Confusing seed packets
Yesterday I went to town to buy some seed packets to get ready to start some plants. I guess I just woke up to understand how confusing the quantities are on these things. Last year I got alot of seeds from Thompson & Morgan which I thought were some good deals.... only to realize that they were tiny amounts of seeds. The good deal I thought I got at my "dollar store" spinach- 5 for $1.00 turned out to be only 1 gram, and the larger packed I bought yesterday was 6 grams for 1.29 is about the same.
I know that the amount would differ depending on the variety, but is anyone else confused?. So, with this revelation in mind, I went to a few places only to be more confused. Some are listed in fractions of ounces and some are in grams --- too bad I didn't bring my calculator. So, I finally was going by "well, which packet feels heavier".
Then I discovered some from Livingston Seed Co. called "clearly more seed". Most of their packets were great. The arugula was 7 grams for 1.29. and the white and red radish 6 grams for 1.19. So, my decision was to just stick with these guys as the comparison shopping was driving me crazy.
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"Why don't you show yourself around the garden while I make tea" - Tasha Tudor
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Another factor to consider is (post #16526, reply #1 of 3)
Another factor to consider is that more seed isn't always a good thing, because seeds last only so long (depending on variety). Sometimes you are better off with a smaller amount.
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seed packets (post #16526, reply #2 of 3)
Weight doesn't always equate number of seeds because seeds vary so much in size. If more than one brand is available you can compare the weight and price of the same seeds from each company. Also some seeds come packed with other materials, such as vermiculite to lighten the soil density when you plant them. Wouldn't it be great if seed packets indicated how many seeds there are.
T&M does list the number of (post #16526, reply #3 of 3)
T&M does list the number of seeds per pkg in their catalogue. They also give full details on germ and growing, better info than the dollar store packets give you. Also, you know that the T&M - and other reputable seed companies - store their products properly and date them accurately while the cheap seed often isn't properly stored and sometimes doesn't have a "packaged for" date. Some don't even bother with a botanical name.
If you just want iceberg lettuce, plain arugala, and any old tomato, and you're getting results for $1.29, that's fine. But if you're looking for sommething specific with better disease resistance, and maybe a few awards under its belt, I'd go with the beed companies over the $ store any day. Most of all, I prefer a selelr that has nothing to hide and is glad to give me plenty of info. Volume isn't everything.