In some climates—the chillier ones—this is the time of year to start vegetable seeds indoors so that once the weather warms, you're ready with strong seedlings to put in the ground.

Now that spring is here, many people’s thoughts turn to gardening, and to the joys of leafy salads and delicate spring vegetables. Depending on where you live, it’s probably too early to sow most vegetable seeds outdoors, but now may be just the right time to start seeds indoors.

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Listen to BOB VILA ON STARTING VEGETABLES FROM SEED INDOORS or read the text below:

Photo: preparedforsurvival.blogspot.com

There are plenty of good reasons to grow vegetables from seed. For one, starting seeds can be cheaper than purchasing seedlings. Another big benefit is choice: If you start from seed, you aren’t limited to the varieties stocked by your local garden store. Particularly now, with increased interest in heirloom and organic varieties, there’s a huge world of seeds to choose from online.

Another plus—starting from seed lets you get a jump on the growing season. If you’re conscientious, by the time the threat of frost has passed, you’ll have strong young seedlings ready to thrive outdoors in the ground.

Finally, starting seeds indoors gives you more control over your plants’ early environment and may increase your chances of success. Keep in mind, however, that some plants do better when they’re direct-seeded—in other words, sown directly into the ground. Always read instructions on the seed package, so you’ll know which approach works best, as well as the plant’s germination period and the best time to transplant the seedling.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.