It’s time to start thinking about the seeds you will need for your garden this summer! There are many variations of seeds and ways to go about planting your garden. Let’s think through how to buy garden seeds that you will need so you are ready to go when your soil hits the ideal temperature.
If you haven’t already sketched out your garden, now is the time to do so. Remember to keep in mind the height and width of each plant. If you need help planning, see our blog entitled Garden Design 101.
TYPES OF SEEDS
When you go to your local garden center, there are many different choices. Let’s talk about the different types of seeds so you aren’t overwhelmed.
Did you know that you can buy seeds that are already embedded within a tape? This is aptly called seed tape. These are great because you don’t have to worry about proper spacing or spilling too many seeds in one area. If you are anything like me, it is always windy when I go to plant, and that can make keeping track of tiny seeds a little tricky. Also, your hands will be full of soil, which makes the seeds hard to grab one by one. One other benefit is that it keeps the seeds in place after they are planted, especially if you receive a hard rain before the seeds have taken root.
Seed tape is more expensive, so if you decide that they do not fit in your budget, you can go with traditional seeds in the paper packets. There are several varieties within this type as well. The section of organic and non-GMO seeds seems to be growing more and more each year. These seeds have been harvested according to the federal guidelines set for organic products, including no use of synthetic fertilizers. I prefer these seeds to the traditional seeds because I do not use synthetic fertilizer in my garden, so I like to know that the seeds have not been exposed to that as well.
Many people think that if seeds are heirlooms, they are organic. This is not necessarily true. However, it is likely that this is the case. Heirloom have been passed down through many generations and are not a hybrid that has been created.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
Maybe you were able to save seeds from last year, and your list of seeds to buy this year is much shorter! If you have never saved seeds before, watch for a post in the coming months about how to save seeds. It is a very easy process, and you will be so glad you did it the following year.
One other option is to buy plants instead of seed. I like to buy some of my tomatoes as plants so I can start to harvest them earlier. There are certain varieties of tomatoes that are must-haves in my garden, and I can’t always find as seeds, such as the Mortgage Lifter and the Black Krim. I need to remember to save some of these seeds this year!
If you are still feeling overwhelmed, seed companies sell starter packs that contain an assortment of the basic plants, such as the seed pack listed below. You can also shop for seeds online, but I personally prefer going to the local garden store and seeing all of my options at once. If you choose to shop online, though, you have the ability to use filters as you search, which can make it less overwhelming as well. Click on the link below to purchase this basic pack.
CONSIDER HERBS
I want to strongly suggest that you consider buying herbs for your garden. I usually only grow dill because it is so easy to buy dehydrated herbs and spices at the grocery store. However, this past year I dehydrated some dill from my garden, and the results speak for themselves. The dill on the left in this picture is from my garden. It was very easy to put it in my air fryer to dry it out. This has motivated me to buy some oregano, basil and other herbs this summer!
Regardless of what kind of seeds you choose to buy, it never ceases to amaze me that those tiny little seeds will one day grow into a large producing plant. Not only that, but it will generate new seeds to grow many more plants. God is an awesome Creator!
Let’s get ready to garden!
Leah
Looking to start a garden for the first time? Check out our Make the Simple Garden Action Plan today!
Stacia Olson says
I love the seed tape! I’ve never heard of that before.
Leah says
They are certainly something to consider!