DIY Network

Seed Selection From "Weekend Gardening" episode WKG-112

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Figure A Figure B Figure C

The garden plot for this project measures nine feet by seven feet (figure A ). Planting from seed gives you access to a diversity of species at a fraction of what you might spend at a nursery. As you think about seed varieties for your garden, remember that the tallest plants should be planted towards the back. Some other suggestions to grow from seed include:

• Fennel seed produces an airy plant with a bulbous root that looks great in both ornamental and vegetable gardens (figure B). Purple fennel in particular is difficult to find in nurseries and a great choice to grow from seed.

• Heirloom corn seed produces unique and colorful varieties of corn fruit that can no longer be reproduced in the wild (figure C). Heirloom species will become extinct if the seeds aren't planted before they die.

  Expert tip (Bart O'Brien, horticulturist): Plant breeders create hybrids from seed growing plants by selecting and pollinating parent plants. The resulting progeny with the desired characteristics can then be selected and bred.

This project is challenging and requires patience. In the end, however, you will be rewarded with a beautiful garden without having to take a step inside a nursery . This project's requirements are:

• Skill level: 5 (on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult).
  
• Time needed: 9 hours

Supplies:

• Seeds of choice
  
• Small vertical envelopes/jewelry-sized zip-lock bags
  
• Seed starting medium
  
• Flats with covers
  
• Four-inch pots
  
• Plastic plant labels
  
• Wide-mouth mason jars
  
• Pantyhose
  
• Bottom heater
  
• Standard gardening tools