I thought it would be interesting to see what AI has to say about me. So, I asked her! My AI is named Betty if you were wondering. Betty answered Frequently Asked Questions
Growing Flowers From Seed (When you live with the wildlife)
Dated: March 29 2026
Views: 61
Growing Flowers From Seed (When You Live With the Wildlife)
I live on a wooded lot, which means I share my yard with deer, birds, squirrels, and every other creature that considers my garden a buffet.
For years, I tried to grow flowers the easy way—by spreading seed directly outside. And for years, I watched my money and effort disappear. The birds were thrilled. The flowers? Not so much.
By the end of last season, I finally admitted what many gardeners quietly learn the hard way: in a wildlife-heavy yard, direct sowing can be an expensive form of bird feed.
So this year, I decided to do things differently.
Starting Flower Seeds Indoors: A Change of Strategy
Instead of scattering seeds outdoors and hoping for the best, I started my flowers inside. I invested in grow lights, gathered trays and seed-starting mix, and dove into YouTube tutorials like a woman on a mission.
The good news?
Some of the seeds are germinating beautifully. I’m seeing healthy little sprouts reaching up toward the light, and that alone feels like a victory.
The not-so-good news?
About half of the seeds didn’t grow at all.
And honestly? That surprised me.
What I’m Learning (Even When Things Don’t Grow)
Starting seeds indoors has been a humbling experience. You think, If I do everything right, everything should grow. Gardening, of course, laughs at that idea.
Here are a few lessons I’m learning so far:
1. Not all seeds are created equal
Some flowers germinate easily. Others are incredibly picky. Temperature, light, moisture, and even seed age all matter more than I realized.
2. YouTube is helpful—but not magic
There is great information out there, but even when you follow the “rules,” nature still has the final say. What works perfectly for one person may only half-work for another.
3. Failure is part of the process
Every tray that doesn’t grow is still teaching me something—about soil, watering, patience, and expectations.
Why I’m Still Glad I Started Indoors
Even with mixed results, starting seeds indoors feels like progress.
- The seeds aren’t being eaten before they have a chance.
- I can control the environment instead of fighting it.
- I’m learning before planting season hits its busy pace.
And maybe most importantly, I feel more connected to the process. Watching seeds germinate—tiny and imperfect—reminds me that gardening is less about perfection and more about persistence.
Moving Forward
I’m not giving up. I’ll adjust, try again, and probably lose a few more seeds along the way. But this year already feels different. More intentional. More hopeful.
If you garden in a wooded area or battle wildlife every season, know this: you’re not alone. Sometimes the answer isn’t trying harder outside—it’s starting fresh inside.
I’ll be sharing what works, what doesn’t, and everything I learn in between.
Pam McGovern
Twenty-five years ago, after graduating from college, I began my career in a traditional 9-to-5 office job. While it looked great on paper, I quickly realized that corporate life wasn’t aligned ....
Latest Blog Posts
Growing Flowers From Seed (When You Live With the Wildlife)I live on a wooded lot, which means I share my yard with deer, birds, squirrels, and every other creature that considers my garden a buffet
For many families, owning a home in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania isn’t just about real estate—it’s about history.It’s where holidays were celebrated, kids were raised, and
SOLD in Mountain Top, PennsylvaniaWhere family homes hold a lifetime of memories—and letting go becomes the next chapter.17 Old North Road was a home like so many here—well cared for,
The information being provided by Greater Scranton Board of Realtors is for the consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumer may be interested in purchasing. Any information relating to real estate for sale referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the Greater Scranton Board of Realtors. Classic Properties - Mountain Top is not a Multiple Listing Service (MLS), nor does it
Luzerne County Association of REALTORS® (LZCAOR) All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of the Multiple Listing Service. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Classic Properties - Mountain Top may be marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and detailed information about those properties will include the name of the listing broker(s) when required by the MLS. Copyright ©2026 All rights reserved.
Last Updated: September 26, 2026 5:41 AM UTC
