Starting from seed

Here are a few easy plants to start from seed, according to Clemson Extension horticulture agent Amy Dabbs and local Master Gardeners.

‘Sun Gold’ cherry tomato: A delicious, bright orange cherry tomato.

Marigold ‘Queen Sophia’: An oldie but goodie and very pretty with red and gold flowers.

‘Jelly Bean’ grape tomato: Small grape tomatoes with a sweet burst of flavor great for gardening with kids!

Basil ‘Genovese’: The “classic” Italian basil for cooking.

Salvia ‘Coral Nymph’: Sweet peach-colored flowers bring in the hummingbirds, bees and butterflies to pollinate the vegetable garden.

Mexican Sunflower ‘Torch’: A prolific bloomer with bright orange flowers that last right up until frost.

Cucumbers: choose from an array of minis, slicers, picklers and specialty cucumbers.

Squash: Crook-neck, straight, zucchini or scallops — all start easily from seed. Plant early for best defense against insects and diseases. For suggested varieties go to http://bit.ly/alPzky.

Sunflower ‘Teddy Bear: A large flowered, dwarf sunflower that reaches only 5 feet in height. Perfect for container gardens, Try ‘Chocolate,’ which boasts beautiful rich mahogany colored flowers.