My Answer to the Sky High Price of Plants

I went to the garden center last weekend and was shocked at the price of plants. This season, I'm going back to basics and growing plants from seed. It not only save money, it also helps you become a better gardener by improving your plant knowledge.
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[@Jean-ey6pm]

This is the first year after cancer forced me to retire & get through treatment & surgery & long term side effects but surviving has made me even more grateful for nature. So looking forward to preparing a garden & playing in the soil. How I’ve missed it. Starting from scratch so it’s seeds for me with the high cost of plants now. No way is it affordable on my budget. But I’ll be so happy for each & every plant that survives!! Happy gardening season to all!!!

[@womansvoice613]

Good luck to you too!

[@GardenMoxie]

Congratulations on completing your treatments. Gardening is such a great way to de-stress. There's nothing better than getting outside and putting your hands in the soil. Happy gardening!

[@Thingys-Jill]

God Bless you. My Sister wasn't as blessed. If you need some flower seeds, please contact me and I will send some to you. I have an abundance.

[@Jean-ey6pm]

@@Thingys-Jill I am truly sad to hear about your sister & sorry for your pain. Please accept my condolences. God bless.

[@SlimshadyVictoria]

WOW.....Finally.....a utuber...who CAN,T BE BOUGHT! I really don,t think these garden centers/ big stores....really think this through! I would NEVER buy/ trust a utuber who hawked merch on their channel! Are they gonna diss it, and stop the gravy train? Never heard one do it yet! So....THANK YOU, for being honest and keeping it real!❤

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for your note. I'd love free plants, what gardener wouldn't, right? But I also know that when I started gardening, the absolute hardest part was finding plants I could afford. It was a constant struggle. I would see plants in gardening books I wanted to try and they would only be available through wholesale nurseries. When I started this channel...I told myself I needed to remember that feeling of frustration. Even buying from wholesale suppliers is impossible for regular home owners. That's why I don't do it. My hope for this channel is to show growing a home garden can be manageable. Now I need to get better at sowing seeds...ha ha.

[@Tibetan2]

I agree! Suddenly gardening KZbin channels are becoming one long infomercial … have these KZbinrs forgotten how much they themselves hate commercials?! Most viewers watch to share a love of gardening - not to constantly have products and overpriced plants hawked to them.

[@mariac4602]

@@Tibetan2 And on top of that, some of us actually Pay to Not see commercials on KZbin, and yet wind up being subjected, as you pointed out, to one long commercial from some KZbinrs.

[@FlowerPatchFarmhouse]

I am with you on this. I have not accepted plant sponsorship either though I do tout some plants that perform so well for me in difficult conditions. But I share how to start from seed, divide, and take cuttings to fill my garden for the same reason as you do. To show how we can have a beautiful garden on a tight budget, because to be fair, putting in a whole hedge of expensive hydrangeas is not realistic for the average home gardener. But if you embrace old fashioned slow gardening (what I call true gardening) you can have a lush garden filled with plants you can take pride in knowing you have nurtured it every step of the way! When I started my own garden I was a new bride and we had NO extra money for plants, I joined a local garden club and the elderly ladies took me under their wings and showed me how to propagate plants, gave me cuttings and divisions and seeds. So my first garden was filled with lovely memories along with beautiful plants. My grandmother also shared how to root roses and amend the soil (without buying bagged products). That was 40 years ago now. Even if I do buy a plant at the garden center, it is usually on clearance or I see if there is more than one plant in the pots.

[@GardenMoxie]

You are my kind of gardener! Thanks for your note. It brings back so many wonderful memories of my Grandma's garden and also gardening with friends. I just subscribed to your channel and look forward to learning more about your gardening approach.

[@Youdoingnothing]

I am with you on this journey! Thank you for sharing your seed growing progress with us! My mother always had a lovely garden and spent very little money on plants. She started with seeds, divided existing plants, propagated cuttings & shared with neighbors. I love watching videos like this!

[@GardenMoxie]

Your Mother sounds like a wise woman. Happy gardening!

[@smahood]

I will never forget the wonder of planting my first seeds, bulbs and starter strawberries. I was just a boy but it opened my eyes to nature, nurturing and how connected everything is. It literally keeps me grounded.

[@GardenMoxie]

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing that inspiring memory.

[@patriciaterry5539]

Yes it is extremely humbling feeling to start from scratch! What a feeling!

[@GardenMoxie]

You are SO right friend. Thanks for your note.

[@DiannaAtherton]

When i see a DYI on a particular subject there is usually a lengthy introduction, heres my family, dog etc and 10 minutes later you are waiting for the DYI to begin. "Watch til the end and please like and subscribe". And of course everything is linked in the description. Buy this and that. So over it. I am a new subscriber. I like your style. You are a breath of fresh air

[@michellebackus6424]

This was the video I needed today. Reminding me to turn off my phone, take a deep breath... And grow some seeds, just try! I bought everything seeds, trays, lights... But was starting to feel discouraged and confused by all of the seed starting information out there and seeing how far ahead everyone else is. But it is still only April 14! I'm zone 6a, i have 6 weeks of head start gardening to do, inside😊 (It was so nice here this weekend that I did get outside to divide and transplant several plants.) Cooling down again tomorrow. THANKS FOR THE REMINDER💛

[@GardenMoxie]

I use May 30th as my last frost date so I am JUST starting the majority of my seeds now. Many seeds get started 4-6 weeks before your last frost date. You definitely still have time. Do what you can and enjoy the process. I always remind myself that gardening is not a competitive sport. Thanks for being here.

[@dianetemple4243]

Holy cow Sue! Your mantra for 2024 in the garden is exactly the same as mine. I have purchased a few perennials (3) and annuals that you can't get seeds for but I am growing everything else from seed or dividing what I have. So excited to see what I can do this year.

[@GardenMoxie]

Awesome! Keep me posted on how things are going. I'm looking forward to getting back into the garden. Good luck with your seeds.

[@dustyflats3832]

Lol, my mantra was if it grows let it be, but I’m rethinking how the poppies are liking it a bit more than I anticipated 😂. The bee balm is not happy 😂. On the list to thin out.

[@user-rp6bb2fz6o]

I so agree. Plants are so high. I just retired and this is the first year I have time to plant seeds. I have started all of my annuals and herbs. It has been so much fun. I will expand next year

[@GardenMoxie]

That sounds wonderful. I am having a lot of fun growing plants from seed too. It can challenging at times, but it is fun.

[@bluesky7226]

Starting plants from seed and division are great alternatives to spending lots on plants. However, since I work at a garden centre that is open year round grows a lot of the plants we sell, I see how labor intensive it is. The increase in minimum wage, the cost of energy to heat and cool the greenhouse, the crop failures, using organic and low impact pest control... it costs money. So when you pick up that ten dollar plant and cringe at the price, please remember that many hands brought that plant to you.

[@GardenMoxie]

I appreciate the effort that goes into growing plants. I just can't afford it. Thanks for sharing that reminder. You are right about the effort required to grow big, healthy plants.

[@Theblackbumblebee]

I just purchased 20 something hydrangeas that were clearanced. I rehydrated them and snipped off the damaged leaves, the flower and clipped back to the noticeable new growth. Im praying that rebloom and be able to plant later.😮❤

[@GardenMoxie]

That is such a great way to do things! I bet your are going to have amazing hydrangea blooms filling your garden in no time.

[@Lea-zf7lm]

Getting in touch with a local horticultural society is also a good idea as they have plant swaps and fundraisers. Plus, one learns a lot. Last year I seeded tomatoes for the first time ever and I had so much success that I've repeated the exercise this year and added tons of annuals and a perennial to the list! If others can do it, so can I!

[@GardenMoxie]

Awesome! Plus the other thing about growing tomatoes from seed is being able to grow so many great varieties. Thanks for the suggestion on getting in touch with the local horticultural society. Some of my local garden clubs sponsor plant swaps. That is a great suggestion.

[@dustyflats3832]

Ah O, you’ve been bitten by the seed starter bug!😂

[@GardenMoxie]

@@dustyflats3832 Yay!

[@BramptonGardener]

Yes!! Ours has an annual plant sake, which is a great place to get cheap perrinials. 😊

[@LucyLemmon]

I totally agree and am growing about 600 annuals and perrenials for myself and 5 friends. My winters are long too, in 6a, and growing from seeds is my happy place during the colddreary days. Thank you for sharing.

[@GardenMoxie]

Wow! That is a lot of seeds. How inspiring!

[@cs7717]

New here. You have such a nice, pleasant voice with such a good cadence. It's almost like you were a teacher at some point in your life. I can picture you reading bedtime stories to kids and them being completely enthralled with the story. The globe amaranth are new to me. You make me want to get some seeds for them!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you! 😃 You should definitely try growing globe amaranth. They are the coolest plants.

[@pamelamanning99]

I was recently told by a relative that some gardeners pinch a little stem here and there when perusing a garden center, pocket them and start them growing when they get home!

[@GardenMoxie]

I think you can ask the garden center about cuttings that have fallen on the ground or cuttings they are planning to throw away. I would definitely ask permission. I have friends that will buy a single plant from the garden center and divide it into 3 to get more bang for their buck too.

[@rscalise2011]

Dear Garden Moxie, thank you for such inspiring pep garden talk to all of us! Did I need it boy! I basement is very small, cannot have my seeds there, my husband bought me a green house from Costco it’s my ever first year to do seeds, what a reward!!!! As an emergency nurse I am in my glory it’s absolutely a gift. I am growing the same coleus but mine are still baby….thank you

[@GardenMoxie]

How exciting to have a greenhouse for your seeds. That's fantastic.

[@YalisCommunity]

YEI!!! So much growth! This is exciting! My favorite is the eucalyptus wow wow wow so many amazingly wonderful medicinal benefits! Love it! Thank you for sharing, Sue, as always you are an inspiration.

[@GardenMoxie]

Hello friend and thanks so much for your kind note.

[@ZussieMakesit]

your voice is very soothing! and I love that you show all your growing experience!! I am doing my own and it is sooo satisfying!!! New Sub here 😊!!

[@GardenMoxie]

Hey thanks so much for the kind words. Thanks for being here.

[@kritomoralea]

I love your videos! Please keep us posted with the transplant of your seedlings. Can’t wait to see them in your beautiful garden!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much.

[@marielynemartel3423]

I did exactly the same thing as you. I took cuttings of about 80% of my annuals of last year. And I bought seeds for a lot of the rest. I tried some begonia seeds, ornamental oregano and I had mixed results (they are minuscule :) ). And like you I bought some hakonechloa last year and I was shocked at the price, mine were lower than yours about 22 $ for the same size as yours, but I bought less and divided them, and I'm going to keep on dividing them. It is very refreshing to see someone trying to save money and going back to the basic instead of spending an obscene amount of money on something that could be done with a little bit of effort. I enjoy your videos very much !

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much for your note. I am trying to grow begonias from seed this season too. Holy smokes those seeds are small! I managed to get some to germinate, but they are just tiny still. I am hoping to find better priced plants at a family-owned nursery I typically visit. That is where I bought all the plants from my front garden. But I have to say, I think being way more thrifty is how I'm moving forward.

[@dustyflats3832]

@@GardenMoxieI grew non stop begonias last year and realized they like heat. Not too wet or they will rot. The tiniest seed this year was orangelo thyme 😮. I didn’t think any went in the 2.5” pot as they were stuck inside the sealed crispy plastic they came in and I lightly breathed on them but they still clung to plastic. Lol, it was a trick, but it amazed me with a carpet of seedlings!

[@GardenMoxie]

@@dustyflats3832 Thanks for the great begonia tips.

[@donnagent6046]

I started geraniums, ageratum, foxglove, zinnias, alyssum, and gomphrena from seed over the winter. I also propagated coleus cuttings in water at the end of last fall and started new plants with them. I overwintered heliotrope, coleus, sweet potatoe vibes, and alternanthera under grow lights. I divided several phlox in the fall. Lot of work, but I had so many plants this spring!!

[@GardenMoxie]

Holy smokes! You are going to have so many beautiful plants this season. That is awesome!

[@CheriRuskus]

Sue I love your ideology! Seeds are remarkable and it does help to build your relationship with your plants!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks Cheri. I know you share my love of growing seeds. Your seedlings look great!

[@mariac4602]

Thank you for this. Sharing this knowledge is so empowering. And growing our own plants and food is a fundamental right and inheritance of every person.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching the video.

[@Nancy-zk9dj]

I started a little orchard 3 years ago--apples, pears and cherries. I figured I'd add more this year. But WOW! I'd gotten bare root and some in pots, the most I paid was $22. I couldn't do it if I'd waited till this year. Last year my whole garden was from seeds I started. After gardening 60+ years, it's still so gratifying. ❤ It seems so odd to me that ornamental grasses are not sold as seeds but in pots. Great video!

[@GardenMoxie]

Your garden and orchard sounds amazing. Thanks so much for sharing your insights into bare root plants. Like you, I love growing plants from seed too.

[@Garden-Oasis]

Have you tried taking cuttings of your verbena? Once it’s grown out a bit, in a few weeks, you can take a few cuttings. That will cause your current plant to be bushier and you get more of the plant you want. It’s a win win😊

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for the tip!

[@adelekasinskas2007]

No luck with seeds. Very frustrating! Try every year. With little success. Happy for you.

[@GardenMoxie]

I hear you! I have always loved growing plants, but some of those seeds can be frustrating. Thanks for watching the video.

[@BenjesBride]

This is so very inspirational to me. Thank you, Sue!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much for checking out the video. Are you planning to grow seeds this season?

[@laurarichardson3978]

Thank you. This makes me happy....and hopeful! 💚

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you. There is always hope in the garden for sure!

[@persephonespomegranate]

This was a lovely video, thank you 🌱

[@GardenMoxie]

You’re welcome 😊 Thanks for being here.

[@lynnpurse]

I love your thoughtful approach to this subject! I remember starting my first plants from seed years ago and how it changed everything for me. I also have wonderful memories of my aunt growing snapdragons for me and other family members' love for a certain plant, all of which I have in my garden now in memory of them. I also worry about this emphasis on brand name plants by many u-tubers and the industry in general - not only are they expensive but they reduce the natural variants that ensure a plant specie's continuance, something that growing plants by seed and allowing self-seeding in the garden do support. I wintersowed many native plants this year with great success and am excited to add them to the beds next month where no doubt they will reseed next year. Thank you for addressing this issue in such a positive way and encouraging others to participate in the miracle of growing from seed! My channel is not yet big enough for monetization but promoting branded plants won't be a part of it. BTW, my verbena didn't germinate either so I plan to try wintersowing it next year as it always seem to self-sow a bit in the garden.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much for your note. Gardens are full of such wonderful memories. I love when you get a plant from a friend and are reminded of them every time you see the plant in your garden. I found some self-seeding verbena in the pollinator garden that I moved into pots in hopes they will bloom this summer. I will be sure to share that. Thanks for being here.

[@hillaryproctor5678]

This was exactly the video I needed! Wanting to add more plants to my garden, but they are so expensive in California. I love starting plants from seed so this is absolutely the way to go for me. I love your seed setup, I of course have to start small, but its really inspiring. Thank you.

[@GardenMoxie]

That's sounds awesome. I didn't start off with those shelves and lights when I first started growing seeds. I actually has 2 fluorescent shop lights that I put on glass blocks on the basement floor. Those seeds grew like champs!

[@itsinyournature]

Great video, great message. Thank you! ❤

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much. I am glad you liked the video.

[@tondafochs2000]

One word… Inspirational! Thanks for the reminder!

[@GardenMoxie]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LFetterman7903]

Hello! I’m a Michigander as well, and I also recently experienced sticker shock at English Gardens! Yikes!😳 I live in East English Village in Detroit… I recently retired and I now have more time to devote to my gardens. I’m a beginner actually, and I have much to learn!

[@GardenMoxie]

Hello fellow Michigan gardener! It is so wonderful to meet you. You live in a gorgeous neighborhood. Have you visited the Oudolf Garden Detroit on Belle Isle? It is pretty amazing to visit. Especially in late summer.

[@mkpoptic5790]

Beautifully and well stated. I heard this gentle contemplative message first thing this morning looking at my gardens outside as I recover from surgery. Zinnias and cosmos direct seed is what I know works with my new limitations. I sense that the big growers sponsored plants and picture perfect garden posters cost us gardeners more in the end. lol.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you. I hope you are fully recovered from your surgery soon. Thanks for being here.

[@PlasBachGarden]

I'm not the first person to say "Wow!" in response to the price of that grass! Seed is the best way to go. That and visiting friends' gardens with a sharp pair of secateurs! 😂 You have a new subscriber here in Wales, UK.

[@GardenMoxie]

Hello and thanks so much for subscribing. Wasn't that price crazy? I know it takes a lot of care to grow plants for the nursery, but I just don't have that kind of budget. It's time for a new approach for me in my garden this season.

[@luzcruz4571]

I love your style. Thank you💐

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you.

[@albertmo1722]

Love your life lessons and wisdom! Can't agree with you more. Best, Albert, SF, CA

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for your note Albert.

[@tomatoespoppieseverything]

Yes, I had sticker shock this spring, too. Great, inspiring video😊

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much. It will be fun to grow things from seed and cutting this season. Happy gardening!

[@lisalikesplants]

Love seeing what you're growing. Your garden looks awesome 4:44

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much. I appreciate your kind note.

[@bigmichigangreen8173]

Just stumbled across your channel and have subscribed. I'm in SE Michigan as well and it's great to have another Zone 6A channel to follow!! Cheers, here's to a good season!

[@GardenMoxie]

Hey! Hello fellow Michigan gardener. Thanks for being here.

[@PM-ue1jh]

Loved every bit of your video and you inspired me! Thank you so much!!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much for the kind words. You made my day!

[@jsud5559]

You have inspired me❣️ Thank you.

[@GardenMoxie]

Awesome! Thanks so much for being here.

[@jmuth890]

It looks like seed growing is the answer this year. Thank you for sharing.

[@GardenMoxie]

Definitely! I'm hoping I can salvage some of the things that aren't working, but I'm having fun no matter what.

[@Shelekele]

Well said!!! I 100% agree with you! I began my "seed starting/saving" journey a few years ago and totally enjoy it. SO much to learn, very rewarding and fun to experiment. Good luck with your gardening! and thank you for the video

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much. That is the great thing about gardening. There is so much great stuff to learn. Thanks for being here.

[@maroosk]

Beautiful babies! Smart and good at it, lovely!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much!

[@lynn8307]

This is my first year growing plants from seed, I’ve enjoyed this so much and I have a lot to learn. Thank you for sharing

[@GardenMoxie]

I am so happy to hear that. I absolutely LOVE growing plants from seed. It can be humbling, but I always learn new things.

[@HomeSweetHomewithKaren]

Loved and agree with your take on prices of plants lately. I saw a dahlia tuber for about that price of the grass, and even seed prices are starting to creep up because of demand for ‘hot’ seeds. I am going to try and save seeds too this year.

[@GardenMoxie]

Saving seeds is fun too. I am growing a few that I saved last season. It's exciting to see them germinate.

[@jennifersauer3257]

Fantastic episode! The anticipation of watching and waiting for those first signs of germination are so inspiring, so energizing. Life was so busy for me last summer that I couldn’t find the mojo for as much gardening. The pac elf life has moderate this year and so I started seeds last weekend. And yes ! I’ll have my tomatoes and peppers this year (providing I follow through) The satisfaction just of seeing them germinate fires me up for the next steps …and so on and so forth. Btw, your coleus seedlings are gorgeous! 😊 Thanks for the encouragement.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for your note. I know the feeling of excitement at seeing those seed germinate. I am enjoying the process. Happy gardening!

[@JoAnnBlondin]

Sue, so lovely to see all your seedlings 🌱 😀 I'm with you on getting resourceful with plants. Last year I tried a number of experiments and had good success with planting less. I haven't looked at the prices yet but I'm sure they will be crazy. ❤

[@GardenMoxie]

Hi Jo and thank you. I am excited to get more seeds planted this week and to start that peat-free experiment. Thanks for watching.

[@32speedygonzales]

I had to re plant a border around my patio because the bushes grew too big and they would have started to brown on the sides. As I went to Lowe’s last week to check on a plant I decided to use instead I noticed that the globe arborvitae I just took out are now $87, I purchased mine (granted a bit smaller for no more than $6, 3 years ago), the replacement plant would have cost $11 and I needed 11 plants, plus the soil to fill the bed back up. No way this was happening. Went in my garden and divided heavily some of my existing plants and used those instead. Just have to wait a bit for them to fill back in but I feel much better about that decision

[@GardenMoxie]

It sounds like you came up with the perfect solution. I always feel better when I can save money and use what I have. The price of shrubs and small trees is crazy this season.

[@Thingys-Jill]

This was such a lovely video and your voice was so soothing. I have ~300 seedlings to plant out. All my veggies and annuals are from seeds that I started. I did go through Harris Seed Company to get the Raker Roberta plugs for my perennials because I'm starting the landscape at my house. They sell to homeowners, but the smallest tray you can get is 18 plugs. The plants I wanted were 36 plug trays. Shipping isn't cheap, but one tray of 36 actually had 67 itty bitty plants in it! For those who are learning, a plug is a started from seed plant. A liner is a plant started from a tissue cutting. My plants, even with outrageous shipping costs, ended up costing me $1.63 each. Are your little Dixie cups plastic? I've never been successful with the waxed paper cups -- they always get moldy. Anyway, I really enjoyed your video. Edited to add that in early spring, usually March, Dollar Tree has perfectly good seeds for 25 cents/pack. You can usually find at least the generic veggies and flowers (carrots, cabbage, lettuce, etc.). Also, here in the USA, watch Home Depot for its clearance items. I found the compressed bales of ProMix for $5.50. I bought 3, but wish I'd bought more (they're normally $22). I found bone meal for $2.87 instead of $14. I got 25' soaker hoses for $4 instead of $16. In January I bought a $400 Christmas tree for $75. You just have to watch.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much. I appreciate you sharing that you bought plant plugs from Harris Seed Company. That is an excellent tip. I will have to check them out. The dixie cups I use are plastic. I try to take extra care with them so they last. This is the 3rd season for the cups you saw in this video and they are still in excellent shape. Happy gardening!

[@lynn6799]

I shop for bargains. We have a local grower who often sells for 8 and 9 bucks but I also grow many from seed too. I planted a crazy amount of seeds last year. Due to lots of dry weather, we had no growth. Yes, I tried watering to no avail. However, I had a pleasant surprise today. A poppy bloomed from one of the seeds I planted last year. Now, I'm hoping this means that more will grow. I have a corner space by my driveway that I'm trying to fill with flowers that will put on a show all year long.

[@GardenMoxie]

That poppy must have been a wonderful surprise.

[@womansvoice613]

Your garden is beautiful! May it be even more beautiful and healthy. What you are saying about growing plants from seeds is exactly how I feel when I grow my plants :-). Only those who try, have a chance to understand the wisdom you've shared in this video. Thank you and good luck!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much for watching the video and thanks for your note.

[@GreenfieldsHomeplace]

This video is so near and dear to me! I really appreciate your wisdom and your outlook. I started gardening in 2019/2020, and believe me, I was voted least likely to ever have a green thumb. 😁 I started to learn about the whole natural and amazing process when I began growing from seed. I’ve had many failures but the successes made me appreciate gardening even more, the failures too, really. I learn so much each season and like you, the prices have cemented my mission to grow more. Plus, the plants I have produce their own seed and I save those for the next season. Thanks again for this great video. Happy growing! 🌷🌱

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much for your note. I completely agree that we can learn so much for growing plants from seeds and cuttings. I appreciate you being here.

[@jasminelouisefarrall]

Lovely video Sue 🪴🌷🪴

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you Jasmine. I appreciate your note.

[@vickiesorenson2383]

You can look around more online and cheap prices. Grasses are easy to divide to get more and at the end of the season are often highly discounted. Lots of box stores have half off racks where old dried out plants are placed. You can buy smaller size like 4” grass as well. Growing from seed takes a long time and that’s forming you’ve got a seedling starter system. Even some annuals can take 90 days to get a full size plant.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for the great recommendations on way to save more money for the garden. Those are wonderful suggestions.

[@barbaraguillot8958]

You so clearly verbalized my feelings when I am sowing & growing seeds. Only space I have for my seed shelves is in the dining room. Somehow it all works. Such joy seeing that flowering plant that I started by seed. Thanks for this video.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for your note. There is nothing better than watching those flowering plants that grew from seed. It never ceases to amaze me.

[@judycole7402]

Thank you. You inspired me.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much.

[@Fabdanc]

I love growing from seed, and so many beautiful things are shockingly easy to grow from seed. Some plants are also very easy to propagate via cuttings, which you can take at the end of the growing season and grow on through the winter. Here is my list of easy to direct sow seeds: zinnia, nasturtium, sweet pea, cosmos, calendula, larkspur, allysum, gomphrena, sunflowers, yarrow, strawflower, coreopsis, marigold, coleus, and nepeta.

[@GardenMoxie]

That is a great list. Thanks for sharing.

[@annalynn9325]

It’s good to see someone acknowledging the failures. Because in my seed starting efforts, failures far, far outnumber successes. I never had a gardening mentor so Im grateful for channels like yours so I can learn.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much for the words of encouragement. I appreciate you being here.

[@patriciagrisham5938]

EXCELLENT VIDEO on growing plants from seeds! If we never try, we’ll never know what we can grow from seed. It’s definitely a money saver and it’s exciting to see those seeds turn into baby plants. Wising you a beautiful and productive gardening season!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much for your kind note. I never get tired of seeing those little seeds growing. It is such a great way to learn more too.

[@AnEmmeni]

I have only direct planted seeds with great success but have always been intimidated to try growing seeds indoors but am going to give it a go. Great video, thank you

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you. I've had a few problems this season, but I am still enjoying every minute. I get such a kick out of watching those seeds grow.

[@tinkerbell9399]

Wow, I’m in the UK, and I thought our garden centres were expensive! $60 for a pot of grass is crazy!! We’re slowly learning how to divide plants, and grow from seed. It’s very satisfying when plants are successful. We have two mini wooden greenhouses in the garden where we grow our seeds, but weather here in UK has been very wet, and cold, and Spring hasn’t really been much better. Oh well, you just have to work with what you’re given. Your garden is beautiful, thanks so much for sharing ❤️

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you. Your comment about "you just have to work with what you're given" is such great gardening advice.

[@jeanannpowers9335]

I started that same seed packet of coleus and they have done beautiful! So rewarding. Started my verbena in winter sowing jugs and have pretty good germination! Maybe try that next year. I can't wait to see you plant all your seedlings out and watch them grow! Oregon zone 8b, it's almost time for me!

[@GardenMoxie]

That is awesome. I have been very happy with every seed pack I ever purchased from Botanical Interests. They also have the most thorough instructions on their seed packs. I love them. Thanks for the winter sowing tip for the verbena. I think the temperature fluctuations the seeds see in "real life" make a big difference.

[@TheSeedsower107]

Beautifully encouraging message ! I believe we were created in a garden by a masterful gardener and I am never happier than when I'm planting seeds and working in my garden. Thank you !

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you. It sounds like we are like-minded gardeners for sure!

[@TheSeedsower107]

@@GardenMoxie I am also a Michigan gardener like you . 😊

[@GardenMoxie]

@@TheSeedsower107 Awesome!

[@shelleymolinaro5866]

I'm with you Sue!!!! The plants are very pricey this year I will do some sow in place annuals like nasturtium. But my plan is to dig and divide some of the tried and true plants I have had for years. I will have fun placing them in different spots with different companions. Portland OR had a tough winter and I lost a few of my new splurge shrubs to 14 degrees for well over a week. That does not happen in zone 8 usually. I know they test the hardiness of new release plants. But time is the true test. And the soft caress mahonias did not make it here. Time to get creative. Good to see you post again.

[@GardenMoxie]

Hi Shelley. I love your plan for this season. I'm sorry to hear you lost plants during the hard winter. That is always a brutal situation for gardeners. There is nothing to be done for that killing cold. That is unusual for a Zone 8. I can't wait to hear how things go in your garden this season. Thanks for being part of this community of gardeners.

[@hobbitlady7568]

Seed growing is best for the environment too

[@GardenMoxie]

That is such an interesting point. I am trying to go peat-free next season. I have some experiments planned this season to figure out the best soil blocking recipe. I'm also direct sowing a lot of the things I will grow.

[@HoosierDaddy_]

Great video! This is so true. My local nursery and even the box stores are about 50% higher than last year on prices. That adds up quick! There's a big satisfaction one gets when growing their own seeds. It's a good feeling of accomplishment. I hope more people start learning how to grow. Don't be discouraged when you have a poor germination rate, either. It's just a challenge that everyone can overcome!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much. I know that the best way to gain plant knowledge is hands-on experience. I never get tired of watching those seedlings growing.

[@matthewbrick7539]

Beautiful video! Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Here is a tip for germinating Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate: It likes cool temperatures to germinate. About 55 degrees. They do often self sow. But if you have a cool greenhouse, you may have more success than indoors over the winter. Also, they are a good candidate for the winter sowing method.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for the info! I actually cold stratified my seeds this season, but I think I did not leave them in the cold soil blocks long enough. Last year I left them for at least a month. You are right about them self-seeding. Thank goodness for that. Otherwise I would be missing plants this season. Nature makes it look easy..ha ha.

[@elizabethbarberis9957]

I had to move 5 years ago and left my large garden behind. I loved to start from seed ... every little seedling was a miracle! Unfortunately I moved in March and left a lot of forest grass behind.😢

[@GardenMoxie]

Ugh! I bet that must be so hard to move away from your garden. You are right though. Every seed is a little miracle.

[@veronicamarquez276]

Yes , I agree that the nurseries are charging outrageous fees. Last 3 yrs. I have been disappointed because I could not afford plants that I would like to have in my garden. That’s why I also started growing more flowers from seeds.

[@GardenMoxie]

I am so glad there are so many great seed companies.

[@seriejohnson698]

I tried a few and failed 😞 So, right after Xmas, I start setting aside money for a plant budget and ask for Garden Center or Big Box store gift cards for Mother’s Day. Luckily, for me my yard is a decent size not to big and not to small, so I hoping within the next 2 years, I will have all the flowering shrubs or ornamental trees that I want. I was able to get tons of hostas on clearance at Home Depot last year because the company they hired was not watering the plants…lucked up there. I have some older hostas that can be split. I was able to divide 2 of my Astilbe plants last year to fill in some spaces. I split 2 hostas this year as well. I used credit card reward points to purchase 2 tiny quick fires thru Proven Winners. 😊 i am going to be digging up some of my sedum ground cover to add to other flower beds in the hopes of not having to purchase lots of mulch. This Summer, I hoping to get another Quick Fire hydrangea, Pinky Winky hydrangea, 1 Buckthorn (really want 2 but will have to settle for one) this year and hoping my kids come through for Mother’s Day with the Greenhouse gift cards. Lol I was able to save a couple of Vinica vines from last year’s pots and they are growing new leaves.

[@GardenMoxie]

@@seriejohnson698 It sounds like you have a great plan in place. I love it!

[@verenamaharajah6082]

I live in England and I am so shocked by the price of plants in our Garden Centres! I cannot afford them, but unfortunately I have nowhere to grow seeds in my small flat and my garden is too small for any kind of greenhouse. So I’ve had to look for bargains, sales and reasonably priced bare root and plug plants on~line. Gardening in England is fast becoming a hobby for wealthy people only. Unless of course you have the facilities to grow from seed.

[@GardenMoxie]

I can relate to everything you said. I definitely had sticker shock this year. Looking for bargain plants is a great way to deal with the prices. We tend to see great bargains at the end of the season here. A lot of local garden centers don't care for their plants well and you can get some serious bargains if you keep your eyes open.

[@firebird4240]

So true, I'm in UK too and while I understand something that took 3-5yrs to grow like a lemon tree will be pricier I don't understand why bamboo is £50 a pot when it grows 2-3ft a year!? I shop in different garden centres and find if you go near the end of the month they have better bargains, if you're not too fussy over finished season plants there are some real bargains. I got 3 pulmonarias for less than price of 1, brunnera, cornus elegantissima, celeanthus, 2 callicarpa beauty berrys and virburnum tinus all for £3 each. Honestly I've got a whole section of my garden that cost about £18 lol as I don't mind rescuing a plant or waiting for the next season for plants to get going. look for bulbs right now, I got 24 liatris for £2 and astilbe tubers for £1. I just go often and I do buy the odd expensive plant if I want something special, I want to help the garden centres out a bit too as I love walking round them.

[@GardenMoxie]

@@firebird4240 That is a great tip about searching for clearance plants. Like you, I love visiting the local garden centers.

[@hobbitlady7568]

❤seed growing is the best education

[@GardenMoxie]

Seed growing really is a great way to learn about plants. You really understand what the plant needs to thrive when you learn to grow that plant from seed.

[@christinegiorgianna8128]

I'm glad I started mine from seeds this year. I only bought a lavender, 2 geraniums and a few strawberry plants.

[@GardenMoxie]

That's great! I think it's so fun to watch the seeds growing too.

[@Laura-rx9mp]

I visited my center this week and one Hellebore was $39.99 I found them at Home Depot for $14.99, same pretty plants !!! Unreal!

[@GardenMoxie]

I know. I miss the $4.00 half gallon perennial days...ha ha.

[@Mike_Genisys]

I kept a price list on Home Depot just for the plants in the front yard .. they want 7K now for the few plants I purchased last year. The prices are out of control. Now I'm attempting to learn how to take cuttings and grow more plants from there!

[@GardenMoxie]

That is a great idea. It takes longer, but it's such a great way to gain plant knowledge.

[@kathyjenkins4067]

I learned how to propagate butterfly bushes from young cuttings! I'm going to have a hedge of them!😂 I also refuse to pay those crazy prices for plants! Love your videos!❤

[@GardenMoxie]

Awesome! Thank you and thanks so much for watching.

[@jerrywhidby.]

We just paid $50 a piece for Annabelle hydrangeas. And they were in oversized pots. Which just seemed like a way to help justify the price. We will be using the ones we bought as mother plants to offset the insane price increases. Layering, air rooting, and cuttings are in our plans for this year.

[@GardenMoxie]

That sounds like a great plan. I have seen gardeners dividing up perennials from the garden center to help save money and that is a great way to do things in my opinion. Good luck with your Annabelles. They are one of my favorites.

[@casandrasobczak4446]

A couple years ago I tried Verbena Bonairensis. I couldn’t get it to germinate as well. So I bought a couple small plants. After that, I have tons that reseed.

[@GardenMoxie]

I'm hoping some of the ones from last year reseed because I am failing at growing them indoors this season.

[@casandrasobczak4446]

@@GardenMoxie I am also in SE Michigan, if yours don’t come back this year. I would be happy to share some of mine with you. We had such a mild winter that some of my verbena plants (from last year) look like they are still alive.

[@ddgardner5671]

@@GardenMoxie Which variety did you plant? Finesse and Vanity are both produced by Benary, and the seed is treated to germinate quicker and at a higher rate. I presprouted some Vanity seeds, and most of them germinated in a few days.

[@carolinaelizabethart]

I had the best luck by just direct sowing verbena a week or so before last frost. Once you get it, it reseeds easily and I just move it around where I want it.

[@GardenMoxie]

@@carolinaelizabethart Thanks for the tip. I tried moving a few of the soil blocks outside where I am doing my Winter sowing. I'll go look to see if I see any that reseeded from last season.

[@DianePahl]

$60 ????!!!!!!????? OMG. I'm in SE MI as well and haven't gone to the local nursery yet. I will probably have to have 911 on speed dial if prices are that high. Well, they can keep them. I have seeds and know how to divide plants, heh. I think these nurseries are going to find a lot of plants languishing on their shelves if they charge that much.

[@GardenMoxie]

LOL. I'm with you friend. It's always nice to see another Michigan gardener. Thanks for being here.

[@seriejohnson698]

Hi Michiganders…I am in Grand Rapids. I always find good Clearance deals at Lowe’s and Home Depot because they don’t water their plants. They also have half off on broken bag items.😊. I was at Home Depot yesterday and instead of treating myself to a Culvers meal across the parking lot, I treated myself to 3 Candy tuft perennials for 3 for $10 and had a sandwich with broccoli and cheddar soup at home. Lol

[@GardenMoxie]

@@seriejohnson698 Plants are way better than Culvers..ha ha. Great choice. Thanks for being here.

[@DianePahl]

@@seriejohnson698 Haha! Good job!

[@SpanishEclectic]

Really great message, and lovely presentation. There seems to be a nexus between urban farming and ornamental gardening in the U.S., but I've always liked to look deeper, going back to historic gardens, and horticulturalist and garden designers from the past. There's nothing like getting your hands in the dirt, while you listen to birds singing, and feel the wind on your face. I'm in Southern California, so my daffodils are done and roses are ready to bloom, but each gardener must bow to their climate and conditions. It's odd for me to think of tiny eucalyptus seedlings; coming from Australia they were perfect for our climate here, and we have thousands of 100+ year old trees (many over 100 feet tall, with trunks 3 to 6 feet across) throughout our city. Many were planted along the railroad tracks as both a windscreen and source of wood for railroad ties. But the best laid plans...the wood is too oily and the spikes would work loose. They do have a lovely smell. As ornamental small shrubs, yours should enjoy lots of sun and well drained soil. Happy Spring!

[@GardenMoxie]

Happy Spring. Thanks so much for your note.

[@liav4102]

Those coleus are so cute 🥰

[@GardenMoxie]

Coleus are one of my all time favorite baby plants. I agree that they are just so cute. The only other seedlings I think are cuter are geraniums. They are adorable.

[@kristinebailey6554]

One problem also going on now is the price of seed. I gutted a tomato and saved the seeds, every one of them sprouted. I bought 5 different varieties of sweet potatoes at the grocery stores and Asian Markets; I am using them for seed potatoes. You can do the same with peppers, squash etc. MUCH cheaper than buying seed packets..

[@GardenMoxie]

Such a great idea!

[@eleanorcapulong8781]

I try to grow from seed when I can, especially since there's not a lot of availability where I live. Japanese forest grass is nowhere to be found in my area so I did have to order them online, which I did last fall. I purchased from Conifer Kingdom, and the prices were great! I purchased nine plants, so not only was my shipping free, but I also got to select a free gift (conifer). They overwintered well and have all come back thriving. I'm in Zone 9a southeast Georgia.

[@GardenMoxie]

Hey, thanks for the tip on where you purchased your Japanese Forest grass. That resource is new to me so I will definitely check it out.

[@thequarrygardener5578]

Wow I can’t believe the price tag on that grass, it’s extortionate. Prices have also increased greatly here in the UK since Covid and Brexit but that’s extreme. I’m with you on growing as much as I can from seed and dividing all of my existing perennials to produce more plants. I’m trying to limit my purchases to only buying that special shrub, tree or perennial. Great video I appreciate your honesty!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much for sharing your insights. I agree that I, too, will be saving up for the special shrub, tree, or perennial. I'm amazed how much I learn trying to grow plants from seeds and cuttings.

[@emkn1479]

I am only going to be buying things I can’t or won’t start myself…or that I find at a really good price. I sure spent enough on the seeds already anyway 😅 Right now I’m on the hunt for a local source of French tarragon, which cannot be grown from seed. In general I’ll spend more on a plant that meets specific needs, like being reliably deer resistant, perennial, and a shrub or tree. At that point you’re literally buying time. That said, I did grow a tray of cuttings of a shrub we’re trying to build a hedge of around our large property! If I can get them to grow well I will have saved soooooo much money! PS Your verbena will be fine! They really burst into growth once it warms up and they’re in the ground. Once they go to seed you will never need to worry about growing them again!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for your note. I love your approach to adding special plants to your garden. That is so wise.

[@PilotCristina]

So so pricey as I moved to a new build home last summer. This year I bought a bunch of annuals but i took lots of cuttings from them. Probably not legal but won’t be giving them away and keeping them in my garden. I divided my millennium alliums and also propagating tons of boxwoods to train into topiaries which will probably take years 😂

[@GardenMoxie]

That is such a great way to handle adding plants to your garden. I'm amazed how fast time flies. You are going to have boxwood topiary before you know it.

[@elaineteut9579]

I just went out today for the first time to shop for plants. It was a shock. I started gardening years ago because it was one hobby I could afford. These prices just keep going up and up. I’m trying to start a lot of things from seed. Even the seed packets are going up. I love the look of a beautiful garden that hard work and time produces but don’t know how long I can pay the ever increasing prices.

[@GardenMoxie]

I am always on the look out for end of season sales. You can typically find some excellent buys. I agree the prices are high.

[@elaineteut9579]

@@GardenMoxie I will be looking for those sales too, especially perennials. I definitely will do a lot of your suggestions. Happy Gardening.

[@patriciaterry5539]

Wow! I started all but one of my flowers by seeds and propagation!

[@GardenMoxie]

Way to go! I am pretty excited to plant my zinnia and cosmos seeds this season. And I told myself...I am picking bouquets as soon as the flowers bloom.

[@PeggyMills]

Wow, crazy price on the grass. I get a lot of starter plants on Etsy for a reasonable price. They’re small but with starting a new garden, I can’t pay the prices now. I looked at a small shrub at Lowes. It was $74. No way! I also propagate and do divisions. Great video, Sue.

[@GardenMoxie]

Hi Peggy and thanks for the tip about Etsy. I realized some people sold seeds there, but I had no idea they have plants. Thanks for sharing that and thanks for being here.

[@TrinketTheDragonsHoarde]

I've been wintersowing this year from seed. Have over 60 varities of perennials, annuals, biennials, couple shrubs, and only bought 1 northern red oak, and 3 different berry bushes that I didn't grow from seed myself. And hoping to save the seeds I get so I can sow more next year and not have to buy many if any seeds other than what I don't have anything of. And if I can manage it perhaps I'll locate a local seed and/or plant exchange for next year as this year its filling in some garden beds. Plant prices are up there and while I understand why, it is much cheaper to grow from seed. I've got some seedlings in my plastic jugs already but not everything has shown some life - may be due to a couple things as one or two take two years before I'll seed a sprout.

[@GardenMoxie]

Amazing! It sounds like you have some great plants in the works. Winter sowing is such a great method.

[@elainerobeck6895]

Oh my goodness! I was at English Gardens 2 days ago. I spent over $100 on two perrineals.

[@GardenMoxie]

I love plants, but I'll be cutting back for sure.

[@carolinaelizabethart]

I had the best luck by just direct sowing verbena a week or so before last frost. Once you get it, it reseeds easily and I just move it around where I want it.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for the tip!

[@warp9p659]

I was at a local garden center today. A 3 gallon New Jersey Tea plant was $47. Last year they were $37. The kicker is that they are the exact same plants they over-wintered because you could tell that the $47 sticker was placed over last year's $37 sticker. No thanks. You can keep them.

[@GardenMoxie]

I can totally relate!

[@pamelah6431]

$60 forest grass made me actually laugh out loud. Even wholesale plant costs are higher and higher every minute, but $60 for grass sounds like a good way to not push inventory. PS: I dug up a switchgrass a week ago (planted in fall 2020) and split it into 6. Divide plants, peeps.

[@GardenMoxie]

Such great advice to divide plants. I just got out into the garden to divide up more yarrow in the pollinator garden.

[@sheilagilleland4312]

I’m doing the same thing. 🙌🏻

[@GardenMoxie]

Yay! Way to go.

[@colleensmith3374]

Oh, another question if you don't mind. The prayer plant. I've kept it alive all winter thx to my husband filling up the humidifier daily in our bathroom. If I were to replant into a pot for more room; is there a soil combo I should use. I am so proud of it!

[@GardenMoxie]

Hi there, I am not an expert on house plants. I typically use a standard potting mix from the garden center. I found that if I ask the garden center staff for a recommendation, they can offer a great suggestion based on the type of plant you are growing. I hope that helps.

[@emmalavenham]

I would consider growing tall verbena via the winter sowing method. I think that this is one of those seeds that benefits from cold stratification

[@GardenMoxie]

Absolutely. The seeds were cold stratified using the same method I typically use with success. This year was a bust.