Seed Packets

The loud, chaotic and fast paced city life make us want to be close to nature and unravel its mysterious ways. But, many a times our busy schedule does not permit a nice long break. Setting up a garden can help you experience the same joy without having to sacrifice too much. There is nothing more soothing than standing in your garden to see the bright and vivid coloured flowers in full bloom or the trees laden with fruit. We have something here for all nature lovers and avid gardeners. Our segment covers everything you need to know about seed packets. Happy reading!

Seed packets: How to read the instructions?

The seed packets have the instructions displayed at the back. They are displayed under various sub headings. However, these gardening terms may seem like Greek to us due to lack of subject knowledge. The instructions are important throughout the process of plant growth and therefore understanding them is important. They are as follows:

The plant name: The seed packets usually have the common name and the botanical name of the plant. The common name for the same plant may vary with different countries. The botanical name thus helps you cross check whether you have the seed packets you’re looking for.

The “sell by” date: Seed packets have a “sell by” date. This date is important as all seeds have a different shelf life during which they remain effective and useful. If a few days or months have lapsed after this date, they can still be used.  However, if you are using very old seeds (almost 2 years after “sell by” date) then be prepared for mixed results as a few seeds may not germinate.

Plant information (picture and size): The first thing that comes to your notice is the bright coloured picture on the front. This gives you an idea of how your plant would look when it is full grown. It is also a guideline to make sure you’ve got the right seeds. There may be a few details on the plant profile. The seed packets have the plant size measured in centimeters or inches. They indicate how far the plant will spread and also its height at full maturity. Under plant information, the life cycle is also mentioned as in whether it is annual, perennial or biannual.

How to plant (instructions and requirements):  The planting instructions on the seed packets supply information on plant depth, spacing and the quantity of water the plant can tolerate. It instructs about thinning wherein the weaklings are removed leaving the fittest to survive. It also states the climatic requirements for the plant growth in terms such as full sun, full shade, partial sun, partial shade, first frost and last frost. The seed packets also carry information about how to plant the seeds with reference to where to plant; initially inside and then transferred outdoors or directly outside.

You may not use all the seeds at one time and will want to preserve them for later. The seeds packets should be stored in a cool place that is devoid of humidity. If the seeds are wet, first dry them thoroughly and then store. Improper storage of seed packets will reduce viability of the seeds.