Understanding the Seed Packet

As a new gardener, one of the first mistakes I made was ignoring the seed packet. I looked at it but I did not immediately understand the value.  As a result, I had some failures that could have been avoided.  Thankfully, I love a little trowel and error and was motivated to figure things out! 


One thing that I learned early on is that preparation and planning is everything.  If the garden is started correctly and planted with care, then maintaining the garden during the growing season is so much easier. 

Here are some things you can expect to see on the seed packet along with a free downloadable file to help you on your journey in growing good food at home.



This image represents a typical seed packet.

- WHEN TO PLANT: Seeds have ideal planting times.  A map is typically included on the seed packet which separates the country by growing zones and indicates when to sow seeds based on those zones.  I find this especially helpful for growing cool weather crops as there are some vegetables that can be planted in Spring and Fall (such as broccoli) but may have specific varieties that are better suited to one season or the other.  If a better yield, flavor, etc will be produced by growing at a specific time, this is information that you want to know.

- DEPTH: Seeds should be planted according to their size.  For example, a lettuce seed can be scattered on top of the soil, a carrot seed may only need to be planted a 1/4 inch deep but a pea size would need 1 or 2 inches.  Depth will tell you how deep to sow your seed.

- THIN: As your seedling grows and matures into a plant, it needs proper space to stretch out.  This space ensures that the plant will receive enough sunlight, air circulation and water.  THIN will tell you how much space is needed between your seedlings. 

- HARVEST:  Every seed has a general amount of time required to reach maturity.  It's like a baby, we know they normally take nine months but sometimes they come early and other times they hang out for a little longer.  Seeds are the same way and the number of days indicated for harvest sets an expectation for when your food will be ready.

- GROWING INSTRUCTIONS: Some vegetables grow best when directly sown into the garden and others may perform better if started indoors and then transplanted outside.  Some young seedlings will be more susceptible to frost or the mature plant may be prone to bolting.  The seed packet will share any important details and instructions you need.

- DATE PACKED & SELL BY DATE: Seeds can last for years but will perform better in the sell by year. The packet will give you an indication of the age of the seeds so that you can properly plan.

I hope these tidbits are helpful to you as you start or continue your journey in growing good food at home. To download my free pdf on Understanding the Seed Packet, click here.

These days seeds are sold in garden centers, hardware stores, drug stores, grocery stores, flea markets and farmer's markets along with a variety of home & garden shows/events.  You can pretty much find a good seed anywhere! One of my favorite seed companies is located right here in Virginia -  Southern Exposure Seed Exchange.  I also frequently buy from Johnny's Selected Seeds (who also sells my favorite seed starting mix) and this year I'll be growing a heritage garden incorporating seeds from Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and hopefully from America's oldest seed company D. Landreth Seed Co whose heirloom seeds are currently being offered exclusively by American Meadows.

For the experienced gardeners, do you have any tips on understanding the seed packet that you would like to share?  Do you have a favorite seed company?

For the new or aspiring gardeners, do you have any gardening questions that you would like to see answered on this platform?  If so, feel free to ask Tam.

Until next time, I'll be Growing Good Food at Home.