How to Read Seed Packets

If you are just starting out in gardening, there are many things that can be confusing. One of these is trying to read seed packets. What does it all mean? What should you be looking for? Here are some tips to help you read those packets and choose the seeds that are right for you and your home garden.

The back of the seed packet is where you will find the most valuable information. It should tell you what you need to know about the plants that will grow from the seeds contained inside the packet. Keep in mind that if a seed has been grown organically according to the organic certifications standards, it should be on the front of the label where it can be seen clearly.

The packet should tell you the number of plants that it is estimated you can get from each packet. Of course, this will vary a bit because there is no guarantee there are the same number of seeds in each packet. There is also no guarantee that each seed will produce a viable seedling. But, this should help you figure out how many packets you will need, give or take one or two.

You should also find planting information on the seed packet. This should include advice on how deep to plant the seed, how long it will take to germinate, and how long it will be until you can harvest vegetables from your new plants. This is valuable information, especially if you plant to use succession planting to guarantee a supply of vegetables throughout the growing season in your area.

A map of the temperature zones should also be included on the packet. This will help you discover which zone you live in. There will also be instructions for each zone, or groups of zones, for times to plant the seeds or seedlings outside. This will, most likely, be after the threat of frost is gone from your area.

Vegetable and herb seeds can expire. So, there should be a date that will indicate the seeds have been tested that year. These tests show that they have met the federal standards for minimum germination for the year stamped on the packet. This also means the seeds are fresh and should be used in that same year. Old seeds may germinate, but they are not as likely to as newer seeds.

Making sure you have seeds that are fresh and will grow in your temperature zone will help ensure you have a bounteous harvest from your home garden. And, having success in any hobby makes it more enjoyable. Hopefully, these tips on how to read the seed packets will help you make a more informed choice.