Seed Packets

[Peas'n'Kews]

I am a new forum member, but a long-time GYO reader (along with my partner), so this is my first post.

This post is potentially the daftest one ever, but here goes....

I am continually frustrated with access to seed packets.... No matter what I do to open them, I seem to end up losing some of the information on the packet.

Any ideas on easy opening AND retaining all the info?
Thanks
Peas'n'Kews

[Two_Sheds]

I cut away (with scissors) the bottom part of the packet, where the "sell by" date is (you can ignore most sell by dates).

Take out what I need, put back the rest for next time, reseal with sellotape.

[Hans Mum]

^^^ i do same as two sheds^^^

[Peas'n'Kews]

Hi Two Sheds, and thanks for the quick response!

As you may have guessed, I have tried this method (minus the resealing with sellotape).

The problem I found with this method is
1. I often don't have scissors to hand (not very organised when excited about planting!)
2. The other 'arf comes along and picks the packet up and a seeds/packet falls out the bottom
OR
2a. I put the packet in my seed box upside down to remind me its open at the bottom and get frustrated cos I can't read it AND the other 'arf comes along and puts the packet right side up.... (see 2.!)

Good shout on the sellotape, though... may consider this! (If I can get that organised)

Thanks again
Peas'n'Kews

[Two_Sheds]

The problem I found with this method is
1. I often don't have scissors to hand

Well, I can't help you with that my friend

I have a pair of scissors where I do my sowing: one in the gh, one pair in the kitchen, another in the shed

[di]

You're both going to fit in so well on The Vine...Welcome.

I just fold my open packets over a couple of times and then once home...if I'm in an organised phase...pop a paper clip over it.

[veggiechicken]

Hi Peas'n'Kews and welcome - like the name!!
As soon as I get a packet of seeds I write the year on it - somewhere big and obvious. Then, as Two_Sheds says, I open up the bottom of the packet, take out the foil packet inside, and snip off a corner -, the smallest possible for the seeds to come out - bend the corner over and reseal that with sellotape. Reseal the outer packet too.
I also write on the packet something like -"half sown 1/3/11", so that I know roughly how many seeds are left inside and the date when some were sown.
BTW there's no such thing as a daft question here - if you do't know the answer, just ask - someone will be able to help!

Drat! Missed the bus - all this lot ^^^^^replied before I'd finished!!
I have lots of pairs of cheap scissors, anywhere that they could possibly be useful. Trouble they all end up in the same place eventually.

[Peas'n'Kews]

Guys

Thanks for the suggestions - I guess I just need to add scissors to my seed sowing kit (yes, don't be too suprised, I do have one!).

Maybe a few paperclips might help save the packets from the ravages of the other 'arf...

I certainly feel at home already! Off to sow some more peas.... The other 'arf made me some guttering starter "beds" (as read about in GYO!) so I can just slip the maturing pea plants into a trench in the bed when ready - he does have his uses!!!

Thanks again
Peas'n'Kews

[veggiechicken]

Perhaps you could give your other 'arf a little seed box of his own to play with and keep your - "oh so tidy and well organised" seed collection somewhere under lock and key? Though it sounds as if you might lose the keys......

[zazen999]

I give Mr Z his own sowing box; it works a treat. He's too scared to go anywhere near mine and is under strict supervision when sowing in my - ahem I mean our greenhouse.

[Snadger]

Hi Peas'n'Kews and welcome - like the name!!
As soon as I get a packet of seeds I write the year on it - somewhere big and obvious. Then, as Two_Sheds says, I open up the bottom of the packet, take out the foil packet inside, and snip off a corner -, the smallest possible for the seeds to come out - bend the corner over and reseal that with sellotape. Reseal the outer packet too.
I also write on the packet something like -"half sown 1/3/11", so that I know roughly how many seeds are left inside and the date when some were sown.
BTW there's no such thing as a daft question here - if you do't know the answer, just ask - someone will be able to help!

Drat! Missed the bus - all this lot ^^^^^replied before I'd finished!!
I have lots of pairs of cheap scissors, anywhere that they could possibly be useful. Trouble they all end up in the same place eventually.

You're SO well organised..............not tardy like I!

I just break away the flap at the bottom, tear the foil packet.............use what i want, fold over the foil to seal, pop back in packet...................then stash the packet somewhere where i'll NEVER find it again until it pops up five years later!

[veggiechicken]

Oh Snadger, I'm touched! You believe me.....

[taff]

I keep several knives around the place, one in the garden stuck in the wood for cutting stems of things, one in my pocket for the same reason, one in the greenhouse for the same reason etc. They come in handy for slitting the top open.
And if anyone thinks I have too many knives, you should see my axes

[di]

I need more knives...gets annoying looking for broken glass or sharp stones when you need to cut string.

[veggiechicken]

Teeth open seed packets - shall I send you a spare set?