On Mon, 20 Jun 2005 18:00:11 -0400, "Jean B." wrote:

Vox Humana wrote:

I understand about the fear of propagating plants from seeds. A few years
ago I found some seeds at deep discount so I gave it a try. Nearly all of
the seeds sprouted, and I only lost a dollar or two on the seeds that
didn't. The return on investment was enormous. This time of year you will
find stores clearing out their seeds. You can get some sterile potting
medium and sow the seeds in a margarine tub. You don't need a lot of
equipment and since it is warm and sunny outside, you can just start them
outside and skip the lights and mess indoors.

Well, I did buy some seeds, and I will try to think of them as an
experiment. I had the brilliant idea (or not) that plastic egg cartons
would make nice little greenhouses....

You'd think so, but they are shallow and tend to dry out quickly.
Too bad.

Styrofoam cups, with holes in the bottom, in gallon ziplock bags (with
slits in the bottom for drainage) make for good greenhouses. Just
open the ziplock for ventilation so you don't fry the seedlings.

Growing from seed is a lot of fun and pretty easy once you get used
to it.
That said, there is nothing
wrong with buying plants. Bluestone Perennials and Springhill Nursery both
sell very small plants (in cell packs or bare root).

Hmmm. Have been looking at Bluestone. I forget how folks rate
Springhill and will check that out first....

I like Bluestone for the perrenials. Don't expect a lot until the
second year. I'd pass on the shrubs -- too small and will take years
to get going.

Swyck