As a changeable April wears on, spring-hungry northern gardeners are anxious to get seeds planted. But should they start those seeds indoors with grow lights or on a widow sill? Or can they put them directly in the ground outside (if the snow ever melts!)? That’s the subject of this versus episode.Normally, Erin and Sean compete to see who can make their versus topic more interesting. This week, it’s more of a collaboration. Erin gives us the rundown on materials needed for direct sowing (not much but a rake and a gentle watering head are your friends) and Sean does the same for seed starting, covering grow lights, types of soil and soilless media, fans, and more. They compare the pros and cons of each method, which plants have a preference for one or the other, and what gardeners need to know about timing, growing season, and microclimates. They also shine a light on common seed-starting mistakes and explain how hardening off works. As always, accessibility and flexibility are Erin and Sean’s watchwords; as they say, failure is a common part of gardening and anything is worth an experiment. By the end of the episode, you’ll have your own ideas germinating about how to make the most of your gardening season .Comments? Feedback? Want your garden question to be featured in a future Q&A segment? Email us, reach out over social media, or get Q&A priority by supporting us on Patreon. Bluesky: @plantsalwayswin.com TikTok: @plantsalwayswinpodcast YouTube: @plantsalwayswinpodcastWebsite: www.plantsalwayswin.com CreditsWebsite Design and Illustration by Sophia AlladinIntro and Outro Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/when-my-ukulele-playsLicense code: GWOIMMBAS15FG6PHTimestamps00:12 Introduction 00:44 What's Growing On: Erin's Seed Snails02:50 What's Growing On: Sean's late-season winter sowing05:17 The Plant Face-Off, Sort Of05:32 Water Break05:38 Definitions: Direct Sowing06:16 Definitions: Seed Starting07:05 When do I Direct Sow my Seeds?12:35 Winter Sowing: a Hybrid13:20 When do I Start Seeds Indoors?18:46 Materials for Direct Sowing21:33 Materials for Seed Starting22:49 Soilless Media24:02 "With Mycorrhizae" Advertising 31:04 Which Plants To Start Indoors or Out?37:10 Containers and Up-Potting37:43 Hardening Off and Transplant Shock42:45 Pros of Starting Seeds Indoors45:05 Pros of Direct Sowing Outdoors48:14 Sean's Biggest Problem: Managing Moisture49:22 Erin's Biggest Problem: Labels53:06 Outro
