Seeds need to be planted early enough in the season so that they can go into the ground as seedlings when the danger of killing frost is over. Young plants need more protection than established ones, so give yourself some extra time before you plant your seedlings if there is any concern. If you do have an unexpected frost, mulching or covering the seedlings may help save them.

Utilizing seeds instead of nursery bought plants allows you to get exactly what you want. Many companies are now focusing on heirloom flowers, things that aren’t available in any do-it-yourself mega-store. In addition to their unusual appearance, heirlooms tend to be hardier in certain climates to which they are accustomed. You will have a garden that is the envy of the neighborhood, filled with flowers and plants that no one else has found.

It may seem that using seeds will slow down the development of your garden. The truth is that most seeds germinate within two to four weeks. If you want to, you can plant any perennial seeds directly into the ground, accepting that you will lose some seeds to hungry birds. Once the plants sprout up, they will continue to generate their own replacements. Let some of the flower heads go to seed and you can reseed an area that looks like it needs some additional help.Remember, perennials bloom year after year and don’t need to be replaced, just cut back. Perennial seeds give you the best of both worlds, affordability and permanence.