There’s something about a fresh packet of seeds that feels filled with possibility for the upcoming growing season. However, it’s easy to go a little overboard and end up with more seeds than you really need or ones that won’t actually do well in your garden. You can avoid these pitfalls by keeping a few things in mind about which seeds are best for your needs and when to acquire them so you can start them at the right time. Here are 5 Easy Tips for Buying Seeds for the Vegetable Garden.
5 Easy Tips for Buying Seeds for the Vegetable Garden
1. Winter Is the Best Time to Buy Seeds
I know, I know…for many people the garden is the last things on their minds in the middle of the bleak winter months. Believe me, you’ll want to get that seed order in during the winter! I aim to get serious about my seed order after the holidays have passed and place my order before the end of January. The sooner the better because some popular varieties go quickly!
You also want to order seeds in the winter because certain varieties need to be started indoors months before they are transplanted out into the garden. Planning which seeds you want to grow and placing that order in December or January will ensure you plenty of time for seed starting and unexpected hiccups along the way.
2. Consider Your Growing Space
When trying to decide which garden seeds to buy, figuring out how much room you have for growing them will help you narrow down the choices. For example, if you have a small garden or will only be growing in containers on a deck, compact varieties of plants is the way to go.
3. Focus on Favorite Varieties
When picking out vegetable seeds to grow, think about the produce your family enjoys eating most. Too often gardeners fall into the trap of wanting to grow all of the things because it’s new and exciting. Remember that just because you can grow it doesn’t necessarily mean your family will get the best use out of it. Focus on growing the foods that you already eat and then maybe try growing a few food here or there just to give it a try.
4. Match Seeds to Your Climate
Garden plants vary in how long it takes for them to mature, so you’ll want to choose seed selections best suited to your climate. Start by checking the “days to harvest” or “days to maturity” information on the seed packet and calculating if your growing season is sufficiently long enough to grow the flowers or vegetable you want to grow. If you live in a northern climate with a shorter growing season, focus on faster-maturing varieties of garden seeds. In the South, you’ll have an easier time growing plants that require a longer season of hot weather.
5. Think About Pollinators
Many annual flowers such as African marigold, nasturtium, and sunflower are easy to grow from seeds sown directly in the garden after your last frost date. Not only do they add welcome color, they’ll also help attract pollinators that can improve the yield from several types of crops such as squash. And some pollinating insects are also predators of plant pests, so they do double duty for your garden.
More on Gardening
- How to Prepare Your Garden for Winter
- How to Plant a Spring Garden
- Managing the Garden with a Schedule
- How to Ripen Green Tomatoes
- Seed Storage Tips
- The Basics to Starting Seeds Indoors