Where to Get Seeds
Before buying seeds for the upcoming growing season, many gardeners suggest taking inventory of what types and quantities of seeds you need. It’s generally best to purchase slightly more seed in order to account for low germination rates or other unforeseen seed starting issues. Purchasing seeds early in winter will help to ensure that you’re able to get all the varieties you want before they have sold out for the season. While many local garden centers and home improvement stores offer a wide range of seed each spring, options are fairly limited to more traditional flowers and vegetables. When purchasing seeds locally, timing may also be an issue. Some seeds are simply offered by retailers too late in the spring or them to be grown successfully. For this reason, many gardeners now do their seed buying through various online retailers. Reputable online seed companies ship year around. This allows you to order seeds at the correct time for planting. Furthermore, you’ll be able to choose from a much wider selection of heirloom and open-pollinated seed types.
How to Get Seeds
If purchasing seeds for the garden is not an option, there are other places to get seeds. If you already have established green spaces, you may find that saving your own seeds is ideal. In doing so, it will be important to plan accordingly during the growing season so that seed has ample time to mature before it is harvested. After mature seeds are collected from open-pollinated varieties, they can be further dried in a cool place. Next, move the seeds into paper envelopes and label them for storage. Collecting your own garden seeds is also an excellent way to share among other growers. Seed exchanges are especially popular within community gardens and in growing groups on various social media platforms. This is an easy way to expand the garden at little cost, as well as diversify your plantings.
