Many decisions must be made before you plant your outdoor garden, such as location, size and if you wish to use fertilizers or pesticides. Deciding what types of seeds you will use is one of the most important choices; whether planting a vegetable, flower or herb garden, seed options should be considered carefully. When you are choosing seeds for your garden, there are numerous categories to consider, including heirloom, organic and regular.
Heirloom seeds come from plants that have been grown for generations. Flowers may not be as brightly colored because the seeds are untreated and are not genetically altered. However, heirloom seeds may produce plants with greater resilience to pests and disease, as well as better-tasting herbs and vegetables.
Organic seeds come from plants that grew without utilizing pesticides or fertilizers. If you decide to buy organic, check the package for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's certification to ensure that the seeds truly meet the standards required of organic products.
Regular seeds are particularly popular and can be found online or in garden centers across the country. Check the date on the package, choosing seeds packed for the current year's growing season.
In addition to seed categories, there are two very important factors for choosing seeds. First, know the environment in which you plan to plant the seeds, and second, decide whether the plants will grow properly in the space that you have. Do the plants require a cool and shady spot to grow? Generally, the package will tell you this information. Does your backyard have any areas that are cool and shady for most of the day? If not, try a different type of seeds.
Each type of garden has its own challenges. For a flower garden, try to choose colors and sizes that complement each other. If a vegetable garden is on your agenda, take note of whether or not the plants grow in bushes or need a trellis. Finally, you may wish to plant herbs that will help your garden by attracting beneficial insects and repelling harmful pests.