Yesterday I had dentist appoint smack dab in the middle of the day so I didn’t feel like I had enough time to dive into a full on gardening project like pulling weeds or cutting tree limbs. But I did want to get SOMETHING garden related done, {there is so much to do!} so I opted to sort my seed packets.
First step: going through the seed packets I had leftover over from last year. Which wasn’t much. Mostly heirloom tomatoes to be exact. I don’t know what it is about tomatoes, but man oh man, I feel like I need to grow one of each variety. Ha! I suppose there could be worse addictions, right?
So how do I sort my seeds? Well, it’s pretty easy really. First I group them together by variety. Lettuce in one pile, carrots, squash, herbs in another.
Then I simply turn the packets over and find either “when to start inside” or “when to sow outside” timeline on the back of the packet. If you are unsure of what to start indoors under grow lights or what to sow directly into the garden, the back of the packet will tell you EVERYTHING you need to know.
Then I grab a bunch of sticky notes and go to town. Some things, like radishes, lettuces, carrots and beans, I know I’ll be succession planting {one right after another} so I have a continual harvest all summer {and fall}. I try to space plantings at as best I can and usually end up planting those types of seeds about a month apart. This allows us enough time to harvest, eat {or process} the fresh veggies before the next round of yummy goodness arrives.
Now all I have to do is wait until February first to get started.
Yee-Haw! Planting season is almost here. Are you ready? Do you have your seeds yet? Huh? Huh?
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!
Get crackin’ people. 😉
~Mavis
If you’re looking for some great seeds for your garden, Botanical Interests Seed Company rocks! I posted the list of the seeds I’ll be planting in my 2015 backyard garden HERE.
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Heidi P says
How do you know if you can still use last years seeds and still get a good harvest? Is there a rule of thumb?
Madam Chow says
Heidi, I’m no expert like Mavis, but the seed packets usually tell you how long the seeds are good for.
Paula says
I think if you follow the guidelines on most seed packets, you’d be tossing them all at the end of the season. Most seeds will last several seasons if stored properly…not too hot or too cold and in an area that isn’t prone to dampness.
Linda says
Did you know there are on line seed swaps. I sure would like to find pineapple sage seed. It is not perennial in my zone. It flowers so late in fall It is hard to get it to go too seed. We end up getting hit by frost first. Check out the many online seed swaps. You find a lot of interesting things.
Cecily says
I have already started onions, leeks, celery and several varieties of herbs in my greenhouse. I am counting the days until I can start tomatoes. Only 38 more to go! 😉
Rachel says
Where did you get your seed box?? I want one 🙂
Mavis Butterfield says
I London at a botanical garden. 🙁 It’s made by the Garden Trading Company. They make all sorts of enameled tin items if you want to try searching for it here in the states.