It’s that time of year. The seed catalogs have started to arrive and the sheer joy is felt when looking at all of the incredible new varieties and options available for the next growing season. Growing from seed is a practice that many gardeners embrace because it is truly emblematic of the garden-to-table lifestyle. We’ve created this blog post to help you navigate the seed selection process and to offer our best tips and tricks for selecting the best seeds for abundance.

There is something so intrinsically magical about seeds. They appear inert and yet they are the basis for the plant material in our garden. Seeds contain not only the possibility of what's to come but the inheritance of their predecessor plants.

Before you start buying seeds:

Do a thorough inventory! Go through your seed collection and see what you already have and what you're running low on. During the seed inventory process, it’s important to think about how many seeds you need for a certain plant. You’ll need very few tomato seeds but possibly quite a few radish seeds, for example. You’ll also want to take note of the date on your seeds. Seeds are viable for ~5 years but as they age their germination rate decreases. Keep this in mind as you take note of what’s in your seed stash.

Do your garden plan! It will help you determine what you need to buy so you don't end up with more seeds than you need. It can be tempting to order ALL of the seeds. We know this too! However, the truth is, our gardens are limited in size and buying four varieties of heirloom pumpkins, for example, is not prudent. Knowing your garden plan for the coming year is the best way to purchase seeds with success. You’ll buy what you need and be sure that there is a place and adequate growing space in your garden. This is a great way to avoid impulse buying and to save money.

A quote from a master class student with images from her garden.

The 4 Step Framework to buying the best seeds for YOUR garden

Step 1: Learn the terms

Not the terms and conditions but rather all of the descriptive terms used by seeds suppliers to qualify and categorize their seeds. Terms like “open pollinated”, “heirloom” and “pelleted” are commonplace and usually found at the front of a seed catalog or on the seed suppliers’ website. Having a familiarity with these terms will ensure that you make an informed purchase.

Step 2: Know your season & climate

Among the most important information you need to know regarding your garden is the length of your growing season. That is to say the time between the last frost and the first frost, for growers who are located in much of North America. Knowing the length of your growing season is the key to understanding the “days to maturity” indicators that come on each seed packet. With some varieties maturing more quickly than others, this is especially important if you live in an area where there is a shorter growing season. It will help you select seeds that will produce the highest yield based on your geographic location.

Step 3: Size matters

Believe it or not, there are seeds that are specific for every size of garden. From homesteads to balcony growers there are a plethora of options! Knowing that even if you have a small space you can grow dwarf varieties of zucchini, beans, peas, tomatoes and more is empowering. Beyond size, your ability to support the plants that you grow also needs to be considered. Indeterminate tomatoes, pole beans, peas and more will produce a better harvest if they are properly staked. Be sure that your garden plan includes the space for proper plant supports so that you can choose seeds that correspond to your space.

Step 4: Science is good

One of the best things about seeds that are now available to home growers is that they benefit from science! No, we’re not talking about GMO here, rather seed breeding to produce crops that have improved flavor, disease resistance and storage. Some of the best examples of these you’ll find in your seed catalog are varieties of cucurbits that are more resistant to powdery mildew. By choosing disease-resistant varieties for known pathogens in your growing space, you are selecting an organic way to improve your yield from the start of the season.

We hope you enjoy the seed selection process for this coming season! If you’re looking to level up and receive support in your upcoming garden season, check out our Seed to Plate Master Class.

Sowing Seeds for Abundance