Make a small hole in your growing medium and gently place the germinated seed inside with the taproot pointing downward when possible. Don't obsess over getting the angle absolutely perfect. Plants respond to gravity, and roots naturally grow downward while shoots grow toward the surface. Pointing the taproot down simply gives the seedling the easiest possible start. Cover it lightly with your growing medium and keep the area moist without saturating it.

Whether you're working with a tiny backyard, a patio, a balcony, or a few containers on your porch, choosing the right crops can help you harvest fresh produce all season long while saving money at the grocery store. The key isn't growing the most plants. It's growing the right plants. Some vegetables produce for months, while others can be harvested repeatedly from a single planting. Others grow vertically, allowing you to maximize every square foot of your garden.