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About
Organic Seed Finder is a reference for the questions that come before a seed goes in the ground: how warm, how deep, how long, light or dark, does it need a chill, and when.
How it works
Each plant has one page with the figures at a glance, then short notes on sowing, care, problems and saving seed. Figures come from published growing guides rather than from memory, and are linked on every page. When two sources differ, the page shows a range that covers them. When no source gives a figure for a plant, the page says so rather than guessing, and points you to your seed packet.
Timing is shown in weeks relative to your last spring frost, because the same crop is sown in March in one place and June in another. The sowing calendar turns that into dates for you.
What it is not
It is not a catalogue and does not sell seed. Variety-level claims (days to maturity, disease resistance) belong to the seed company that bred the variety, so check the packet. Frost dates are averages; watch the soil temperature and the forecast.
Sources
- UC Master Gardener Program: Soil temperature conditions for vegetable seed germination
- Colorado State University Extension: Vegetable planting guide
- Iowa State University Extension: Germination requirements for annuals and vegetables
- Iowa State University Extension: How to grow perennials from seed
- NDSU Extension: How to succeed at seed starting (time and temperature chart)
- Alberta Agriculture: Soil temperature and field vegetable germination
- Johnny's Selected Seeds: Herb growing guide (PDF)
- Johnny's Selected Seeds: Flower growing guide (PDF)
- Fedco Seeds: Outdoor planting chart for bulbs
- Fedco Seeds: Flower planting guide
- New York Botanical Garden: How deep should I plant bulbs?
- Iowa State University Extension: Milkweed cold stratification process (PDF)
- University of Arkansas Extension: Starting seeds that need cold
- Oklahoma State University Extension: Propagation of fruit and nuts by seed
Organic seed suppliers we point to are listed in the organic seed guide.
Related sites
Grow From Seeds is the beginner-technique sister site: containers, light, watering and the first-timer mistakes.
Contact
Corrections are welcome, especially if you find a figure that disagrees with a source: info@organicseedfinder.com.