For a successful vegetable garden, you'll need to be aware of a few elements before you start planting seeds. First things first, what is your vegetable garden location like? Is it in full sun or partial? Does that area drain well or does water collect in one area? What is the soil like? Will it need to be fortified? Finally, what elements will the garden be exposed to? For instance, is there a threat of frost earlier or later in the season? Answer all these questions and fix any problems that come up before you start gardening. Understanding your area and garden patch will get you primed for success. You can also choose the best vegetables to grow for your area and conditions, which will be key.
Once you have your chosen vegetables, decide if you are going to start seeds indoors or outdoors. Starting indoors will give you a jumpstart on the season, but some plants require a direct sow, meaning they should be planted right into the garden.
When you are ready to plant vegetable seeds, it's time for the fun (and easy) part! With your garden prepped and ready for seeds, take your seeds or seedlings and gently place them in pre-dug holes not too deep in the soil. Most seed packets should include the best planting depth for that seed. Cover the seeds with soil and water the area well. Keep watering the area each day or every other day that first week, and then water every three days. It's important to prevent seeds or seedlings from drying out. Once they've established roots and you see some growth coming out of the soil, you can adjust your watering schedule.
When properly stored, vegetable seeds typically last between two and three years. Some seeds will last for shorter or longer, but that should be noted on the seed packet. To check if the seeds are still good, place them in a bowl of water and wait 10-15 minutes. If the seeds float, they are expired. If they sink, they are good to use.
Proper vegetable seed storage should protect seeds from humidity, air, light and temperature fluctuations. Use a container that is airtight to prevent moisture from getting in. Mason jars, food jars or even plastic bags will work. Store seeds in a cool, dry place and open the seeds right when you are ready to use them. Try and use your stored seeds first so they don't go to waste.
Heirloom seeds, also called heritage seeds, are sourced from open-pollinated plants and will carry on similar traits possessed by the parent plant. Heirloom implies that the seed is coming from a long line of plants before it. These types of seeds are not hybrids or GMOs. Many gardeners believe heirloom seeds produce better-quality, tastier plants with more nutrients. If you've never considered planting heirloom seeds, you may want to give it a shot!
WARRANTY:
Bay Farm Services, Inc., dba Main Street Seed and Supply Co., warrants that seed sold is of high quality, that seeds are as described on the container within recognized tolerances in the trade, that seeds have been described as required under State and Federal Seed Laws, and that seeds have been tested. This is the sole warranty; we make none other, express or implied. We cannot guarantee establishment of plants due to various factors over which we have no control. No liability hereunder shall be asserted unless the buyer or user reports to Bay Farm Services, Inc., dba Main Street Seed and Supply Co., within a reasonable period of time (not to exceed 60 days of receipt of seed) any conditions that might lead to a complaint. Our liability is limited to the purchase price of the seed only.