Growing plants from seed is an economical way to get a wide range of plants in your garden. The first step to starting plants from seed is buying high-quality seed. Below are some tips to get good seed so you can have success growing.
Start Early
Crop times for flowers and vegetables range from three to 12+ weeks. Start early so you have the seed in time to sow at the appropriate time. Plants that are started late indoors and subsequently planted late outdoors won’t yield or perform as well as those that are planted at the optimal time
In Iowa, transplants can be planted outdoors in late April or early May. This means sowing times vary and may be much earlier in the year than you think: 6-week crops in late March, 12-week in mid-February, and 16-week in mid-January. Ordering seeds early (January-February) avoids shipping delays and provides the best selection.
Use Reliable Companies
Order seeds from reliable, reputable companies that have performed well for you in the past. Be wary of very low prices and wild claims. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. For unfamiliar companies, place a small initial order first. Keep buying from those that ship promptly and send good quality plant materials and supplies. Stop shopping from companies that don't meet expectations.
Take Inventory Before You Start
Many gardeners have a stash of seeds from previous growing seasons. Properly stored, these seeds can be viable for future use. Check the age of your seeds before buying new ones. Seed viability declines over time. The seed packets should indicate the year packed. While viability varies widely based on species and storage conditions, seeds older than one or two years often have poor germination rates. Test older seeds' germination rates to decide if they're worth using or if you should start fresh.
Don't Order Too Much
Order seeds based on the amount of available garden space, plant/seed and row spacing and desired plant yields. Seed viability of unused seed stored for next year decreases over time, especially if not stored properly. It's easy to overspend online due to low prices and wide selection. Consider seed swap events or partnering with a friend to get the variety you want without excess seeds.
Make Appropriate Selections
When leafing through the online catalogs, keep in mind that many of these companies sell nationwide. Some of their plants may not be adapted or hardy in Iowa. Check good reference materials for the cultural requirements and the hardiness of plant materials.
Special Considerations for In-Store Purchases
Mail-order seeds are convenient and often reliable, but sometimes the best options are in stores or garden centers.
Check the date printed on the seed packet. Purchase seeds packaged for the current growing season. Germination percentage of seed goes down each year at a varying rate. Seeds more than two years old often have much lower germination rates. Avoid purchasing seeds sold in wet or damp locations, as well as those that are exposed to extreme hot or freezing temperatures. These conditions could lower the germination rate of the seeds.
More Information
- Tips for Shopping and Selecting Quality Plants
- Sources for Annual and Vegetable Seeds
- Germination Requirements for Annuals and Vegetables
- How to Store Seeds and Test Germination Rates
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