Is it too early to buy seeds?

[heather+mike2005]

I'm going to start a garden next year. If I bought seeds now would they still be good next spring/summer?

Thank you!

[JessicaS]

They should be fine.

[goldfinches]

Yea, I've bought most of mine for next summer, too. The only things I've not bought are garlic, (I don't have the garden ready for them yet, so I have to wait until next fall), asparagus, strawberries and any other things I decide to grow in the meantime.

[lmonter]

I say it's never too early.
Of course, I have a problem and rarely meet a packet of [heirloom] seeds I wouldn't buy as evidenced by my big Rubbermaid of seed packets and seeds I save myself. Just keep in mind that some things like onions and leeks and such have low germination rates to start with, and the germ. rates may go down subsequent years. But just slightly over-sow those things and thin if need be. Not something to fret over.

And if you find a screamin' deal from someone clearancing out last year's seed... Just don't break your budget is all I'm going to say. Well, or spend more than triple what you planned. Teeehee.

[bugleg]

Never too early! I too like to buy stuff on clearance--even if the germination rate is slightly lower, I tend to over seed to hedge against little hands being destructive...