To buy or not to buy

...a lot of vegetable seeds in one packet as opposed to only buying a few. For instance, burpee sells 400 broccoli seeds for $3.95 and peaceful valley sells 100 seeds for about $2.30. I don't have a lot of money to spend on seeds, but why would anyone get so many seeds anyway? What do most gardeners choose and why?

Btw, I'm not only a novice gardener, but I'm new here and I'm happy to join on! I'd really appreciate any help in your answers. Thank you ;)

This message was edited Jan 30, 2012 8:24 AM

Hi Beth. Unless you are planning a huge garden for sales or donations, I do not think you need that many seeds. depending on garden size and your consumption you probably wouldn't need more than a couple dozen...tops. It is always a good idea to look at the area you have to plant and compare it with the mature size of what you want to plant and with veggies, the average yield of those plants

Welcome to DG...you just might like it here...grin Check out the Products and Sources section of the site. Check out the seed sources and take a look at some of the quantities available from different places. Also check out the racks at your local Walmart, dollar store, big box store, feed and seeds or nurseries. A lot of times you can pay for seeds with what you would have spent on postage...especially if you are looking for 'plain' veggies and flowers. Save your catalogs for things you can't find or special varieties.

http://davesgarden.com/products/market/

Packets often contain a large amount of seeds because not all seeds germinate or those that do germinate don't always make it. If you only plan to grow a few plants (less than 10), then buying seedlings may be more practical for you, especially if you're a novice gardener! http://www.tomatodirt.com/plant-seeds.html

Hi Beth, welcome to Dave's garden, AND congrats on starting a veg garden. I have to agree with you that most seed companies sell seeds in far too large a quantity, who need over a hundred lettuce seeds, even IF they do come in a mixed variety.
Here in UK there are a few companies that have JUST started to introduce packets of of SOME seeds in both large and small amount of seeds and the good thing is, they are of the same quality /make, and growing conditions, so over the years you know what grows well for you and now you don't waste so much.

The other thing I do is make sure I store my seeds in a proper airtight container kept in a cool/dark place and 9 times out of 10, they do last for a couple of years, the other thing I do is the most common types of seeds I share with my friends either as little seedlings or as a pinch of small seeds in a PAPER bag with the instructions written on them. Unfortunately as mentioned before, there are a lot of cases where there is not good germination of the seeds at the time of planting, there are various reasons for this but, there is always time left to to do a second or even third planting IF you have more seeds left to do this and enough time.

Other than sharing seeds with friends or finding a company that caters for smaller garden supplies, I cant think of any other advice to offer you, I know that over the many years I have been gardening, there has been lots of changes made some to benefit the gardener and others that you wonder what planet the company is living on with there ideas, so never give up hope, perhaps the day will come when the seeds-man will sell seeds by either weight or numbers, lets hope you find a way to solve some of these problems but no matter what Beth, have fun in the garden and just enjoy it, wishing you best of luck. WeeNel.

Hi Beth! I am new here too, but I have been gardening a lot over the years. I do know that Hart Seeds has large seed numbers in some of the packets, because it is sold by weight, however they are pretty inexpensive. I buy them locally, but they are online. go to
http://www.hartseed.com/ and you can find someone online that sells them.

I hope this helps.

This message was edited Feb 1, 2012 9:57 PM

Hi Beth! Welcome to D/G !Just between you and me (and 300,000 D/G folks) seedlings are the way to go! Starting seeds can be frustrating! Requirements are many! Ordinarily,seed-packs are@ 3-5$ apiece! At a Farmer's Market you can get 24 seedlings for @ $12, depending on flower type,etc.A little more costly for vegetables! If you like the mature plant,save the seeds from it, and store away for the Winter.I have, for instance,Zinnia seeds, salvaged from years before that still give great results when planted properly in the following Spring! Not true for everything,of course,but alot easier than starting from seed! However, if you're 'into' gardening,it can be very rewarding,seeing your Green-Thumb do it's thing! Good luck on your endeavors!

Wow, this is such great advice from everyone! I purchased packets with small amount of vegetable seeds, plus some seedlings. I'm going to try both and see how I fare. So far I've started some tomato and pepper seeds indoors, oh and some herbs. Exciting!

It's much appreciated that you all took the time to help me with my dilemma and your hospitality is so sweet. I hope you all are blessed with an awesome and bountiful garden this upcoming season! Thank you ; )

This message was edited Feb 9, 2012 10:16 PM

Happy to help, Beth. Good luck to you with your garden.

and the greatest way to save $....... find a RU(round up) or plant swap near you and get some stuff for free!!!! Gotta LOVE it here on DG

round up... am I missing something Flow...???

"Roundup (RU)" That's what plant swaps are called here on DG
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/roundup/all/

Evergreen is an online seed company that sells seeds in smaller quantities, if you can't find them locally. I've been gardening for a jillion plus years and the best advise I can give you is start small, until you find what works for you. You don't want to get overwhelmed. Wecome to all the newbies. : )

Good advice on starting small, Lisa.

I've found you need to sort through what will do well in your area, your soil, your temps.
I would not buy large quantities of anything until I found what worked well for me.
BTW, I am still looking.

And even though she has been gardening for a jillion plus years, Lisa really isn't older than dirt. lol

Pod-right now I feel older then that. Lol my body can feel the cold temps coming. Have you started your seeds yet? Beth you may want to post your question on the beginner Vegtable forum too. Starting from seed isn't for everybody and transplants might be a good idea or you could try some of both.

Yep ~ they are sprouting. About a dozen containers via wintersowing.
I moved them in tonight as we are supposed to see 22°! Grrrrrr...

Haha they can only take so much winter, we may get in the teens.

Ahh... I'm not so concerned about the seedlings, I'm grumbling because I despise the cold!