I think I have a new favorite tomato

[kvet]

Originally Posted by JScott

But as far as buying already started plants, sometimes that's the only viable option. It doesn't make one deficient or less of a gardener. Sometimes it's just a matter of logistics. I'm no less of a gardener for buying tomato plants than somebody else is for starting their own plants from seed. You do what you have to do with the material and space you have to work with.

Dude (or dudette or dude-it) we're totally judging you.

But seriously, I'm at least one person who will say it ultimately doesn't matter whether you start from seed or not. My parental units have plenty of space, mom starts from seeds, then dad goes to the nursery and shows up with a couple dozen tomato and cucumber seedlings. My neighbor doesn't like starting things from seed, she just buys one or two plants at the nursery. A work associate only starts things from seeds he can't get locally, which are some peppers and beans from his father - the rest, he's totally happy with the bonnie grape tomato and better boy I think it's awesome you can find all the varieties you like in seedling form.

It's all worth it as long as it is fun!

[JScott]

Originally Posted by kvet

Dude (or dudette or dude-it) we're totally judging you.

But seriously, I'm at least one person who will say it ultimately doesn't matter whether you start from seed or not. My parental units have plenty of space, mom starts from seeds, then dad goes to the nursery and shows up with a couple dozen tomato and cucumber seedlings. My neighbor doesn't like starting things from seed, she just buys one or two plants at the nursery. A work associate only starts things from seeds he can't get locally, which are some peppers and beans from his father - the rest, he's totally happy with the bonnie grape tomato and better boy I think it's awesome you can find all the varieties you like in seedling form.

It's all worth it as long as it is fun!

Oh don't worry, I'm astute enough to know when I'm being judged lol, even when the judgement is all in good fas as I believe it is here.

Tomatoes are typically the only things I don't sow directly into the garden as seeds. We have early springs and a long growing season, with a long, warm autumn, so I can plant my cucumbers, squash, zucchini, watermelon, and whatever else I want directly into the ground in mid march. The other exceptions are that I plant onion starts and garlic cloves in October. I buy started tomato plants, everything else goes directly into the ground as a seed. It works in my climate, but it wouldn't work everywhere. That's why people have to do things differently. What works for me might not work for you. There's nothing wrong with doing things your own way as long as you get the results you want.

And just FYI for future reference, I'm a dude, and you may feel free to address me as such if it thrills you.