When starting your urban garden, the decision between direct seeding and using seedlings depends on several factors. Direct seeding involves planting seeds straight into your planter boxes, while transplanting means starting with young plants from a nursery or ones you've grown indoors.
Direct seeding works best for vegetables that don't transplant well, such as carrots, radishes, beans, peas, and corn. These plants develop deep taproots or are sensitive to root disturbance. The advantages include less transplant shock, lower cost since you're not purchasing seedlings, and the satisfaction of growing from scratch. However, germination can be unpredictable, and you'll need to thin seedlings later, which some gardeners find wasteful.
Using seedlings gives you a significant head start, especially important in urban settings with shorter growing seasons. Plants like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and broccoli benefit from being started as seedlings since they require longer growing periods. The main advantages are earlier harvests, higher success rates, and less waiting time to see results. The downsides include higher initial cost and potential transplant shock.
Consider your local climate, the specific plants you want to grow, and your patience level. Many urban gardeners use a combination - starting some plants from seed directly in planters while purchasing seedlings for others. This balanced approach maximizes your garden's potential while accommodating the unique constraints of urban container gardening.
For best results with direct seeding, ensure your soil temperature is appropriate for each plant type, keep the soil consistently moist during germination, and protect young seedlings from pests and harsh weather. With seedlings, harden them off properly by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before permanent transplanting to prevent shock.
Whether you choose seeds or seedlings, proper container depth, quality soil, adequate drainage, and sufficient sunlight remain crucial for urban gardening success. Your planter boxes can produce abundant harvests regardless of your starting method with proper care and attention.