Skip to main content

Monthly seed subscription services: How to choose the right one for you

From succulents to sweet potatoes, and peonies to peppers, growing and cultivating plants is a fulfilling pastime for many individuals. However, that green thumb doesn’t come without plenty of education and effort. It is important to learn about the preferences of the plants in your garden; the soil they flourish in, possible pest control, or the frequency with which you must water them.

Even the type of environment you live in can play a role in how successful your endeavors will be. This is why a seed subscription box may be just the thing to help you expand both your garden and your abilities. Let’s take a look at the key elements to help you decide which box may be a good fit for you.

What are the benefits to having a regular seed subscription box?

The greatest reasons to sign up for a subscription can be condensed into three words: Convenience, variety, and savings. When you’re making frequent trips to your local gardening center, you may not realize just how much time you are losing with each visit. A subscription allows you to plan ahead and customize the products you need, whether that is an assortment of seeds, tools, fertilizer, or countless other items.

seed subscription
Caron Badkin/Shutterstock

Most seed services feature items for many skill sets and plot sizes. Even if your garden consists of an apartment-friendly window box, you’ll find items of interest. Subscription boxes range in price from about $10 to $100 a month, on average, which means there’s something for every budget. When all is said and done, these services are automation at its finest.

Is there something for both new and seasoned gardeners?

The basic items every gardener needs are essentials like compost, mulch, hand tools, seeds, a hose or watering can, and perhaps gloves. A subscription box not only delivers this value but does it with a larger range of choices and price points than a typical box store. Items that cater to a more advanced skill set could be compost tools, specific kinds of shears, protective nettings, and countless others. So, whether you are trying to keep your first sprout from dying or looking to enhance your greenhouse, a seed subscription can absolutely be tailored to your needs, skill set, and preferences.

How do I pick which seed subscription to get?

You’re excited and ready to have your life made easier. But which box should you sign up for? Not to worry, there are a couple of easy criteria to help you make a selection. First, what is your price point? A great way to gauge this is to look at what you already spend, roughly, on gardening supplies each month. Take that number and decide if you’re looking to spend a little more, a little less, or about the same.

Next, take stock of your plants themselves. How large is your plot? Is it a single box, your entire side yard, or something much grander? The number of plants you care for will indicate the frequency at which you’ll need to resupply.

Michelle Lee Photography/Shutterstock

Lastly, what are your gardening goals? Are you wanting to simply maintain the supply you currently have, or would you like to grow your gardening space? It helps quite a lot to look ahead and get an understanding of how your needs may change over time. Using these three questions, you’ll have an easier time selecting an effective seed subscription box.

If you’re ready to plant yourself firmly in the world of gardening, then a monthly seed subscription box is a great way to go. Not only will you save time, money, and research, but you’ll enjoy the convenience of automated shopping each and every month. It doesn’t matter if you are a long-time enthusiast or just blossoming into a new hobby, there is a box to fit your needs. Everything from mulch, seeds, tools and more can be customized in a box that will be shipped right to your door. There is a wide range of price points to fit your budget and garden size. Not only that, but if you run with a community of green thumbs, a subscription box can supply excellent gifts, as well. The only thing you’ll need to provide is the sweat and sunshine.

Editors' Recommendations

How often does a cactus flower bloom? What you need to know
Christmas cactus with purple flowers

Cacti can come across as prickly and uninviting, but some of them have flowers that rival the brightest blooms of more traditional flowers. If you want a flower garden bursting with color and life, but live in a dry, hot climate that makes growing most plants difficult, then you might have better luck with cacti. What’s more, cacti are also low maintenance, making them a great fit for gardeners on the go. Not sure when to expect cactus flowers, or which cactus might be the best fit for you? Don’t worry, we’ll set you up for success in this handy guide to cactus flowers.
What factors affect bloom time?
Species is one of the most important factors that can impact how often your cactus blooms and how long the bloom lasts. Cacti tend to bloom when they reach maturity, so slower growing cacti will typically take much longer to produce flowers than cacti that grow more quickly.

The other most important factor is whether or not all of your cacti’s needs are being met. A cactus that is getting the right amount of sun, water, and nutrition will bloom more regularly. On the other hand, a cactus that is getting enough light, water, and nutrition to stay alive, but not as much as it needs, won’t bloom as often. This is a way of conserving energy for the plant.

Read more
How to care for your fishbone cactus, one of the cutest cacti out there
A potted fishbone cactus

The fishbone cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger) has taken the plant world by storm. It’s long, trailing stems feature a beautiful zigzag pattern that looks just as amazing in a pot on the shelf as it does in a hanging basket. Also known as ric rac cactus or orchid cactus (which gives you some insight into the kind of environment this cactus prefers), the fishbone is native to Mexico where it’s often found in groups dangling down from trees. The natural environment and appearance of this cactus, of course, lends itself to certain types of display over others. But with a unique plant like this, your collection will be elevated no matter where you put it—and you'll have a leg up on care if you're already used to growing other cacti and succulents in your home.

Does the fishbone cactus grow better indoors or outdoors?
The fishbone cactus, by and large, will thrive best indoors as a houseplant where you can keep it in a controlled environment. Because its native habitat is Mexico, it should only be grown outdoors in similar climates. Everywhere else, it’s best kept indoors year-round; however, if you really want, you can place your fishbone cactus outside for some of spring and summer. Be mindful of the temperature requirements the plant has when doing so, though, because you’d hate to let it get too warm or too cool outside before you have a chance to bring it in again.
Caring for your fishbone cactus
The fishbone cactus is a great option for beginner and experienced houseplant gardeners. Most cacti are easy to care for, but the fishbone has care requirements that are quite simple to maintain. The most complicated aspects of this plant are the humidity and temperature requirements. Because you’re trying to mirror their natural habitat as best as possible, it’s important to choose a location in your home carefully.

Read more
How fast can cacti grow and can you make them grow quicker? Here’s what we know
A collection of potted cacti

When it comes to durable houseplants for people who want something green in their home but don’t have time to devote to a lot of care, cacti are a great option! Sure, they appear aloof and unapproachable (and should be kept out of reach of children and plant-loving pets), but they add quite a beautiful touch to your space. There are so many varieties of unique colors, shapes, and sizes, which often leaves people wondering: How long does it take for a cactus to grow?

How fast do cacti grow (and why)?
How fast a cactus grows depends on the variety you’re working with, but there are a couple key factors across the board. In general, you’ll find that most varieties only grow between one and three centimeters per year. Knowing the kind of cactus you have can help you tailor your environment for optimal care, but there are two things you can’t change: the fact that they’ve adapted for survival and the fact they don’t have leaves.

Read more