The Best Seeds for Direct Sowing

Why seeds?

Starting from seed can be a labor of love. It is also a cost effective way to grow a lot of plants. When considering what to buy seeds for, the question you’re really getting at is, “Should I buy this as a plant or a seed?”

Always Buy These Plants as Seeds

There are certain herbs and vegetables that shouldn’t be bought as plants. Here’s why:

• Root vegetables such as beets, carrots, and radishes - When you’re growing a plant for its root, you start from seed. Otherwise, you risk damaging that root while you transplant it!

• Cilantro, dill and parsley - These herbs grow fast and they’re in the carrot family, so like carrots, they have a taproot that is easily damaged if transplanted.

• Beans, peas, cucumbers and squash - These fast growing crops are a waste of money to buy as plants. You can buy a pack of seeds for a quarter of the price and get a dozen or more plants!

• Small salad greens like arugula and spinach - These grow fast from seed. Plus, it would cost a small fortune to buy as many plants as you’d need to get a good harvest of leafy greens.

By evaluating what you shouldn’t buy as a plant, we’ve got our list of what to buy as seeds for direct sowing! 👇

Which Seeds to Direct Sow

You should direct sow outdoors when you’re growing:

Root Vegetables

• Beets

• Carrots

• Parsnips

• Radishes

• Turnips

Annual Herbs

• Cilantro

• Dill

• Parsley

Fast-Growing Vines

• Beans (also bush beans)

• Peas

• Cucumbers

• Squash

Small Salad Greens

• Arugula

• Mizuna

• Spinach

• Spring Mix

You may know our frost dates, but did you know we have three growing seasons in the DMV?

Download this guide to our local growing seasons so you can save time and money by planting the right plants at the right time.