Buying and Storing Garden Seeds: Freshness, Formats, and Longevity

Seed Purchasing Tips

Buy fresh seeds dated for the current year. Seeds come in three forms:

• Loose seeds: Traditional packets, familiar to all gardeners.
• Pelletized seeds: Individually coated (like small pills) for easier handling and spacing.
• Seed tapes: Biodegradable paper strips with properly spaced embedded seeds. Unroll in prepared furrow and cover with soil.

Storage for Viability

Store extras in airtight jars or containers in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, many seeds remain viable for a year; some last several years.