Know the difference. Grow with confidence. The Red Sky Surf Hunters way.

If you're growing herbs and veggies to fuel your campsite cooking or bring flavor to your surfside meals, knowing when to start from seed and when to buy plant starters can make all the difference in your garden's success.

At Red Sky Surf Hunters, we believe gardening should be simple, rewarding, and aligned with your outdoor lifestyle—whether you're planting on a patio, prepping for a camp trip, or growing in raised beds back home.

Let’s break it down.

🌱 Seed or Starter? What’s the Difference?

• Seeds: Tiny packets of potential. Cheaper, more variety, but need time and patience.

• Starters (or seedlings): Young plants sold in pots or trays, ready to transplant. More expensive but quicker harvests.

🧑‍🌾 When to Start From Seed

Seeds are ideal when you:

• Have at least 6–8 weeks before planting outdoors

• Want larger harvests for less money

• Are growing fast-maturing crops (herbs, greens, radishes)

• Want access to unique varieties not sold in stores

• Are growing at home before a trip, then transplanting

Best Crops to Start From Seed:

• Basil, cilantro, dill

• Arugula, spinach, kale

• Green beans, carrots, radishes

• Zucchini, cucumbers

• Tomatoes (with indoor head start)

🪴 Pro tip: Start seeds indoors near a sunny window or under grow lights 6–8 weeks before your last frost.

🌿 When to Use Starters

Starters are great when you:

• Need a quick garden setup (before a trip or short growing window)

• Are new to gardening and want an easier start

• Have limited space (RV, patio, tent)

• Want to focus on just a few dependable plants

Best Crops to Buy as Starters:

• Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant

• Rosemary, thyme, oregano

• Lettuce heads

• Broccoli, cauliflower

• Strawberries

🧺 Pro tip: Transplant into larger pots, grow bags, or raised beds at least 1 week before you travel or camp.

🚐 Garden Planning by Lifestyle

🌅 Final Thought: Plan Now, Cook Later

Starting from seed gives you variety and value. Starters give you speed and convenience. Whichever path you choose, make sure it fits your space, schedule, and season—and don’t forget to plan your garden-to-camp meal plan while you're at it.

Red Sky Surf Hunters
Grow smart. Cook wild. One Hook, One Herb, a Lifetime of Flavor.