Q. I just moved to Maine from the South and have enjoyed the many local greenhouses. Gardening seems to be a very popular pastime here and many of my neighbors start some of their own plants from seed. I’ve gardened a little around my former homes, but the bug seems to really have hit me here in my little in-town yard. Can you tell me what benefit there is to starting one’s own seed? – D.W., Rockport

A. One of the best reasons for raising your own plants from seed is that you’ll end up with precisely the plants you want rather than whatever may be available when you arrive at a local greenhouse. Another excellent reason for raising plants from seed is that it may make sense economically. Overall, sowing your own seed may be less expensive than purchasing packs of plants at a local greenhouse.

Raising your own plants can have its downside, however. Even the sunniest windowsills may not yield the best conditions for growing seedlings. It is not uncommon for homegrown seedlings to be a bit spindly. For this reason, many people decide to rely on local growers for their plants. Commercial greenhouses provide high-quality plants that have been grown under controlled temperatures and plenty of sunlight.

Q. What is pelletized or pelleted seed? – Martin, e-mail

A. Some seed companies offer pelleted or coated seeds of plants that have very fine seeds. This coating effectively enlarges the seed and makes it easier to handle during the propagation process.

Q. Very few of my irises made it through this winter. I’ve always had a nice clump growing in a garden away from the house. I have some unusually colored varieties that I want to transplant closer to the house for some winter protection. When should they be dug and transplanted? They’re just budding now. – L.E., Levant

A. Dig and transplant your irises in late June or early July after the blooms have passed. Cut off the seed structure before transplanting to reduce stress on the plants. Remember to set the plants at the same level they grew in their original location.

Q. What is the difference between tarragon and French tarragon? Can you grow these plants in Maine? – D.W., Bangor

A. The tarragon referred to in recipes is French tarragon. It has a light licorice flavor. Another plant, Russian or Siberian tarragon, is a tasteless weed.

Tarragon is a woody perennial that is marginally hardy in Maine. It tends to grow profusely in locations where it is able to over winter, making a mass of growth that can be difficult to control.

Q. I’ve read a lot about using manure as a fertilizer and have read cautions about “burning” plants with manure that is too fresh. How aged should manure be before it can be used in the vegetable garden? – L.M., e-mail

A. Cautions given regarding “burning” plants with fresh manure applies to the high nitrogen content of the material. Composting the manure consumes and releases a great proportion of the element, yielding a more stable material, which is safe to amend soil.

It would be difficult to attach a specific amount of time to “aging” or composting manure. Effective composting can be affected by a number of variables, including moisture, temperature and the frequency with which it is incorporated or turned over. In general, well-composted manure is dark in color and has a consistent texture.

Diana George Chapin is the NEWS garden columnist. Send horticulture questions to Gardening Questions, 512 North Ridge Road, Montville 04941, or e-mail dianagc@midcoast.com. Selected questions will be answered in future columns. Include name, address and telephone number.