Seed Counts

Isn't it annoying when seed companies list their inventory in ounces instead of seed numbers?  After years of clicking through to equivalency tables,  I have taped a list of approximate seed counts to my desk.  This year, I've added a column to my list.  It tells me how many plants I need to feed a family of four.  It's so convenient!

If you'd like to do the same, print this list and get out your tape.

Number of Seeds per Ounce/Number of Plants Needed to Feed an Average Family of Four:

Beans, Bush: 50/48
Beans, Lima: 100/40-50
Beans, Pole: 100/30-40
Beets: 1280/40
Broccoli: 9,000/15
Cantaloupe: 1,000/4
Cauliflower: 9,000/8
Corn, Sweet: 150/72
Cucumber: 1,100/8
Eggplant: 6,500/4
Peas: 90/24
Peppers: 4,500/10
Pumpkin: 200/3
Spinach: 2,800/20
Squash, Summer: 300/3
Squash, Winter: 120/4-6
Tomato: 9,500/15
Watermelon: 300/4

I have many other seeds on my list.  Email if you have questions about seeds not listed. gourmetgardener@windstream.net

Note:  I've gathered these numbers from numerous seed companies over the years.  Where numbers haven't matched my personal findings, I've substituted my own calculations.  Some of my more recent sources include   Burrell Seeds ,  The Free Library,  Corbett Report,  About.com , and Hume Seeds.

 For those who like to garden organically or garden in containers, consider purchasing my book:  Container Gardening for Health: The 12 Most Important Fruits & Vegetables for Your Organic Garden