are doing your part to create a better world starting with YOU!
Click HERE to Connect with your Daily Horoscope!
You will also enjoy Host a Seed Swap This Spring
