Seed buying - keep calm and garden on!
Shopping for seed for your garden can be a gardener's favorite winter activity, especially when there is snow on the ground and the days are short. Instead of feeling daunting, seed buying can be a fun and exciting way to plan for the upcoming gardening season. Here are some tips to help you navigate the seed-buying process and make the most of your seed shopping experience.
Reflect on your previous garden season. Take a look back at what worked well in your garden and what didn't. This will give you a good idea of what seeds you need to order for the upcoming season.
Take inventory of the seeds you currently have. Check the viability of your existing seeds by doing a germination test. Simply place a small number of seeds in a damp paper towel, seal it in a plastic bag, and place it in a warm spot. After a few days, check to see how many of the seeds have germinated.
Make a list of what you want to grow. Once you know what seeds you need to order, make a list of the crops you want to grow. This will help you focus your search and make sure you don't miss anything.
Look for regionally grown and organic seeds. These seeds are often better suited to your local climate and soil conditions, and they are also better for the environment.
Check the mission of the seed company. Make sure that the company's values align with yours. This can be a good indicator of the quality of the seeds they sell.
Know the difference between hybrid, open-pollinated, and heirloom seeds. Hybrid seeds are a cross between two different varieties and can be a great way to increase yields and avoid disease. However, saving the seeds from these varieties is not recommended, as the resulting plants may not be true to the parent plant. Open-pollinated seeds are produced by natural pollination and are preferred by home gardeners. Heirloom seeds are varieties that have been passed down for generations and are often considered to be more flavorful and nutritious.
Store your seeds properly. Keep your seeds in a cool, dry place and use airtight containers to protect them from moisture and humidity. Photocases with labels by crop type are great. Also, you can save a few cases that are labeled by start date from last frost.
In summary, shopping for seed for your garden can be a gardener's favorite winter activity, a way to plan for the upcoming season and make the most of your seed shopping experience. Reflect on your previous season, take inventory of your current seeds, make a list of what you want to grow and check the company's mission. Look for regionally grown, organic seeds, and store your seed properly. Hybrid seeds can be a great way to increase yields and avoid disease but saving the seeds from these varieties is not recommended. Happy gardening!