For many people, it's the preferred way to begin a garden.

(NC)-If you only draw on local resources of bedding and potted plants, you're likely missing a huge variety of plant types ... beautiful, healthy flowers and vegetables that are often only available as seed.

Many veteran gardeners prefer to grow from seed, for a number of reasons:

• A bigger variety of plants to choose from.
• Much lower costs, so you can fill a larger area of garden on a budget.
• Start gardening earlier in the spring.
• A greater sense of accomplishment.
• Just plain fun.

Gardeners who grow from seed also claim their plants are healthier and hardier.

Here's a brief "how to" guide to get you started:

Supplies:

Pick up a supply of growing trays and mini-pots at your garden centre. Make sure they're the kind that allow good drainage. Also get some sterilized potting soil - important to prevent seedlings being attacked by soil-borne disease or f...