Seed selection is important spring decision

STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. – With gardening time right around the corner, gardeners have many seed sources to choose from. Picking the right seeds can make a big difference in the success of your garden.

“Choose a reputable source that offers disease-free seed, high germination rates and those best suited to your zone,” says University of Missouri Extension field horticulturist Katie Kammler. Also consider variety selection and available quantities, she says.

There are many seed companies that cater to just home gardeners versus commercial production. Some companies do both.

Many companies offer seed treatments with fungicides and insecticides coating the seeds to help prevent problems or pelleted seed for easier sowing. Organic seed and untreated seeds options are also available.

Compare availability, pricing, shipping rates and discounts to help determine what works for your garden, says Kammler. Many home gardeners order from multiple seed companies since some desired varieties are only available from one company.

Variety selection is an important part of choosing seeds. Consider what grows best in your climate and soil. If you are planting flowers, ask about color and size options. If growing vegetables, what varieties are unique and taste great? Consider disease resistance and insect issues.

Start small when looking for new varieties to try, says Kammler.

There are differences between what seeds are available for a commercial grower and what is available to a home gardener. Catalogs or seed company websites for home growers offer small quantities of different varieties. Read the catalog information on specific varieties and explore seed company websites for more information to help you successfully grow what you want in your garden.

Kammler suggests comparing prices and varieties. “You will find differences between seed catalogs or shopping online or buying seed at a store, depending on the company,” she says.

Keep an inventory of seed and figure out how much you actually need for the growing season. “It is so easy to go overboard on buying different varieties of seed, especially on dreary winter days when you are looking forward to spring,” she says.

Store leftover seed in the freezer or refrigerator or a cool, dry place for next year. Glass or plastic containers are ideal to keep insects and mice out of stored seed. Germination rates decrease the longer seed is stored. The length of time that a seed can be stored depends on what it is.

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Seeds. The success of your garden depends on seed selection. Compare availability, pricing, shipping rates and discounts to help determine what works for your garden. Photo by Katie Kammler.