Seeds are where it all begins – Here are my best tips
It’s that time of year again! We’re planning for dirt manicure season – and it all begins with seeds. Like most everything, not every seed is created equally. I want to share with you what I look for in a seed pack and where I find my favorites year after year. Now is the time to get going on this, because seeds are quite the commodity these days – don’t wait until they sell out!
As a note: if you’d rather listen to this information than read it, check out my podcast “Rooted & Free” here, or wherever you listen! Episode 2 is all about seeds!
What I look for in Seeds
There are three main things I look for in a seed pack:
- Non-GMO
- Heirloom
- Organic
Non-GMO – This is my number one. I do not want any genetically modified seeds. The common plant that is the most difficult to find Non-GMO is corn. Baker Creek Heirloom (see link below) seeds are the one source I know of that carries some options.
Heirloom – This means plants are open-pollinated and your seeds, if you save them, will produce the same plant as from which the seeds came. From a seed-saving and sustainability standpoint, this is important to me!
Organic – These seeds come front plants not treated with pesticides and harmful chemicals. Such things can cause health problems – that’s a no for me.
What Seeds to buy
When deciding what seeds I need to buy for the year, I start by making a list of the plants I’d like in my garden for the year. If I’m planning on purchasing any plants from my garden center, those come off the list. This year, I’m planning on growing all from seed! In years past, I only did direct sow. I bought tomatoes, peppers and the like from my garden center. I will be starting seeds inside soon! (Pray for me!). It’s useful to note, as well, what growing zone you’re in – check here – because not every variety will do well in every zone.
Once I have my list, I lay out where each plant is going to go (in ground, in raised beds, tower garden, grow bags, etc.). If there are any I cannot fit, they come off the list, too.
Finally, I look at what seeds I have from years past. That leaves me with my seed shopping list for the year!
Where to buy seeds
One of the best places to check for seeds is your local garden store – often times, they will carry seeds and varieties that do well where you live. And most stores will have someone who is knowledgeable to help you.
I like purchasing my seeds from these companies:
Botanical Interests is a small business local to me – Colorado. Many of the varieties they offer are organic and they have a good selection of heirloom plants, too. Their seed packets are gorgeous and have a TON of information right there at your fingertips.
Baker Creek Heirloom has the largest selection of heirloom seeds I know of – so many varieties! Their website has fantastic information on plants and their review section can be helpful as many people share how plants did in their location/grow zone for your reference.
Seed Savers is a great company – their mission being to grow heirloom plants and preserve their seeds so that we don’t lose varieties. Kind of cool, in my opinion. You can find a lot of fun varieties through them.
A note: you can get great flower seeds from these companies, too! Botanical Interests has a points program for free seeds, too!
I hope you found these simple tips helpful! Let me know what your plan looks like this year.
Happy planting,
Sharon
