Seed Starting: Being Prepared To Grow

Growing plants from seed is easy--people have been doing it for thousands of years. Essentially, all you need seeds, soil, and water. The difference between your garden and the gardens of thousands of years ago is that you are not a tenth-generation farmer growing native plants on your ancestors' land. You are a busy, modern person working a 40+ hour work week, and you may need a few extra tricks and gadgets to coax your seeds into giving you the garden you want.

Remember these 3 things when you are starting out with a new garden:

1. Choose good quality seeds.
   To ensure good germination rates and healthy, fruitful plant growth, untreated, Non-GMO (genetically modified organism) seed, make sure that you buy from a trusted source. Park Seed is a trusted brand that guarantees the quality of their seed products.
2. Know Your USDA Hardniness Zone.
   Choose the hardiest varieties with resistances relevant to your zone. If you live in a hot dry climate, choose varieties that are drought resistant.
3. Get as much information about your plants as you can.
   At ParkSeed.com, we always list tolerances, hardiness, and specific care instructions for all of our seeds. The seed packet itself will give you planting and germination instructions.

You can read more in this extensive seed-staring guide from our Online Gardener's Handbook which feature other articles and links to helpful gardening sites..

 

Speaking of seed packets--by popular demand, Park Seed has brought back the classic gold foil seed packets. People like them because they keep your seeds safe and dry, and most of our long-time customers associate them with the Park Seed brand.