GARDENING: SELECTING SEEDS
Buying seeds can turn into a rather expensive habit which, all things considered from a gardener’s point of view, is worth it as long as you get what you think you are paying for. But this, sadly, is not always the case, especially since internet shopping has become the popular way of sourcing seeds for ‘something different’.
Seeds need to be as fresh as possible when you buy them, as the older the seed, the less likely it is to germinate. Also, the buyer really needs to have some idea of how many seeds a packet contains.
It is also important to know exactly what type of seed is on offer, especially if you are growing sustainably. Is it a prized and a wonderful heritage from which you can save your own seed in future? Is it F1 or F2 hybrid, from which saving seed is a pretty pointless exercise? Is it GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) and thus to be completely avoided if local flora and local fruit, vegetable and herbs are to be saved from cross-contamination?
Buying seeds online could be disappointing so they are best purchased from a local nursery or supplier
Many online seed suppliers fail to provide the above information — particularly newer ones looking for maximum profit — and sell even expired seed to unsuspecting customers. They also fail to provide climatic guidance relevant to the species.
If a buyer wants it, they will happily sell it as highly priced as possible and, over the internet, the buyer has little, if any, recourse.
Please try to source your seeds from tried and tested local suppliers: they know what grows in your area and dispense advice freely.