It also makes sense to buy seedlings of plants that take a long time to mature, such as tomatoes, or for small delicate species like cabbage, which need special protection early on. Transplanting seedlings makes an immediate impact and, with such plants as petunias and pansies, you’ll be able to forgo the equipment, indoor space, and labor required when starting seeds. Consider the length of your growing season and the needs of the young plants as you decide whether to go with seedlings or seeds. Seeds are cheaper than plants, but if you let price be the sole determining factor, you’ll shortchange your garden. RELATED: 10 Gardening Mistakes That Are Killing Your Plants 5.

They also will let you know how much nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients you should add with fertilizer to grow healthy plants. For instance, if your soil pH is out of range, they will recommend the amount of lime or aluminum sulfate to correct it. (To find your local CSS, type your county, state, and the words “extension service” into a search engine.) You’ll send a dry sample of your garden soil, and they’ll return a detailed analysis of its chemical and physical properties, plus ways to improve it. Home soil test kits are available, but nothing beats the information you’ll receive from your county’s Cooperative Extension Service, for a fee of $15 to $20. The pH may be out of balance, or certain nutrients may be lacking. Sandy soil needs to hold more water and nutrients.

No matter how great or poor your soil is, it can and should always be improved.

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