It’s All About The Seeds
These are some things to consider when getting seeds for your indoor garden that you should be ready to handle. Let’s examine the process from the very beginning.
Seeds carry all of the genetics needed to grow into large, tasty produce. Large stalks of celery come from some of the smallest seeds. It’s incredible when you consider the growth and lifecycle of a plant. Its journey starts right here with the teeny tiny seed. The size of grain doesn’t always correlate with the size of the plant either. (There is a joke there somewhere…) Coriander seeds are larger than celery seeds, yet celery becomes large and robust. Coriander seeds give way to cilantro, a more delicate looking herb grown in bundles. It’s odd but awesome at the same time. But the biggest thing is that your plant is only as good as the seed you sow, so choose wisely.
Trusting your seed seller
Many people sell seeds, but not all sellers put the same trust and care into their seed sourcing. The places to buy seeds are seed-specific suppliers. I won’t list them all here, but I have a few.
I am not sponsored by any companies, so these are just the most popular companies that supply high-quality seeds.
Peace Valley Farm & Garden Supply
You can also get seeds from local farmers markets and other online outlets. Look for organic and heirloom varieties of seeds to sow for your family to get the maximum nutritional output of these plants. Just be sure to check the source of the seeds for the quality if possible.
Non-GMO Seed Sources
Since I promote the idea of natural Non-GMO products here, I will write about seed sources a bit further. I stay away from companies like Seminis and Monsanto that change the genetics of our food with the intent to make the plants stronger, larger and more pest resistant. Earth needs no help in producing plants. It has been doing that successfully for a very, very, very long time. All of the previously mentioned seed companies are for the safe seed initiative and promote the naturally occurring seeds from plants around the world. I’d stay away from anything but the real thing. Consider donating to the cause if you can. I believe safe seeds are essential to our lives.
This is the Safe Seed Pledge
“Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants. The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately people and communities.”
That’s the best we can get folks. Initiatives like this will hopefully win out over companies that seek to change nature for profit. If this is not a concern for you, I’d ask you to reconsider for our future generations.
Getting what you ask for
One big thing about buying seeds is ensuring you are buying what you believe you are. There are many plant varieties, and often this can lead to you becoming unhappy about your purchase and possibly delaying that fantastic dish you intended to make. For instance, there are 50 to 150 species of basil, and most, but not all, culinary basils are cultivars of O. basilicum or sweet basil. They all have different flavors and notes at play. So, your best bet is to study the plants you grow, so that you are keenly aware of their qualities. Although, this mistake isn’t always a bad thing as you may stumble on a secret ingredient to your dish.
Helpful Seed Equipment
There are some things you can buy to help you in your seed prep for sowing. Seeds can be smaller and more fragile than anything you usually handle. It’s best to care for them with consistency.
Trays- I use a standard serving tray or rolling tobacco trays to hold my seeds as I work. Some seeds can get away from you quickly. These trays help contain them in a small area.
Seed dispenser- Seed dispensers allow you to hold several seeds at once. I have large hands so dropping seeds has become a sport when I act as if I can plant with my fingers quickly. Seed dispensers can make that much faster and much easier while sowing in the soil, stone-wool or Char Coir Coco Cubes. (more on this later). These dispensers have sized exit holes and pour spouts for directing those seeds where you want them. It also allows you to plant a pretty exact amount in your grow media when seeding heavily.
Toothpicks- This isn’t an obvious choice, as I went a long while before starting to do this. Toothpicks are great for picking up tiny seeds that may have gone astray. You just wet the tip of the toothpick with water and the seed will stick, and you can then place it in its grow media. Toothpicks have made it much easier to push the seed into the grow media as well.
Paper Towels- Some seeds or sprouts need to get started in a wet paper towel overnight before placing in the grow media. These also come in handy when working around seeds as they provide some visual contrast when working with tiny seeds.
Labels- Labels are a gardener or farmer’s favorite item. Honestly, some of us forget what we sowed where. We also lose track of when those seeds expire. (more on that later) But, be sure to label your seed packages with information like where and when you bought them to help you make sound decisions when you make your next purchase. Try to keep the packets of the seeds as they have pertinent information for the environment a seed needs to be in to sprout.
Ziploc- These are handy in case you lose your packages or need a new place to keep the seeds. Freezer Ziplocs are especially useful for saving the seed packages in one place. In case a package breaks open somehow you won’t lose your seeds in the carpet or couch.
Light-Great for seeing these tiny seeds. Low levels of brightness make it nearly impossible to work around seeds. Not much more to say than that.
Storing Your Seeds
You should always store your seeds in a cool and dry place. Otherwise, it will take longer for your seed to germinate. The environment should be cool and away from your lights and other hot areas like above the stove in a cabinet.
Checking Expiration Dates
Check the date so you can ensure a harvest. Don’t sow seeds without checking this date as it could be a waste of your time and resources. If the seeds were stored well, it’s possible they will be fine to sow. But, a bad seed gets the space, water, light and grow media that could go to good seed. If you plant the seeds, you should test them first. If you prefer throwing caution to the winds by not checking the seeds, be sure to sow more heavily to make up for the lower germination rates.
How to test old seeds
Space several out on a few layers of moist paper towels
Roll up so that the seeds don’t touch
Enclose the bundle in plastic wrap, so it doesn’t dry out.
Place in a warm, bright location (65 to 70 degrees is fine) but away from direct sun. Check the seeds every couple of days. If they haven’t germinated — or only a few have sprouted — in a couple of weeks, chances are they’re no good.
To wrap this up, be sure you are comfortable at a table before planting the little guys. Throw on an excellent podcast or Netflix series and sow your seeds with delight. This guide should help you be prepared for germination. Remember, good plants start with a good seed. Make sure you care for seeds just as you would the plants.
