There are around a million different types of seeds, so division of a specific type of seed is a bit difficult. There are also some seeds which fall into more than one category, like coffee beans, which are used for edible purposes and also for plantation purposes. Seeds are very significant to our lives, whether it is to growing cereals, herbs, fruits or vegetables, or using them for culinary purposes like using kidney beans for making enchiladas. No matter which category the seed falls under, it is important to select healthy seeds to get the maximum benefits from the seeds. Given below are the two major categories of seeds; seeds used for plantation and seeds used for eating; and some tips on selecting the seeds.
Types of Seeds for Plantation
With organic farming gaining popularity day by day, the planters are left with two choices: whether to go for genetically modified hybrid seeds or to opt for organic seeds to get an organic yield. In my opinion, organic seeds are a better choice, as they are more safe and natural. However, while selecting a particular type of seeds for sowing make sure the variety of seeds, whether organic or hybrid, has been used before and given a healthy yield.
Seeds for Growing Cereal Plants: You can find these plant seeds for sowing at a farmers market, or order them online. Select good quality seeds to grow your cereals, and seek advice from the supplier for the care instructions. Examples of cereal seeds: bran, wheat, rice, maize, etc.
Seeds for Growing Fruits/Flower Plants: Fruit and flower seeds are easily available at a nursery; again make sure you select good quality fruit tree seeds, and select the variety of fruit you want to grow; there are various varieties of apples, try to get your hands on the seeds that are native to your region. Examples of fruit and flower plants grown using seeds: peaches, apricots, nectarines, roses, sunflower, etc.
Seeds for Growing Vegetables & Herb Plants: Again, you can find seeds to grow vegetables or herb plants at your local nursery. Pick out healthy, non-bruised and big sized seeds to get a healthy yield. Examples of easy to grow vegetables and herbs grown by using seeds: tomato, squash, beans, cucumbers, spinach, etc. and herbs like coriander, basil, sage, etc.
Seeds for Growing Grass: To grow beautiful grass you can buy seeds from online suppliers or at your local nursery. It is okay if you go with the quality grass seeds which are non-organic varieties, as the grass is only for decorative purpose. More on when to plant grass seed.
Types of Edible Seeds
Some of the above types of seeds also fall in the edible seeds type, for example cereals and many fruit and vegetable seeds are edible suck as cucumber seeds and tomato seeds. Given below are the types of edible seeds used in the kitchen and the ones used to feed birds.
Seeds That Can Be Eaten Raw: Many seeds can be eaten raw, and can be found at a supermarket. Make sure you select a packet of good quality ones. Some examples of such seeds are: mung bean seeds, peanuts, radish, sunflower, clover, etc.
Seeds That Need to Be Cooked Before Eating: There are many seeds which need to be soaked for many hours to get the sprouts and then eaten, and certain seeds are soaked and then cooked before they become edible. Some examples of such seeds are pinto, kidney beans, white kidney beans, broccoli, etc.
Seeds to Feed Birds: For feeding the birds there are various kinds of seeds used. However, certain bird seeds attract specific group of birds. The seeds used to feed birds are sunflower, millet, cracked corn, thistle, wheat, oats, etc. Read more about bird feeders.
These were the different types of seeds explained. So no matter what type of seeds you are looking for, ensure you select the good quality seeds to get the best out of them.