Is it better to use fresh seeds or packaged seeds when planting a vegetable garden?

Question

Just wondering what the advantages/disadvantages would be for each case. I work in a restaurant and can get 100's of seeds like tomatoes, pepper, eggplant, etc.. for free every day. I want to plant some at home to start my vegetable garden, will they work ok? Or will pre-packaged seeds grow better due to some coating or treatments?

Answer 1

As I am understanding your question, you are asking if you should take seeds from fresh food versus packaged seeds. Packaged seeds will be what they represent. The problem with taking seeds from fresh food, especially in a restaurant setting, is that you have no idea what you will get as the produce is likely hybrid varieties.

That all changes if you are saving seeds from fresh heirloom vegetables as they come back true (unless, of course, they have been crossed during pollination). This is one of multiple reasons that people grow heirlooms.

Remember that what you purchase in stores (used in most restaurants) is what has been "bred" to be good travelers for market and likely treated with various pesticides/fertilizers/etc. and not necessarily for flavor. Visit a friend's garden and get a tomato from them fresh off the vine and then get one from the grocery store - then you will understand.

Seeds from fresh heirloom veggies are fine; they should grow back true (barring cross pollination). Packaged seeds give you what you think you are getting. Seeds from store produce - a guessing game.

Answer 2

Taylor 5198 is right on the mark. Most produce that is shipped to stores and restaurants have been treated to extend their shelf life. Therefore, the seeds will not produce the desired results. Packaged seeds or those you get from someone's garden are the much better choice.

Answer 3

Well, the only thing I see that could be different is that with a fresh package of seed you are guaranteed germination provided you plant them according to directions and when they are supposed to be planted. You could collect and dry the seed yourself, but if you do it incorrectly or do not store them correctly then your seed may not germinate. Some seeds also require cold stratification and packaged seed with usually tell you how to do this. And, on top of all that, packaged seeds are inexpensive and more convenient.

Answer 4

I would go with packaged seeds because you would know exactly what variety you are going to get and there are instructions for planting and you know they will germinate. But here is a good article about how to save the seeds if you want to do that:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1082/is_n5_v37/ai_14651253

Answer 5

alot of times, seeds have to cure b4 they r plantable. u can always try the fresh seeds and if nothing happens then go buy. the only advantage is u don't have to buy them.

Answer 6

FRESH I FIND IS BETTER,
I TEACH MY CHILDREN THAT IF THEY EAT A PLUM OR APPLE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT AND IT IS SWEET AND JUICEY TO KEEP THE SEED OR PIP AND WE HAVE GROWN MAYBE TWENTY TREES AND SHRUBS DOING THIS,
AT LEAST YOU KNOW WHAT THE VARIETY TASTES LIKE,ONLY PROBLEM IS YOU SOMETIMES DONT KNOW WHAT THAT PATICULAR SPECIES IS ,WE CALL THOSE TREES MYSTERY TREES,
BUT THAT JUST ADDS TO THE FUN OF GROWING YOUR OWN.
HOPE THIS HELPS,KAREN