All About Seeds
Seeds are the foundation of a garden. In this class, you will learn about choosing seeds, growing seeds, and saving seeds. It’s all in the name: this class is All About Seeds. Participants will learn about how to start plants from seed, support seedling growth, and how to save and store seeds.
This class topic is part of the Horticultural Skills priority of the Master Gardener program.
If you enjoyed this class, please join us for another. Current and upcoming classes are posted on our website.
Class Handouts
At-Home Activities
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Dissect a seed to identify its internal structures
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Materials: 1 large seed (beans recommended), water, 24-hours of time
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Test seed viability to find out if old seeds are still good to plant
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Materials: old seeds, damp paper towel, plastic zip-top bag
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Create seed tape to help space and plant tiny seeds
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Materials: seeds, toilet paper, glue, measuring tool, marker
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Related Handouts
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Seed Packet Terminology (Washington State University Extension)
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Hybrid vs Heirloom: Which Seeds to Choose (University of California Cooperative Extension)
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Starting Vegetable Seeds Indoors (Rutgers: State University of New Jersey)
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10-Step Guide to Saving Seeds & Avoiding Cross-Pollinators (University of Minnesota Extension)
Online Resources
PRO-TIP: Google “site:edu seed starting” (or site:gov) for research-based advice
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Seed-Starting Date Calculator (Johnny's Select Seed Company)
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Lighting for indoor plants and starting seeds (University of Minnesota Extension)
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Planting a Vegetable Garden (University of Minnesota Extension)
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Seed Saving & Sharing (University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension)
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Sorting out your saved seeds & Germination Test (University of Illinois Extension)
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Harvesting Native and Indigenous Perennial Seeds (University of Illinois Extension)