Understanding Your Seed Packets

[@josanmargot2235]

What a fantastic, concise and interesting video. Thank you very much.

[@eliandkate]

Glad to help 😁

[@GardenerScott]

As you know, I'm a big believer in using seed packets and catalogs for the great gardening information they contain. Good job putting all the bits together to help make it understandable.

[@eliandkate]

I have indeed seen you recommend this more than once I think. It's one of the standard reminders I do every year as they are just so valuable as a source of knowledge... but of course... next part of the journey will be how we use that knowledge in a changing circumstance :D

[@MalcolmKingswell]

Hi Eli thanks for the mention I am confident you will like The two varieties shhhhhhhh good luck Malc

[@eliandkate]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 I hope so. There's going to be a whole thing.... I'll keep you up to speed 🤣

[@nataliekavanagh5573]

Watched this playlist at the start of the year, grew for the first time and had a relatively good year. Back again as I think of what I'm at next year for a refresh. This playlist is brilliant thanks for all the info!

[@eliandkate]

awwwwwwww thanks Natalie so you get to influence me then, for your sterling efforts... was anything missing (anything you needed)?

[@nataliekavanagh5573]

@@eliandkate Not sure if you've touched on saving your own seeds in depth, that's something I'd love to do next year.

[@eliandkate]

@nataliekavanagh5573 oh indeed I have 😁 Toms and peppers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioWsqq2tZpZ4p9ksi=CEMJigy1ETt_DaaD Collecting seeds in the garden: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqGxhXiCf6uErJosi=ZEA-LZjoCJk7vzuV Older tomato seed saving: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmHUh5R_eaecbbMsi=49Z0WFN8CnUxFJNT

[@nataliekavanagh5573]

Absolute legend!!

[@kezangart]

As a complete novice I found this video very helpful thank you

[@eliandkate]

I'm so glad to hear this was helpful to you. Your feedback means a lot to me!

[@QKitchenandBeyond]

This is a great video to teach the many resources to find the information when we need it!

[@eliandkate]

Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@shireencooper6209]

Thankyou hun for making everything so clear xx

[@eliandkate]

😍😍😍😍

[@Qualitealeaf]

I love premier seed direct. Clicked the moment I saw the district packet 🤣.

[@eliandkate]

Ha ha ha They are good though.

[@markcrichton3257]

Great information on reading seed packets but also journaling the info. Definitely will start doing that. I had to laugh as I struggled with understanding what a Courgette was until you showed the website picture. Ahhh a Zucchini. 😀

[@eliandkate]

Yeah you colonials and your weird words 🤪🤪🤪😍😍😍

[@abiwest1069]

I’m in the United States, and I absolutely LOVE Baker Creek. The have a large variety of both unique and heirloom seeds. The best thing is that shipping is FREE. So, I can order a little or pop over for something that I missed, and the seed is completely affordable. I have also had very good germination rates.

[@eliandkate]

They've been mentioned a couple of times so sounds like they are popular

[@blackandwhitegreenhouse]

I agree, Abi! I've found that Baker Creek is usually the best pricing and has a huge variety. Also I've had great germination success using their seeds!

[@mattb538]

I use Premier Seeds Direct and DT Brown. I've had good experiences with both of them.

[@eliandkate]

Oh I've used DT Brown too

[@francesbatycki404]

Watching this for the first time. Don’t know how I missed it when it came out. Better late than never.

[@eliandkate]

Ah Frances don’t beat yourself up, this is one of the series I did last year, so you maybe didn’t miss it 😍

[@vivianfox19]

Thank you Eli! First class video. Even if we already know bits and pieces, it's good to get a comprehensive video. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the series. It'll be a good guide to be able to follow you from the start of the planting season. Keep up the good work, it's really appreciated. All the best from Ireland!

[@eliandkate]

Awww thanks Vivian, glad you got something from it

[@karenweir5887]

I just found you’re channel! I’ve been watching all day 🤩 I think I’ve learned more today than ever! Great to hear you’re Scottish accent 🥰I’m from Glasgow, Scotland so it’s lovely to hear a fellow Scottish people 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿thank you so much for all these golden nuggets of information! 🪴🌱🌿🍀

[@eliandkate]

Awww so glad the videos are helpful Karen. And yup, so nice to hear a Scottish accent on youtube for a change

[@lindseywright5686]

Thanks for all the useful information 👍

[@eliandkate]

My pleasure. 😀

[@cassieboo3762]

Thank you for clarifying the F1 thing. I started gardening last year and had been avoiding the F1. What I did know was that you can’t save your own seeds from the F1. I love this channel as I also garden in my garden like the two of you do. Thank you 😊

[@eliandkate]

Might be worth me just clarifying for you :D You CAN keep the seeds, they just might not 100% always turn out the way you expect. So perfectly ok to do, just not a guarantee 😀

[@mygardenofthings]

Great video Eli, so much information I've been always wondering about and searching for 👌

[@eliandkate]

Fab..... let's hope you can find everything you need now 😁😁😁

[@mygardenofthings]

@@eliandkate I'm watching it again and writing notes now, proper studies here😅 Thank you x

[@eliandkate]

🤣🤣 I always applaud note taking

[@vanislandsteve]

Ive learned so much from this video, thank you!

[@eliandkate]

👍👍👍👍

[@Ken_H_]

Love the enthusiasm in your videos, I do wish certain seed companies would stop using plastic, those little 'foil' packets sadly aren't foil 😕

[@eliandkate]

I suspect with the smaller companies it will all come down to costs and trying to keep above water. Maybe once they have a base of customers they can look at changes.

[@jmawdsley2]

Quality videos as usual. Just got my bumper crop of seeds today from bargain seeds. A budget seed site, penny’s each pack so thought I’d try them. Waiting for an order from premier seeds to.

[@eliandkate]

If I turns out they are good seeds you've discovered a bargain 😀😀

[@myrustygarden]

Morning I agree with Linda West Coast Seeds and McKenzie but I also buy odd ones from Vesey’s in eastern Canada, I try to buy mostly heirloom so I can save seeds. Thank you for sharing 🥰👍🇨🇦 stay safe

[@eliandkate]

You are entirely welcome ☺

[@Bev437Sqn]

Ali checkout rainbow seeds in NB. Heirloom seeds is there thing

[@TheGrowUpChannel]

Thanks for the mention :) malcolm didn't give me the seeds though haha! He just suggested them ❤️ they were like gold to get at the start of the year too. He highly recommends them though! Hope you enjoy them. Danny :) x

[@eliandkate]

I'm looking forward to trying them. We're they as bad as brads to get a jolly of?

[@TheGrowUpChannel]

@@eliandkate harder to get tbh! But.so happy to share.

[@jennyjohnson9012]

Love your videos. Full of information and tips. I use some of the same suppliers as you, and also freebies from mags which I get a lot of each month. Cant wait for the next video, and very glad I found your channel.

[@eliandkate]

😀😀😀

[@rebeccazody1278]

USA ….Johnny Seeds, Baker Creek, MI gardener. My favorite is Botanical Interest--great art work and info- even inside of the packet. I enjoy your videos. Thank you.

[@eliandkate]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Whistlewalk]

In British Columbia the best two local go to's for seed choices for the west coast are West Coast Seeds and McKenzie Seeds. There are many other local and smaller seed companies to patronize but these two have the best selection for the BC Coast and Vancouver Island as well as the BC Interior.

[@eliandkate]

Awesome recommendation

[@Bev437Sqn]

I'm in BC as well. I use MIGardener, OSC seeds out of Ontario and Rainbow seeds out of New Brunswick. Rainbow are all heritage seeds.

[@eliandkate]

Rainbow seeds does sound like they may be heritage don't they?

[@wendymannion9480]

Thanks for this video, I can now have a better idea what I am looking for ,when I buy my seeds . Thanks

[@eliandkate]

Hurrah 😁

[@antonia5682]

Excellent information thank you, and I'll remember to nip out my tomatoes this year - I didn't know they could get to 10 feet! Some varieties anyway. The toms that did best for me last year (in Berkshire, UK) were 'Lizzano', a bush variety. Shout out again to your brilliant planning spreadsheet! And garden journals!! For seeds, last year I had my best sweet peas ever. Whether that was due to the weather or the seed I don't know, but the seed was from Roger Parsons Sweet Peas. For a lot of very useful information on their website, on the seed packets, and in the leaflet you get with your seeds, as well as loads of great info on saving your own seed from their open pollinated seeds I love Real Seeds.

[@eliandkate]

Oh I hadn't heard of them. Will go look.

[@superkat1980]

I have only just recently found your channel and I must say I love your videos mostly because you are straight to the point and very informative in what you do, I buy seeds from wherever I can really but I must say I love bargain seeds because they do smaller quantities at very cheap prices plus there's been extremely high success rates in all of the seeds I've been sowing. Keep up the good work

[@eliandkate]

I think small quantities is really overlooked. I rarely used all the seeds jn a packet and it's just a waste

[@rachelmiller764]

Brilliant explanations

[@eliandkate]

Glad you got something from it 😁

[@tadyteja3810]

One of my favourite youtubers. Great video! :-)

[@eliandkate]

Awww thank you 😊

[@lizcharles8475]

Another very informative video. Thank you x

[@eliandkate]

👏👏👏👏

[@anitahaywood9827]

Thanks Eli, usefull as allways! intreagued what Danny's sent you ! 🤔

[@eliandkate]

I shall keep you waiting.... hang jn there, it'll be worth it. Going to do something I've never done before.

[@TheGrowUpChannel]

Anita you are terrible haha!!!

[@eliandkate]

Ach she's allowed to be curious

[@Jimsraisedbedgarden]

Love the videos , very informative and helpful , I love Seeds from the Magazine Grow your Own there usually from Thompson & Morgan I usually have great results with them , not so great from Groseeds very disappointing in fact but I do love a bargain and usually get a few at the end of season from Wilko as well as Johnson's, Happy Gardening and keep up the good work x

[@eliandkate]

Oh another vote for Wilkos 😍

[@Jimsraisedbedgarden]

@@eliandkate Have you had a lot then lol , I think I'm addicted I can't walk passed without checking out the seeds , I think I will look into Premier seeds too x

[@eliandkate]

There were another couple so far 😁 premiere seeds are fab... defo check them out

[@clareellam1615]

Awesome! I’m a terrible planner as once life intervenes I struggle to adapt to the plan I meticulously made so I more make bullet points of what to grow or jobs to get done so it’s baby steps through the year, and go with my gut in between. I’m doing a lot of ignoring seed packet info at the mo and have been getting my garden fix winter sowing quite a bit which goes against a lot of the instructions but is working very well so far and I hope continues and makes for stronger plants and less seedlings all over the house in march and April!

[@eliandkate]

I tried the winter sowing idea (in milk jigs) last year and it was a complete disaster :(

[@clareellam1615]

@@eliandkate oh no! What did you try? I’m still waiting on astrantia and anemone to do anything but the rest are up, been frozen a few times, some are barely growing but that’s the point as the cold stops them going leggy. I’m getting my fix testing it out and it’s really fascinating at the mo. Of course, they aren’t beautiful flowering plants yet so I’m a ways off the finish line!

[@eliandkate]

I did a video of it too, cause the whole thing with milk just and sowing seeds outdoor before their time is completely alien to UK gardeners but I tried it with sunflower and think I got one maybe and it didn't make it. 😪

[@clareellam1615]

@@eliandkate ahh right, I think somethings are better suited and of course there’s a wealth of other factors as there always is. It’s very good with poppies, and I really struggled with bunny grass last year, only got two plants out of a packet across the line but they shot up this way 🤷‍♂️😂 maybe I should make a vid but I darent 😂

[@eliandkate]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 go on be brave Yeah I ha e to day I'm nit convinced by it yet. Seems to be the flowers folk are sowing this way are all plants that would naturally be dropped jn the soil in early autumn and spend winter in the ground anyway. Not sure if it's maybe something to do with trying tk grow plants that wouldn't normally cope in your garden temps or something?

[@christinebrooks6364]

Hi Eli, what a brilliant video! I'm the same, I buy my seeds from different suppliers including premiere seeds for the plants I want to grow too. I also got some great tips off you too. Thanks for sharing & take care 🙂

[@eliandkate]

Glad some of my chatter has been useful 😁

[@peterduff4682]

Very clear as always 😊

[@eliandkate]

Getting ready for seed sowing 😁

[@justine2488]

Great video, thanks. I had my seed packets out following along 🙂

[@eliandkate]

Oh come on then..... any interesting finds?

[@justine2488]

@@eliandkate I seem to go for Johnsons seeds and I have enough packets of Basil to last until about 2030 😆

[@eliandkate]

Oh basil..... I forgot to buy basil!!!!!!

[@charliehoos9773]

Baker Creek, MiGardener, Gurneys and The Maine Potato Lady are my 2022 seed companies in USA. I have a monthly calendar in my seed box that I use to mark down when/what I did for my gardens/seeds from Charles Dowding. Also I have a hand drawn map of my gardens with post it’s on it as to what’s in each bed and hung on the family bulletin board.

[@eliandkate]

That's a lot of organisation 😁

[@helenannetts6194]

I wish more seed suppliers would put days to harvest on their seed packets. It would really help with planning

[@eliandkate]

It's good info to have but if its not on the seed packet you'll be able to find it online. How convenient is it these days with the Internet??? Good thing to remember though, those days to maturity or to harvest are for the perfect scenario when the sunlight and heat and eater etc are all perfect. In the real world it won't be 100% accurate 😁

[@laurascruffygarden-allotme3035]

I absolutely love your videos, so much information. I’ve been building my first polycarbonate greenhouse today. Thinking of how I will be organising it. Watched your video on this. Taking all the tips in so thank you very much.

[@eliandkate]

Oh exciting, how is the build going and tell me all your exciting plans.... I love hearing 😍😍😍😍

[@laurascruffygarden-allotme3035]

@@eliandkate it’s only half built ha ha. It is taking ages in the cold. If I was to buy another greenhouse (when I upgrade to glass) I will defo have someone build it for me. I’m thinking Of doing a similar set up as your own, with possible a temporary bed to one side for tomatoes but not totally sure. I have also recently moved my allotment somewhat to my garden. So I’ve got high raider beds being put in at the moment using pallet collars. Which look a bit industrial at the moment, but hopefully with a lick of paint they will look a bit prettier. ☺️

[@eliandkate]

Oh sounds fab....

[@WendyHyde-tx6dt]

I have just discovered this - fab! Interesting, informative very well put together. Have a decent sized garden and greenhouse but due to osteoarthritis I need to look at growing my veg on the patio so I don’t have to venture too far. I will be experimenting with growing as much as possible in containers so I am looking for tips everywhere. I love the idea of succession planting which I feel could be well suited to container gardening. Thank you so much ☺

[@eliandkate]

Glad you enjoyed it wendy

[@kellymangan6283]

Great video as always. 😁

[@eliandkate]

Glad you enjoyed it... anything to brighten up a dreary Sunday night.

[@paulinemorris5186]

Even though Ive been gardening for to many years to admit to Im enjoying your videos, You really make everything interesting and spark enthusiasm.Im interested to know how you sterilise your own garden compost Ive got a 1 ton tay bag full of the stuff we have created over 2 years and Im keen to use it.

[@eliandkate]

your timing is great - that will be in the next video :D

[@amiladybug9526]

I have variety of places where I get seeds and some have been giving. Also had to search internet for information so its all in my little book.

[@eliandkate]

That little book is worth soooooo much 😁😁😁

[@chicosgarden]

Brilliant video and very informative as always. So far, I'm the same as you as in I will look for a certain variety and go with who is selling and if they are reliable. I have used Seeds Direct, Mr.Fothergill, Thompson & Morgan, David Domoney, Verve (B&Q) and looking at purchasing with realseeds.

[@eliandkate]

Are you watching my old back catalog and hiding from the rain? 😂😂😂

[@chicosgarden]

That's exactly what I was doing lol I thought I had watched all your videos, apparently not but it is funny how I can watch a video for a second time and learn something new as it is more relatable to me now.@@eliandkate

[@eliandkate]

@chicosgarden oh I know you so well 😂😂😂😂😂

[@InMy_PNW_Garden]

Apparently, I don't throw ANY seeds out. Back in Jan , looking through my seed collections I found a 20 year old packet of radishes. Just for fun I decided to see if any would germinate. I expected very few to still be viable and was very surprised to see 90% sprout after all this time.

[@eliandkate]

Wow that’s impressive 😀😀

[@scouse.not.english9863]

Love the channel this is my 2nd attempt at growing food from and in a top floor flat. We have fun with tents inside but this year I a. Growing in pure coco coir with applicable nutrients, ammendments etc.... Just had my first 2 tomatoes poke through the soil In The propogator and now the excitement is building. Hope you, me and all Have a good season. Grow on people who needs asda?

[@eliandkate]

Woohoooo exciting stuff OK need to get a wee how to pot on video for you 😀😀😀

[@scouse.not.english9863]

@@eliandkate amazing, I have mychorazae funghi for transplanting to reduce any shocks. I am comfortable repotting but am very unsure of timings to go outside. I also have the issue of knowing 1 of my tomato strains, San marzano, the others are some Russian tomatoes but I'll run a few and learn that strain on the job. Your videos are great keep it up man needs all the help he can get. Top floor flat also, its a grind but I'm learning a lot and having fun on the way. Highly recommend potential growers just give it a go, it's super rewarding. Thanks eli and Kate look forward to growing alongside you guys.

[@eliandkate]

Putting out side basically either tomatoes, once its above 10c at night preferably 15c

[@scouse.not.english9863]

@@eliandkate ty so much I will keep an eye on the overnight outside temps and look for a consistent rise ready to go out. My Tom's are happy inside atm just waiting for this weather to calm down a little. Hopefully I can transform myco create yard Into a living, breathing, working, productive space.

[@eliandkate]

I have 100% faith in you. Did you watch the potting on stuff?

[@rmac8737]

Cool vid. I use Fothergills too and Stuttons Seeds , Thompson and Morgan and Marshall. I also subscribe to Gardners World magazine and they do free seeds which I used last year ... they were fab. I also pop into local garden centre, small family run one ... easy to buy online but I try to support my local garden centre too. Especially after Covid ....they struggled a lot.

[@eliandkate]

Sounds like a lot of us are using the same seed companies 😁

[@rmac8737]

@@eliandkate yea.... it will be interesting to see how things differ between where we all are in the uk. We still get frost and snow in May up here. So I have a really short season.

[@eliandkate]

Yeah our frosts are usually until 2nd week in May but we rarely get snow. We're right on the coast so wind rain and frost are more our issues

[@cherylhowker1792]

Also Eli, if you buy them on Amazon like I do from premier…. They give ya the info and I screenshot them. So I can write them down and then delete or keep

[@eliandkate]

I do the same from their website 😍

[@pennythompson4790]

i like premier seed direct toox

[@annbaillie3539]

Can you tell me how you fixed the pole to your greenhouse which has string and copper tape attached?

[@eliandkate]

Of course... it's hinged on hooks. I show you in the greenhouse organising video kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3K9gXumqZiiiJo

[@annbaillie3539]

@@eliandkate Thanks I checked it out, awesome, so simple, you are brilliant! ,

[@davidsmith7902]

i use premier seeds too, very reliable so far

[@eliandkate]

I'm impressed 😁

[@paulineellison9047]

hi please were did u get your hat from thanks

[@eliandkate]

It was actually a present from a friend a good few years ago. No idea where it came from but I've got a really similar one from FatFace

[@bristolveggiebeds5310]

I get most of mine from Wilko!

[@eliandkate]

Good shout. Any cheaper than elsewhere?

[@Bev437Sqn]

Hello

[@eliandkate]

Hello.... it's it me you're looking for? 🤣🤣🤣

[@Bev437Sqn]

@@eliandkate I found you then I had to leave class but I came back. 😊