Starting and caring for garden plants.

Abstract Most annual garden crops, and some perennials, can be grown from seed. Vegetative propagation is the other way to start garden crops, especially longer-lived species such as fruit trees, but may also be useful for some annual plants. This chapter focuses on starting garden plants from seeds both directly in the garden and in nursery beds and containers for transplanting into the garden. It also gives a brief introduction to starting plants using vegetative propagation, discussing seed quality, planting, and early seedling care, especially under hot, dry conditions. The chapter also suggests ways to diagnose a few common seed planting problems.