New gardeners may find it challenging to determine which seeds are suitable for their needs due to the wide variety available, making it unclear which types of seeds they should purchase. I’ve learned a lot about where to shop for seeds, what to look for when buying them, and how to store and care for your precious seeds . In this blog post, I’m going to share my insights on these topics and more. Let’s dive in!

Where to Get Seeds

You have numerous options for obtaining seeds, and acquiring them is quite convenient since many grocery stores stock them. I’ll provide you with some information about where to find seeds.

• Grocery stores/Big box stores: Seeds can readily be found in the majority of grocery stores and big box stores. Some of them also offer organic seed varieties.
• Local Garden Centers: Visit your nearby garden centers, nurseries, or farmer’s markets. They often carry a wide variety of seeds suited to your local climate.
• Online Seed Retailers: There are numerous reputable online seed retailers that offer a vast selection of seeds, making it easy to find specific varieties.
• Seed Swaps: Local gardening clubs and online communities often host seed swaps, where you can exchange seeds with other gardeners. Every year, just before the growing season, our community library hosts a “Seed Library” event. At this event, people and businesses generously donate seeds that are made available to the public for free. Typically, there is a limit to the number of seed packets you can take.
• Community Gardening: Some community gardens share surplus seeds among participants.
• Save Your Own Seeds: If you have established plants in your garden, consider saving seeds from them for the next season. If you are interested in learning about saving seeds, please read this post.

5 Things to Consider before Purchasing Seeds

Before buying seeds, please consider the below:

1. Packaging Date: Look for seeds with the most recent packaging date. Seeds are most viable when they are from the current year or, at the most, the preceding year. Fresher seeds tend to have better germination rates.
2. Germination Rate: Check for the germination rate on the packet. Higher germination rates are a good indicator of quality.
3. Disease Resistance: Some seed packets provide information on resistance to common diseases, which can be valuable for preventing issues in your garden.
4. Adaptation to Your Region: Ensure that the seeds you choose are suitable for your local climate and growing conditions such as USDA Zone.
5. Sunlight: Select plants that match the sunlight conditions of your planting area, as different plants thrive in full sun, partial sun, or shade.

What Information You can Expect from the Seed Packets

Seed packets typically include:

• Image/Illustration: Most seed packets typically feature an image or illustration, providing visual identification of the plant corresponding to the seeds.
• Brief Overview: A concise introduction to the plant’s characteristics and attributes.
• Seed Quantity: The number of seeds enclosed within the packet. In some cases, the packet may specify the weight of the seeds in grams (g).
• Plant Variety: The specific name or variety of the plant or crop.
• Days to Harvest: The approximate time it takes for the plant to produce harvestable crops.
• Sunlight Requirements: Information on the amount of sunlight the plant needs.
• Spacing: Information on the recommended distance between seeds when planting.
• Plant Height: The expected height of the mature plant.
• Germination Rate: The percentage of seeds expected to sprout successfully.
• Planting Instructions: Details on when, where, and how to plant the seeds.
• Packaging Date: The date or year when the seed packet was packaged.

Conclusion

Purchasing good seeds is a crucial step in your gardening journey. By choosing reputable sources, checking for freshness, and following proper storage techniques, you’ll set your garden up for success.

Happy gardening and may your garden flourish with beautiful and bountiful plants!

If you want to learn how to store seeds, please read this. 

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