Selecting the right garden seed is vital for the success of your harvest. I have seen time and again where the soil is prepare properly, everything is fertilized properly, but then the gardener uses an old seed that will not germinate, or selects the wrong type of seed for the soil prepared. How vital it is that you purchase a good quality seed that has not been kept in a hot humid environment. Seeds that are current year always seem to perform best, however, it is possible to use older seeds if they have been stored in a dry cool dark storage location, such as a green house or a garage.
Always buy fresh seeds that have been stored in cool dry conditions. Seed success ability depends greatly on the species. Seeds stored in sealed foil packets or sealed containers last for several years; however, once opened, the seeds will decline in potency.
F1 hybrid seeds are available for many annuals and some biennials. This type of seed produce plants that are typically strong and grow as stated with predictive growth and flower characteristics. This type of seed is perfect for anyone looking for consistency. However, for others who are not worried about uniformity, open-pollinated seeds are equally good and provide some fun some variation in the plants.
Seeds can also be purchased as a pellet where the seed is coated with a paste to form a smooth round ball. The advantage of this is that the individual seeds may be handled separately. This allows more easy placemen in a containers or the open ground. It also does not require that the plans be thinned. This type of seed should be fully watered when planted to make sure that moisture needed for germination gets to the seed that has been coated as quickly as possible. Under-watering the first time can cause real problems.
Seeds can also come in the form of a tape. In this form, the seeds are embedded in dissolving soluble strips with seeds evenly spaced within. This make it great for easy lay down and does not require thinning.
Seeds also can be bought as gel kits for fluid planting. Here seeds are added to a paste that suspends and evenly spaces the seeds throughout. The mixture of seeds is squeezed out. Remember not to allow the mixture to dry out. Again this method allows a more simple even placement patter of the seed.
What ever form of seed you purchase, do pay special attention to the quality of the seed and make sure that you follow the instructions for planting carefully.
