With spring coming, it’s time to buy garden seed

There is a lot of information written on a seed packet, beginning with the name of the seed and the specific variety.

Take, for instance, the tomato.

There are so many kinds of tomatoes; it can be difficult to decide which to buy. Some are better eaten fresh, while others are fleshier and are better used for canning or made into sauces. This information is usually briefly explained under the product description.

Tomatoes are either determinate or indeterminate and this is always written on the package. Determinate tomatoes are field or patio types. They have short bushy vines and the tomatoes usually ripen all at once, which is a bonus for canning and drying. Indeterminate varieties often grow six feet tall or more and produce fruit over several months in our climate. These varieties frequently end up in our salads and on our burgers.

Modern technology has found its way to the seed aisle. Some packets have a QR code on the back to access further information by scanning it right there in the store with a smart phone. In addition, most varieties of any vegetable, herb or flower have a four digit product code written next to the company's web address. Simply go to the company's website and type in the product number in the search box. Here you can learn more about not only a particular variety but how it compares to other products offered.

Usually seed is designated as hybrid or heirloom (GMO seed is not sold for private use at this time). Both have a place in the home garden. The advantage of hybrid seed is that it is bred specifically for certain attributes such as disease resistance. Often times on a hybrid tomato seed package will be the letters FFVNT indicating resistance to two races of Fusarium, Verticillium, Nematodes and Tobacco Mosaic Virus.

The disadvantage of hybrid seeds is that you cannot save the seed from the fruit and plant it next year as it will not reproduce true to seed. Also the seed often has a shorter shelf life. Heirloom seeds are from strains of seeds that have been true for at least 50 years. Most heirlooms have been saved and selected because they have the best flavor and production in home and small market gardens. Unless they cross pollinate with surrounding plants of the same kind, they will be consistent in their attributes and are wonderful for seed savers.

Most seeds will keep for several years in an unopened packet. Good quality seed has high germination rates, and most varieties will keep easily for the next growing season. (Several exceptions are onions, parsley, lettuces, larkspur and delphinium. These do not reliably germinate as they age and are best purchased fresh each year.)

However, the germination rate for saved seeds may be reduced, so you will need to sow more seed. To ensure that opened packets stay fresher longer, place them in a mason jar with the lid closed tightly to keep air and moisture out or in a freezer weight zip-lock bag. Be sure to label them.

Never leave leftover seed packets outside in the garden or garage or in an unheated outdoor shed, because high humidity and dampness will damage them. Store the jar or bag away from heat and light. Keep the seeds dry and in the coolest room in the house. Plan to use them the next season for the best results.

Often there is a map with designated planting dates as well as sunlight needs on the back of the seed packet. Seed spacing and planting depth are also noted. In times past the distance between rows reflected the need for farm equipment to pass through. This spacing is changing because more and more home gardeners are using growing boxes.

Shorter plants can usually be planted in rows no farther apart than the distance noted for plant spacing. Just make sure when planting tall plants that you can reach between rows. Be aware that light and air need to flow between the plants.

I hope I helped you and have fun gardening!

This column runs every week in Living.