Seed packet info broken down

Know what you grow...

Many of us have see displays full of seed packets. We normally look at the pictures on the front and grab several packets of something that looks enticing to us. We seem to omit the myriad of information on the back. This information is helpful. It helps you determine if the seed is a good fit for your garden. look at it like this. The retailer, the supply chain and the manufacturer of the seed all have the same motivation. That , is to sell you seed. You are the only one motivated to make sure its a success. Take control of your garden destiny. Here,I will briefly explain the information found on most seed packets. lets take a look as some general packet information.

Germination rate

This refers to the percentage of germination. That is the percentage of seed that sprout. You want this percentage to be as high as possible. No packages should say 100%. Don’t trust that one . Sometimes may not show a germination rate at all. However, a good rate is somewhere in the mid 90s.

Days to germination

The days to germination rate is the number of days from the time you plant the seed until the time the roots start to break out of the seed.

Understand that this is not the time the plant breaks through the soil surface.

Grow time

Every plant is different, so understand the plant characteristics and there will be as few surprises as possible.

Grow time is the times it takes for that plant to mature from the time it breaks the soil. Maturity occurs when the plant starts to produce reproductive organs . Flowers first then fruit. On the above packet it is titled “ Days till maturity”.

Number of seed

This is a little touchy for me. This is sometimes shown in U.S. and sometimes in metric. As with most products sold by weight, retailers play number games. So make sure you are getting the amount of seed you expect based on the price, weight, germination rate, and size of the seed. Remember some seed is as tiny as sesame seed , while others are nearly the size of a quarter like fava bean.

GMO vs non-GMO

This is a big one for me. I only buy non GMO seed.

GMO stands for genetically modified seed. That is, the seed (DNA) has been engineered in a lab. Non GMO seed has not been modified in this way. However, non GMO may have been through a process of selective breeding. Which simply means only seed with desirable traits are allowed to continue to propagate (a more natural process).

Soil temperature

This is just what it sounds like. Different seed have different soil temperatures that signal the seed to start to grow. This tells you when the best time to plant the seed . for instance, watermelon soil temp is around 85 degrees. The soil should stay at the temp for at least 5 days in an row to active the seed. You can check this using any cheap soil thermometer.

Planting depth and spacing

This on is pretty straight forward as well. Planting depth is how deep to plant the seed. Spacing is how far apart to plant the seed. The spacing is based on the expected mature size of the plant. Proper spacing will ensure the plants have plenty of room to grow and that they don’t shade each other.

Light requirements

Here is another critical issue. You must ensure the seed is compatible with your light constraints. Also, keep in mind shadows from other plants, buildings, and trees. Some packets tell you how many minimum hours of direct sunlight, while others only say full sun , partial sun, full shade, or part shade

Harvesting

This section usual shows general instructions on when and how to harvest the plant fruit.

Other information include, grow zone. This is the ideal part of the country for the plant. Its based on average soil temperatures and sun intensity. You may even find information on storage and recipes.

Also, a recommendation for direct sowing may be found. Direct sowing is planting outside verses starting in a pot then transplanting outside. Follow the packet instructions for best results.

So, this is the most common information your will see on your seed packet. Be sure to have a plan when you go seed shopping. Understand your garden plot and find seed that are compatible with your situation. I hope this was helpful and wish your well in your garden.

Remember to tell a friend and lets grow together!

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