Garden Planting Guide

Anyone can be a gardener with the right information and guidance. Planting vegetables, fruits, flowers or herbs can be very rewarding. Dig into a little Gardening 101 and you’ll be watching your seeds grow in no time!

Types of Seeds

Seeds of all kinds can be grown in containers or directly into the ground. Most seed varieties fall into three categories:

Vegetables & fruits

The most common vegetables that are the easiest to grow include lettuce, green beans, peas, radishes, carrots and cucumber

The most common fruits that are easily grown from seed are blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries.

Vegetables typically are the edible part of a plant; fruits usually come from the flowering part of a plant.

Flowers

Flowers fall into three main categories: perennials, which come back each year; biennials, which have a two-year life cycle; and annuals, which typically live for just one season.

The most common flowers grown from seed are sunflowers, marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, bachelor’s buttons, alyssum and poppy.

Herbs

Herbs are considered the kings of flavor and fragrance. A few of the most common herbs grown by seed include parsley, basil, mint, cilantro and fennel.

Planting Instructions | Gardening for Beginners

How to plant seeds

Whether you have plant seeds that are loose in a customized envelope or embedded in a seeded packet or grow stick, the instructions are much the same.

Make a small indent in the soil where you are going to plant the seed. Bury the seed about twice as deep as it is wide.

Lightly compress the soil while covering the seed.

Water! Don’t water too fast or harshly to avoid washing away the seed. Keep the top ¼ inch of soil moist until seedlings are about 5 inches high. As the plant grows, you can water less frequently but heavier to soak the roots.

How to plant starters with roots

Planting things like wildflowers or basil that have already germinated and sprouted roots takes a little TLC. But the process isn’t difficult.

Remove the plant from its container. Gently loosen the roots and shake off excess soil.

Place the plant in a prepared hole that is slightly deeper than the length of the root system. The leaves at the base of the plant should sit at soil level. Replace the soil and firmly pat it around the plant with your hands.

Water well, especially at first. Drooping or crispy leaves are a sign your plant is too dry. Place your finger 2 to 3 inches below the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Note: Most of the seeds and custom seed kits at Totally Promotional will arrive with directions on how to plant.

Why these steps matter

Each step of the planting process is rooted in science. It takes a combination of resources and actions to encourage growth.

Plant growth starts with germination, which is the process of the embryo evolving from the seed. The seed absorbs water and must be subject to the right temperature and proper amounts of oxygen and light.

Now you’re ready to explore the different types of seed containers at Totally Promotional.

Custom Seed Containers

Grow sticks: Flower seeds embedded in the handles

Mailers: Recycled card stock with seeded papers in numerous shapes

Pop-up starter kits: All-in-one “pop-up” boxes with pretty containers

Envelopes: “Say It With Seeds” envelopes with large areas for full-color imprints

Sprout pouches: Growing pouches with seed packets, essential mediums, instructions

Bookmarks: Seeds attached to bookmarks with dissolvable glue, ready to plant

Bucket planter kits: Mini buckets with soil, seeds, instructions

Carton gardens: Kits with three seed types, three stakes, six soil pads

Planter kits: Starter containers, soil disks, seeds of choice

Garden seed pouches: Canvas drawstring pouches with seeds, stakes, instructions

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Use this interactive map to determine which zone you are in for best planting times for perennials. Planting instructions that are often included with seeds may give specific advice and tips for each zone.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Popular Gardening FAQs

What are the most popular seeds to grow?

Basil • Tomato • Forget-Me-Not • Sunflower • Money plants • Zinnia • Oregano

What are wildflowers?

True wildflowers are native plants that grow naturally in woods, wetlands and other areas where they have adapted to the environment. Most wildflower seeds from Totally Promotional include a mix of flower varieties that are gorgeous and provide pollinator refuges for insects.

What size are most seed packets?

The average personalized seed packet at Totally Promotional is 3”W x 4”H. The number of seeds in each packet varies depending on the plant type.

When to start seeds indoors?

Count back six weeks before your estimated last frost date for planting seeds indoors.

When should I start planting my garden?

Although some plants grow best in cooler temperatures and can survive a late frost, most cannot. It’s better to delay planting until the threat of frost is past.

How to prepare a garden for planting?

Clear an area of ground that will allow adequate sun and rain. More than a month before planting, add some type of compost that will maintain moisture and nutrients and promote drainage. When the soil is workable, you’re ready to plant. Be sure to have proper garden tools for the job.

How long do seed packets last?

The average shelf life for seed packets is two years if stored in a cool, dark place.

Shop Custom Seed Packets for Giveaways!

Promotional seed packets are popular eco-friendly giveaways at trade shows, farmers' markets and greenhouses. Create gift baskets for clients with seeded papers and plant kits printed with your logo.

Show off your brand on uniquely shaped seed packets.