Vegetable Seed Planning
Buying the right amount of vegetable seed prevents waste and ensures you have enough to plant your entire garden. Each vegetable has different spacing requirements and germination rates that affect how many seeds you need.
Planting 2-3 seeds per hole is common practice, especially for seeds with lower germination rates. After germination, thin seedlings to the strongest plant at each position. This ensures no gaps in your rows.
Seed Calculation Formula
Vegetable Seed Reference
| Vegetable | Spacing (in) | Germination | Seeds/Packet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | 12 - 24 | 80 - 90% | ~25 - 50 |
| Lettuce | 6 - 12 | 85 - 95% | ~200 - 500 |
| Carrot | 2 - 4 | 70 - 85% | ~500 - 1000 |
| Pepper | 18 - 24 | 75 - 85% | ~25 - 50 |
| Bean | 4 - 6 | 80 - 90% | ~50 - 100 |
| Radish | 2 - 3 | 70 - 80% | ~250 - 500 |
| Zucchini | 24 - 36 | 85 - 95% | ~15 - 25 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many seeds come in a standard packet?
It varies greatly by vegetable. Large seeds (beans, corn, squash) typically have 25-100 per packet. Small seeds (lettuce, carrot, radish) have 200-1,000+ per packet. Check the packet label for the exact count or weight.
Should I start seeds indoors or direct sow?
Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant benefit from 6-8 weeks indoor start. Beans, corn, carrots, radishes, and peas prefer direct sowing. Lettuce and spinach can go either way depending on your climate and season.
How long do vegetable seeds last?
Stored in a cool, dry place, most seeds last 2-4 years. Onion and parsnip seeds last only 1-2 years. Bean, cucumber, and tomato seeds can last 4-5 years. Germination rates decrease over time.