I've updated my seed inventory spreadsheet and, thanks to Dan for his help, I actually published it through Google Docs. It still isn't quite complete, as I have seeds sitting in my Washington PO box, and still must purchase seed potatoes and onion plants. The following are just seeds for the veggie garden, I've not yet done a spreadsheet on my flower seeds.
I'm way overextended in the tomato seed department again this year, but if they all grow, maybe I'll just put a table in the driveway with a donation can, and maybe make enough for new seeds for next year. I'm up in the air on whether I really want to do it, but think I might give it a try.
Some of my seeds are getting old (marked with *), and I didn't do anything special to preserve them. I now know a cardboard shoe box isn't the best way to keep them, so from now on they will go into moisture proof containers in the freezer. I'm not expecting great germination from the 2008 seeds.
Notice that you can scroll to the right for columns for seed year and my 2010 costs.
Granny, this is wonderful! I'm going to have to try my hand at Google Docs asap. I don't have nearly as many seeds as you, but my collection is growing. This would be a great way to keep track of my seed inventory AND garden expenses. Thanks for the great post. What you've done with your Arizona garden has definitely been impressive, but I can't wait until you get to Washington so we can see all the wonderful things you'll do in that great big garden!
ReplyDeletewow, so many varieties of each! It should be a fun year!
ReplyDeleteI've got to try this wintersown thing next year. You guys seem to really enjoy it and the seeds look fantastic!
ReplyDeleteHi Granny! Awesome job with that seed inventory :-)
ReplyDeleteYou'd be surprised at how well the seeds do last just being kept in a place that is dark and cool... I've found that most of the turnip type crops (broccoli for example) last a long time and still germinate when they the seed is old. The beans are the same too. The seeds that seem not to last long are corn, carrots, onions...
So, on some of my older seed, I just double plant (2 seeds instead of 1). That way I can still use them in the garden.
I need to do something for a seed inventory myself... you've gotten me off my tuff to get on it :-) I need to do something because I keep buying the same seeds over and over LOL
Caffeinated Mom, I need to work on my spreadsheet and make the columns narrower. I'll have to shorten a few of the names. I sure like this feature, though...I'm going to be a Google Docs fool!
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Erin, I've pretty much managed to work most of these varieties into my plan, but the ones that are still not listed may have to go into the freezer for next year.
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Ribbit, you can't beat the price! I've had a couple of tomatoes that didn't match up to their descriptions, but with such a variety that wasn't much of a problem. I've also received some real winners.
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Judy, thanks for the seed saving tips. I only had two things that didn't want to germinate from old seed, carrots and lettuce. Just one variety of lettuce (buttercrunch) which was seed from the dollar store to begin with, so maybe not the freshest to begin with.
Great list AG! I am excited to give the Google docs a try too. I think I could actually post my garden plans for the year with this tool. They are too big to post but with scroll bar feature I think it will work. Lots of other potential uses too.
ReplyDeleteSome older seeds will maintain a good germination rate despite rather haphazard storage. Some seeds have the odds stacked against them (parsnips and onions are two that really do not age gracefully!). You might try a germination test on a few of them to see how they do (damp paper towel in a warm spot). I usually do five seeds and then calculate the % of germination from those. Less than 70% and I give up on them.
Kitsap, I'm hooked on Google Docs, but I'm not familiar with all the workings yet, I had to write to Dan for help.
ReplyDeleteVery nice list AG but what I'm really iimpressed about is the total cost ...I need to start being more frugal. I think I will have to start saving my seed and trading a bit more.
ReplyDeleteSunny, it helped that I had a lot of seed left from last year. Also, all of the tomatoes were basically free, except for postage and a small donation. Actually the total could have been much less, as I have a gift certificate for a local nursery when I get home. My daughter usually buys my seeds as a Christmas gift, but I couldn't wait this year so I'll use the certificate for potting mix and stuff.
ReplyDeleteOoooh, I like the way google docs seems to allow you to post the whole spreadsheet. It was a pain to post my list as html. I may have to look into this since I keep changing things.
ReplyDeleteGranny, that is quite a list! I am looking forward to seeing everything grow.
Rachel, I'm just anxious to get growing! I feel like it's getting so late, as it's difficult to sit here in 70 degree weather and make myself remember it's in the 20s or 30s at home. Reality will hit me in a week ;-)
ReplyDeleteGoodness gracious are you actually going to start all of those tomato varieties? That is quite a bit. I think I have you beat on beans and lettuce though. Just see what happens when you ask people to send you lettuce seed. I dare you!
ReplyDeleteDaphne, I did ask you to send me lettuce seed, and you did!
ReplyDeleteI'm only planning on planting one of each variety (I'll start 3 seedlings of each), so it won't be many more than I grew last year. There are always some that die on me, it seems. All the cherries are going around the patio...a perfect privacy screen! No more self watering buckets, but lots of bottomless ones.
Oh goodie, Granny! I'm growing "gartenperle" too. I can't wait to try it in some hanging planters of some kind.
ReplyDeleteEG, that's what I'm going to try, and I hope it tastes better than last year's Tumbling Tom. I'm planning on hanging it in a bucket from the railing around the dog kennel.
ReplyDeleteLooks good. I think we have something in common, a seed addiction! You have lots of different tomatoes this year. Are you growing multiples of each? I am only growing one of each... unfortunately!
ReplyDeleteDan, I played with the spreadsheet code a bit. I found I had to make the width quite a bit narrower to fit my template. It's awesome, though...you're a very good teacher!
ReplyDeleteI'm probably going to start three seedlings of each variety of tomato, but I've only allowed for one of each in my garden plans. That will be utilizing every inch of garden I have. I'm sure I won't have any trouble giving away any leftover plants.
I hope that Kellogg's Breakfast seed I sent you grows true. I didn't keep it separate from the other tomatoes, so we might end up with a Brandywine Breakfast! This year I'll try to be more careful and bag the blossoms.
I did not separate out any of the tomatoes I saved seed from either. I see the KB is a regular leaf so it should grow true. As long as I get a tomato in the end that's all that matters to me :-)
ReplyDeleteI use Google Docs on my website and it is handy.
ReplyDeleteI thought I had too many tomato varieties but you beat me hands down.
Whew! Dan, I'm glad to hear that! Some people are such purists when it comes to their seeds, but I'm like you...as long as I get something, I'm happy! I saved seed from my Kentucky Blue pole beans, too. I don't care if I get Kentucky Wonder or Blue Lake or a combination, they should be just fine. I always enjoy a little surprise in my garden.
ReplyDeleteGreen Lane Allotments, I did get a bit carried away, didn't I? That's even more than I planted last year, and I had too many. None of my neighbors or children garden though, so I always have somebody willing to take my excess harvest.
ReplyDeleteImpressive list, Granny. I'm especially impressed with the tomato varieties. Can't wait to see your regular season veggie garden!
ReplyDeleteMeredith, last year I planted 14 varieties of tomatoes, but not all of them survived the summer (blight or pulled for lack of good flavor). I made a notation that never again would I plant that many, as I had more tomatoes than I could use or give away. So what have I planned for this year? Twenty-one varieties! I never learn ;-)
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