Seed Quantity Calculator

Figure out how many seeds you need to buy for your garden rows, accounting for germination rates and seed packet sizes.

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How It Works

Not every seed you plant will sprout, so it is important to buy more than you think you need. Most vegetable seeds have a germination rate between 70% and 90%, which means out of 100 seeds planted, 70 to 90 will produce a seedling. Seed packets from reputable companies list the germination rate on the label. If the label says 85%, plan to plant about 15% more seeds than you need. Leftover seeds are not wasted — most vegetable seeds stay viable for two to five years if you store them in a cool, dry place like a sealed container in the refrigerator. Buying seeds in bulk or from seed swaps can save money compared to individual retail packets.