A good seed organization strategy can make all the difference in the spring. Knowing what seeds to start, when, is easy and enjoyable with a solid plan in place!
Even for seasoned gardeners, knowing when to start each packet of seeds in your collection can be daunting. I have spent many a spring reading the instructions on the back of seed packets over and over again. This disorganization is cumbersome, inefficient, and leads to seed starting fatigue quickly.
In the last few years, I have found a way to improve my seed organization strategy. I enjoy the pre gardening season even more, now that I take the time to organize my seed packets not only by variety, but also by start dates.
Seed Organization Strategy
If you are looking for an efficient and enjoyable strategy for seed organization, follow the steps outlined below.
Seed Storage Box
Many gardeners are now using photo storage boxes for their seed organization, and for good reason. I chose the black plastic containers to help prevent light damage to the seeds. I have two boxes each for flower seeds and vegetable seeds. Inside the large boxes are smaller “cassette” type boxes. I have each of these marked for a specific variety.
If you have read my post “4 Easy to Grow Vegetable Seeds for the Summer Garden“, you will not be surprised that my tomato and pumpkin seed collections fill three cassettes each! The photo box storage system really is the most efficient seed organization tool. When it is time to start kale seeds, for example, simply grab that cassette, and off you go! But, what is the best way to know when to start kale seeds?
Create a Seed Starting Calendar
When I was at my potting bench, ready to start seeds, I would read the backs of the seed packets each time, looking for the seeds that fit the time frame I was in. No wonder I tired of the task quickly. Creating a seed starting calendar in advance of the season allows you to spend time with your seeds while the winter winds are howling, and saves time when the task is at hand.
There are a number of ways to create a seed starting calendar. First, determine your average last frost date. You can find this online by searching your zipcode. If you prefer the pencil and paper method, find the time a seed takes from starting the seed to planting out in the garden. Tomatoes, for example, require six to eight weeks of growing time before planting out, well after your last frost date. For my area, most gardeners plant out over Memorial weekend, which is the last weekend of May in the United States. Therefore, counting back six to eight weeks from Memorial weekend, gives you the proper time to start tomato seeds.
That is the long hand way of filling in your seed starting calendar. The quickest way is to utilize a pre-made spreadsheet. These can be found online, or, if you are good with spreadsheet formulas, you can easily create your own. I took Floret’s Online Workshop in 2020, and an excellent Excel spreadsheet is provided with the course. I then fill in a cheap calendar with dates that varieties should be started. I also make a list of seeds requiring light and/or a chill period for germination. The time this calendar saves is so helpful!
Organize varieties by date
Next, referencing the seed starting calendar, I organize my seed packets by starting date. I use a label maker and a rectangular wooden box that a floral arrangement came in that works perfectly for seed packet organization.
I love little electronic gadgets, and I am always looking for fun ways to use by label maker by Nimbot. I have the D11 model, which is priced well, and simple to use with an app on your phone or tablet.
Doubling up the index cards allows to date to extend above the seed packets for easy access. By the time I add all of my seed packets, the wooden box is bursting with seed packets! I also include a divider at the end for “direct sow” seeds. All of my seeds are now organized by seed starting date, and easily accessible. And, I’ve had a chance to look at all the seed packets and get excited about the upcoming growing season before the winter snows melt!
What seeds will I plant first?
In my area in Northern lower Michigan, our average last frost date is, depressingly, June 8. I’ve lived here most of my life, and I am disheartened every spring when I think of this. It seems so late! So, the first seeds I start are cool weather varieties and those that take 3 – 4 months to get going. Yesterday, I sowed four trays of pansies and violas.
I know. FOUR trays. And the cells have multiple seeds. Yes, I probably went overboard, but they are one of my favorite flowers, and I want enough for cut flowers. How I manage to grow pansies long enough for cut flowers will be featured in a future post! Tomorrow, I will sow onion, yarrow, echinacea and columbine seeds.
Happy Seed Starting!
I am so happy with my new seed organization method! Adapting my efficient seed organization strategy this spring will save you time and you will enjoy the process even more. I’d love to hear how it works out for you. Do you have other organization ideas that work well for you?
Darlene says
You provided evidence I must get organized. Need to document what and starting dates. Great articles!
Charlotte Diller says
It makes a big difference!