# 6 Pros and Cons of Growing Herbs from Seeds vs. Transplants
As the world becomes more health-conscious, the popularity of growing own herbs is increasing. Fresh herbs not only enhance the flavor of meals but also contain abundant nutritional benefits. However, a common dilemma for many gardeners, especially beginners, is whether to start from seeds or from transplants. This choice can affect the growth rate, survival rate, and cost-effectiveness of your herb garden. Let’s delve into the six key pros and cons of growing herbs from seeds versus transplants.
1. Cost Effectiveness
Growing herbs from seeds is generally more cost-effective than buying transplants. Seeds are much cheaper than young plants, and a packet of seeds can yield numerous plants. However, the trade-off is the time and effort required to germinate the seeds and nurture the seedlings.
On the other hand, transplants cost more upfront but can save you time and effort. You can buy a mature plant, transplant it into your garden, and start harvesting in a shorter period. Just keep in mind that the cost of buying transplants can quickly add up, especially if you plan to grow a variety of herbs.
2. Variety
If you’re looking for a wider selection of herb types, growing from seeds may be your best bet. Many rare or heirloom varieties of herbs are often only available in seed form. Growing from seeds allows you to explore a vast array of flavors and fragrances that might not be available in your local nursery.
However, if you’re new to gardening or prefer to stick with familiar herbs, transplants can be a better option. Nurseries typically carry a range of popular herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme. Plus, you can see exactly what you’re getting, which can be reassuring for novice gardeners.
3. Success Rate
Seeds can be tricky to germinate, and not all of them will successfully turn into plants. They require the right conditions, including temperature, moisture, and light, to sprout. Some herbs, like parsley and cilantro, are notorious for their slow and unpredictable germination.
In contrast, transplants offer a higher success rate since they’ve already passed the tricky seedling stage. They’re particularly useful if you’re gardening late in the season or live in a region with a short growing season. Just make sure to properly care for the transplants during the initial period following their relocation.
4. Time
If you’re eager to start harvesting your herbs, transplants are the fastest route to a mature plant. You can often start harvesting leaves within weeks of planting. They’re an excellent option if you’re planning to use the herbs for meals in the near future.
Seeds, however, require more patience. They need time to germinate and grow into seedlings before they can be transplanted into the garden or pots. However, the satisfaction of watching a seed grow into a flourishing plant can be well worth the wait.
5. Disease and Pest Resistance
Plants grown from seeds often develop stronger root systems and are generally more resistant to diseases and pests. This is because they’re exposed to your local climate and soil conditions from the start, and they adapt better to these conditions.
On the flip side, transplants might struggle to adapt to new soil and weather conditions and could be more susceptible to diseases and pests. Additionally, they may bring diseases or pests from the nursery into your garden. Always inspect any transplants thoroughly before introducing them to your garden.
6. Learning Experience
Finally, growing herbs from seeds can be a rewarding learning experience. It gives you a deeper understanding of the plant’s life cycle and can be a wonderful educational project for children.
While transplants can still provide a good gardening experience, they don’t offer the same level of engagement or satisfaction as watching a plant grow from a tiny seed to a mature, harvestable herb. However, they can give beginners a confidence boost and a head start in their gardening journey.