Start with the light
Before choosing a plant or sowing a seed, notice where direct sun falls and how long it stays. Matching the plant to the place is the easiest first win.
THE GROW LIBRARY
Simple, practical guidance for seeds, living plants and a more nature-connected home.
THREE GOOD PLACES TO BEGIN
Before choosing a plant or sowing a seed, notice where direct sun falls and how long it stays. Matching the plant to the place is the easiest first win.
Check the soil instead of watering by the calendar. Most plants prefer a thorough drink followed by time to breathe.
Choose a few varieties, learn their rhythm and build from there. A garden does not need to be large to change the way a space feels.
COMMON SEED GUIDES
Open a guide for practical sowing depth, spacing, temperature and timing. Start with your local frost dates, then use soil temperature to fine-tune the day you sow.
Start indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting, or direct sow once the soil is warm. Move outdoors when nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F.
Grower tip: Pinch growing tips regularly and never remove more than about one-third of the plant at once.
Start indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting. Set outside 1–2 weeks after the last frost when conditions have warmed; this compact determinate type suits large containers.
Grower tip: Use a large container with drainage and provide support before fruit clusters become heavy.
Direct sow 2–4 weeks before the last frost. In warm climates, grow in fall and winter; in cooler climates, sow again for an early fall crop.
Grower tip: Sow a short row every three weeks during cool weather for a steadier harvest.
Direct sow 2–4 weeks before the last frost in loose, stone-free soil. Avoid transplanting; root disturbance can stunt or fork the carrots.
Grower tip: Keep the top layer evenly moist through the longer germination period; a board or light fabric can slow surface drying.
Direct sow 4–6 weeks before the last frost and repeat every 1–2 weeks through cool spring weather. Sow again in late summer for fall roots.
Grower tip: Harvest while roots are small and round; oversized roots can become hot and pithy.
Direct sow 1–2 weeks before the last frost. Cilantro prefers cool weather and may bolt after heat arrives, so repeat sow every three weeks while conditions remain mild.
Grower tip: Skip indoor transplanting when possible; root disturbance can encourage premature flowering.
Direct sow 1–2 weeks after the last frost. Choose the permanent planting spot first because sunflowers dislike root disturbance and this variety can grow very tall.
Grower tip: Plant where the tall stalk will not shade shorter crops, and stake in exposed or windy sites.
Direct sow 1–2 weeks after the last frost, or start indoors only 4–6 weeks ahead. Warmth and good air circulation support strong plants and long summer bloom.
Grower tip: Cut flowers often and water at soil level to encourage more bloom while keeping foliage dry.
CHOOSE YOUR BEGINNING
Begin with a packet of possibility or make room for an established plant. The best first step is the one that fits your life.