# 6 Pros and Cons of Growing Herbs from Seeds vs. Transplants
Growing your own herbs can be a rewarding endeavor, whether you’re an experienced gardener or a green-thumbed beginner. The aroma of fresh basil, the tang of home-grown mint, and the satisfaction of adding your own harvested parsley to a dish are unparalleled joys. However, one of the first choices you’ll face in your herb-growing journey is whether to start from seed or use transplants. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice can significantly impact your gardening experience. Let’s explore six key factors to help you make an informed decision.
1. Time Commitment
Starting herbs from seeds can be a time-consuming process. Seeds often require several weeks to germinate and may need a specific set of conditions, such as a certain temperature or light level. On the other hand, using transplants can give you a head start, as they’ve already been nurtured through the delicate seedling stage.
However, growing from seeds also offers the satisfaction of watching your herbs grow from tiny specks to full-fledged plants. It’s a slower process, but for many gardeners, this extra time and effort are part of the appeal. If you’re short on time and want quicker results, transplants might be the way to go, but if you enjoy the process of nurturing your plants from the beginning, seeds can be a rewarding choice.
2. Variety
One of the main advantages of starting from seeds is the sheer variety of herbs you can grow. Seed catalogs and online stores offer a vast range of choices, from common herbs like basil and parsley to more exotic varieties that might be hard to find as transplants.
On the other hand, transplants can be a great way to get started with common, easy-to-grow herbs, especially if you’re new to gardening. Plus, you can often find organically grown and locally sourced transplants, which can be a big plus if you’re concerned about sustainability. If you’re after a specific, unusual variety, seeds might be your best bet, but for a straightforward, easy start, transplants can be a great choice.
3. Cost
Growing from seeds is usually more cost-effective. A packet of seeds can cost just a few dollars and can produce dozens of plants. On the other hand, buying transplants can be more expensive, as you’re paying for someone else’s time and effort to nurture the plant through its early stages.
However, the cost isn’t just financial. Growing from seeds can also require more equipment, such as seed trays, grow lights, and heat mats. Plus, if you’re new to gardening, you might face a learning curve and experience some failures along the way. If you’re on a tight budget and have some time to dedicate, seeds can be a great choice, but if you’re willing to pay a bit more for convenience, transplants might be worth the cost.
4. Success Rate
If you’re a beginner, you might find that transplants are easier to grow successfully. They’ve already passed through the delicate seedling stage, which can be the most challenging part of growing herbs. Plus, when you buy transplants, you can see exactly what you’re getting, so there’s less risk involved.
However, growing from seeds can also be rewarding, and with careful attention to the needs of each variety, you can achieve a high success rate. The key is to research each type of herb you plan to grow, and provide the right conditions for germination and growth. If you’re new to gardening, transplants might give you a higher chance of success, but don’t be afraid to try seeds if you’re up for a challenge.
5. Year-Round Growing
Growing herbs from seeds gives you the flexibility to start your garden at any time of the year, especially if you’re growing indoors. You’re not dependent on the availability of transplants at your local nursery, which typically vary with the seasons.
Conversely, if you’re growing outdoors and want to follow the natural cycle of the seasons, transplants can be a great choice. They can give you a head start in spring, when the risk of frost has passed, and can produce harvestable herbs faster than if you started from seeds. If you want year-round greenery, seeds might be your best bet, but if you prefer to garden with the seasons, consider transplants.
6. Disease and Pest Resistance
Transplants, especially those grown in large commercial nurseries, can sometimes carry diseases or pests, which can then spread to your other plants. Starting from seeds can reduce this risk, as you have control over the growing conditions from the start.
On the other hand, transplants can also be more resilient to pests and diseases, as they’re already established and strong by the time you plant them. It’s a bit of a gamble either way, and the best approach might be to combine both methods: start some herbs from seeds, and buy others as transplants.
In conclusion, whether you choose to start your herb garden from seeds or transplants largely depends on your circumstances, resources, and preferences. Both methods have their pros and cons, and both can lead to a lush, fragrant, and productive herb garden.