Have you noticed strange numbers and letters on seed packages? This is not a random set of symbols, but a code that will reveal everything about the quality of the product.
Read the packaging
For example, the marking "F1" means a hybrid - such seeds will produce an abundant harvest, but they cannot be used for planting the following year.
"OG" - organic, grown without chemicals.
But most importantly, look at the date. If it is printed and not laser-etched, the expiration date has probably been falsified.
Another secret is the size of the seeds. Large specimens in a pack of cucumbers are a sign of an old harvest. Fresh seeds are always smaller and lighter.
And to check the germination, soak 10 pieces in warm water for a day. If less than 6 hatch, the batch is defective.
And never buy seeds labeled “elite” – this is a marketing ploy, the price is three times higher without any real advantages.
But there are other tricks
For example, seeds in colored shells are pelleted. They are easy to plant, but they require abundant watering so that the shell dissolves.
If you buy imported seeds, look for the country code: "NL" - Holland, "DE" - Germany. Many consider their products to be of the highest quality.
And lastly, store your seeds properly.
Wrap them in foil and place them in a jar of rice on the refrigerator door. The rice will absorb excess moisture, and the foil will protect them from light.
Check your supplies once a year: if the seeds smell moldy, throw them away.
And remember: even "expired" seeds have a chance. Try sprouting them in a solution of hydrogen peroxide (1 teaspoon per glass of water) - this will soften the shell and kill the fungus.
