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March 6, 2025

This Week's Garden Gab: ​
​What Kind of Seeds Should You Buy?

Hi Reader!

**Alert** This is going to be a beefy edition. Lots of good links for places to buy seeds.

It's time to start thinking about seeds!

So, during my first year of gardening, I strolled into the Garden Center at my local big box store and bought seeds. I looked for organic ones but mostly, I bought seeds for what I wanted to grow. Little did I know there was a lot more to seeds then just seeds.

In this edition:

• What Are Seeds?
• Why I Like to Grow From Seeds
• Types of Seeds

Education:

You probably have more interactions with seeds than you realize. Seeds are literally everywhere! Think about it ...

During the summer, if there is even a small patch of unsprayed grass anywhere you will dandelions. They are loaded with seeds. The wind carries them everywhere to make more dandelions.

You eat an ear of corn and each kernel is a seed. In the right conditions another ear of corn will grow from it.

You buy a sandwich... is the bread covered in sesame and poppy seeds baked on top?

Did you find seeds inside your Fall pumpkin?

You have a bird feeder in your yard that you fill with what? ... Seeds!

​

What is a seed?

Any living organism that has the properties to reproduce will have seed. This keeps the life of the organism going on and on.

"A seed is a small, hard structure that contains the embryo of a plant. It is part of the plant that is responsible for reproduction and the continuation of the species."

Here is more information. What is Seed? Types and Uses.​

Why Grow From Seed?

You can grow vegetables from plant starts (small baby plants) or from seed. I primarily grow from seeds but if I wait too late to plant seeds I will get start plants from Home Depot, Lowes, or Walmart.

Top three reasons I prefer to grow from seed:

1. I know exactly what I'm planting and growing
2. I enjoy seeing the entire growth process
3. I like saving seeds from some plants

There are other benefits of growing from seed.

​6 Reasons Why You Should Be Growing Plants From Seed​

Application:

Types of Seeds

There are different kinds of seeds that you should know about. I didn't know initially but learned over the past few years.

In a nutshell:

Open-Pollinated: These seeds grow plants with flowers that are fertilized by bees, moths, birds, bats, wind, and rain.

Heirloom: These are passed down from generation to generation. You can save these and replant year after year.

Hybrid: These seeds are created by manual cross pollination of plants. Because of this, it is nearly impossible to replant a seed from a hybrid plant and get the same plant. Most times, hybrid plants are sterile.

GMO (Genetically Modified Organism): I try NOT to buy GMO seeds. All this means is that the seed has been genetically modified to either breed out bad stuff or enhance good stuff.

So, a GMO seed can be modified to be pest resistant, disease resistant, or sweeter, or whatever, making it easier to grow plants. This is great for large scale farmers but for me, as a backyard small scale grower I prefer to buy NON-GMO.

Here is more reading material on the types of seeds:

​Seed Types​

​Seed Types: Open Pollinated, Heirloom and Hybrid​

​GMO Seeds Definition​

​Types of Seeds​

Selection:

Here are some of the places I've purchased seeds from. Sign up for their email lists and when there are sales you can get some very good prices.

​Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds​

​True Leaf Market​

​Gurney Seeds​

​Burpee Seeds​

​Hoss Tools and Seeds​

​Victory Seeds​

​Ferry-Morse Seed Company​

​99Heirlooms.com​

​St. Clair Heirlooms Seeds​

and of course ...... Amazon.com​

​

Edification: Fun Facts About Seeds

Seeds: Nature's Tiny Powerhouses

Seeds are fascinating. They hold the potential to grow into towering trees, vibrant flowers, or nourishing crops. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about these small but mighty wonders.

1. Seeds contain a plant embryo. Inside every seed is a tiny plant waiting to sprout. This embryo includes the beginnings of roots, stems, and leaves.
2. Seeds have a protective coat. This outer layer, called the seed coat, shields the embryo from damage and disease.
3. Seeds can remain dormant for years. Some seeds can lie inactive for decades, waiting for the right conditions to germinate.
4. Seeds need water to germinate. Water activates enzymes that kickstart the growth process, breaking the seed coat and allowing the embryo to grow.
5. Seeds come in various shapes and sizes. From the tiny orchid seed to the massive coconut, seeds vary greatly in appearance.

The Diversity of Seeds

Seeds are incredibly diverse, reflecting the wide range of plant species they come from. Here are some amazing facts about their diversity.

1. Coconut seeds are the largest. The coconut is the largest seed in the world, weighing up to 66 pounds.
2. Orchid seeds are the smallest. These seeds are so tiny they are almost dust-like, making them difficult to see with the naked eye.
3. Some seeds are designed to float. Seeds like those of the coconut can float on water, helping them travel long distances.
4. Other seeds are designed to fly. Maple seeds have wing-like structures that allow them to glide through the air.
5. Some seeds need fire to germinate. Certain plants, like the lodgepole pine, require the heat from a fire to open their cones and release seeds.

The Role of Seeds in Ecosystems

Seeds play a crucial role in ecosystems, supporting plant life and providing food for animals. Here are some facts about their ecological importance.

1. Seeds are a food source. Many animals, including birds, insects, and mammals, rely on seeds for nutrition.
2. Seeds help plants reproduce. By spreading seeds, plants can grow in new areas, ensuring their survival.
3. Seeds can travel long distances. Animals, wind, and water can carry seeds far from their parent plants.
4. Seeds can survive harsh conditions. Some seeds can withstand extreme temperatures, drought, and even space travel.
5. Seeds contribute to soil health. When seeds germinate and grow, they help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

Human Use of Seeds

​Humans have utilized seeds for thousands of years for food, medicine, and more. Here are some interesting facts about how we use seeds.

1. Seeds are a staple food. Many of our primary food sources, like rice, wheat, and corn, come from seeds.
2. Seeds are used in medicine. Some seeds, like those of the castor plant, have medicinal properties.
3. Seeds are used to make oils. Sunflower, sesame, and flax seeds are pressed to produce cooking oils.
4. Seeds are used in beverages. Coffee and cocoa beans are seeds that are processed to make popular drinks.
5. Seeds are used in agriculture. Farmers plant seeds to grow crops, ensuring a steady food supply.

Fun and Unusual Seed Facts

Seeds can be quirky and surprising. Here are some fun and unusual facts about them.

1. Some seeds are toxic. Certain seeds, like those of the apple, contain small amounts of cyanide.
2. Seeds can be ancient. The oldest viable seed ever discovered was a 2,000-year-old date palm seed.
3. Seeds can be explosive. The sandbox tree's seed pods can explode, flinging seeds up to 100 feet away.
4. Seeds can be sticky. Some seeds have barbs or hooks that allow them to stick to animal fur or human clothing.
5. Seeds can be colorful. While many seeds are brown or black, some, like those of the scarlet runner bean, are bright and vibrant.

​
​Written by Owen Fairclough | Modified & Updated: 13 Nov 2024

That's all I have for this edition. Feel free to write me at jangardener@gardenease.org if you have any questions or comments.

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I'll see you in the next edition!

Jan🤗

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