Buying Seeds: Everything You Need to Know about Ordering Seeds

As spring approaches, most gardeners become restless. Websites, seed catalogs, and the new season's inventory at general shops and garden centers are all there to entice. It's difficult to resist colorful packets that promise an abundance of ideal vegetable crops. While active gardening usually ends in winter, it is a great time to start planning your garden for next year and to order some seeds.

Now is the time to pull out your seed catalogs and plan your seed orders for the upcoming growing season. Gardeners and farmers alike dream about the abundant harvest that lies ahead during this time of year.

If you get overwhelmed while buying seeds, this article will help you. In this guide, our experts share some crucial things you should consider before placing your seed order, tips, and everything you need to know about buying seeds.

Make a Garden Plan Before Placing Seed Order

When purchasing seeds online, it's easy to buy more than you can plant or have room to grow. You understand this if you've ever shopped online to buy one item and added more to your cart due to the exciting, recommended products.

Gardeners ordering seeds online or from a catalog can easily fall into the same situation. Therefore, it is important to have a garden plan before browsing seed offerings.

Make a plan of what you are going to use before you order. Many vegetable growers often produce more than they're going to use. This wastes time and space unless you enjoy growing it and giving it away. When planning, consider the space in your garden and know which plants grow well together. Write down varieties that you will need or want to grow.

If you want to try growing something for the first time, consider whether your growing conditions will support it. More importantly, think about how long it takes to grow from seed to maturity.

Place Your Seed Order Early for Best Deals

Most gardeners order their seeds in December or January to reduce the chance that the seed company will run out of a favorite variety. Suppliers often put sales on seeds at the end of the year to make room for the following year's stock. You'll find the best deals on last year's seeds by placing an order early. However, remember that new seeds will offer the highest germination rates.

Order seeds at the start of the year to get the desired quantity and varieties. Although you don't need to rush this decision-making process, it is best to go ahead and place your seed order to ensure you get what you need.

Look for Seed Varieties Adapted to Your Zone and Growing Conditions

Check your USDA hardiness zone and frost dates. To be sure you're purchasing the appropriate kind of seed for your zone, take the time to investigate each type thoroughly. Know your growing conditions before buying seeds. It includes lighting requirements, ideal soil temperatures, soil type, and garden's moisture conditions.

Read the plant description on the seed packet and carefully choose which variety will thrive in your climate. You can speak with local farmers and gardeners to learn which cultivars work best for them and where they buy their seeds.

Look for Productive Varieties

When choosing varieties, be careful and selective. Heirloom varieties are popular among gardeners because of their taste and look. However, if you are growing crops for profit, you should pay attention to disease resistance and yield.

The production of hybrid types is far greater than most heirlooms, while certain traditional varieties can still be reliable and productive. In the South, where we face significant disease strain because of our warm, humid climate, hybrid types are also produced to resist diseases, which is critical for productivity. Compared to heirloom seeds, hybrid seeds are typically more resistant to disease.

Organic Seeds

Moreover, you can buy organic seeds to promote organic gardening. Organic seeds are grown by certified organic methods without fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. USDA approved these seeds, which were produced and processed in compliance with organic guidelines. Look for the "Certified Organic" label when buying organic seeds.

Non-GMO and GMO Seeds

GMO is an abbreviation for "genetically modified organisms." GMO seed is derived from a plant whose genes have been altered in a laboratory. GMO seeds are created specifically for commercial agriculture. There are some concerns that these seeds might infect other crops.

Non-GMO seeds are produced through pollination. There are two ways to breed them: open-pollinated seeds or hybrid seeds.

Many seed companies claim that their products are non-GMO in their catalogs and on their seed packets. Even if some companies don't say so, you can be sure that the seeds are non-GMO. This is because GMO seeds are not available for home gardeners. So, gardeners don't need to consider GMO seeds for now.

Purchase of Reputable Seed Companies

It is essential to ensure you get the most out of your seed purchase because it can be a significant expense. You can reduce the chance of wasting time or money by starting a batch of seeds with low germination rates by buying from a reliable seed company that offers consistent quality.

Ask your gardening friends and seasoned growers for advice on finding a trusted company. Find out which suppliers or companies your gardener's friends like and have used with success. Your county extension office can be a great place to start.

Avoid Buying All Seeds at Once

Don't purchase too many seeds at once. Discount offers for the early season may tempt you to order too many packets that will never be planted. It is preferable to get fewer items than you require and more as the season progresses. There are many seed suppliers and retailers, so shortages of seeds during the growing season are uncommon, especially as there are many varieties to choose from.

Common Terms Found on Seed Packet

Here is the information you can expect on seed packets.

Plant Name and Description: The plant's common and botanical name.

Plant Type: Whether the seed is annual, perennial, or biennial.

Days to Maturity: Number of days from planting until the plant is ready to harvest or bloom.

Days to Germination: Number of days until seeds begin to sprout.

Seed Spacing: The space you should give between seeds on sowing.

Height: The average plant height on maturity.

Approximate Number of Seeds: Number of seeds to expect in the packet.

Planting Instructions: Steps to start seeds and grow plants.

The Bottom Line

There you have it. A helpful guide to purchase seeds! It is always best to do a little research on the plant before making a purchase. Spending time choosing varieties that will thrive in your garden. When choosing which plants to grow, you must know how much water, nutrients, and time each plant needs. Take the time to create a garden plan and consult with experienced gardeners before placing a sizable seed order to ensure the success of your garden this growing season. Lastly, read the label on the seed packet carefully.

So, follow these tips, order your favorite varieties, and start your vegetable, herb, or flower garden from seeds. If you purchase too many seeds or have a packet containing more than you need, share them with a neighbor or friend.