Make Your Own Seed Packet Click on the links below to print out a PDF seed packet. Follow the instructions to assemble each envelope. Sunflower Seed Packet | Black-Eyed Susan Seed Packet | Cosmos Seed Packet | Cucumber Seed Packet | Green Bean Seed Packet | Marigold Seed Packet | Squash Seed Packet | Morning Glory Seed Packet| Malabar Spinach Seed Packet| Hyancith Bean Seed Packet| Datura Seed Packet| Four-O'clock Seed Packet| Mexican Sunflower Seed Packet| Zinnia Seed Packet* Step 1: Print the seed packet template on a color printer. Use scissors to trim around the outside of the template. Step 2: Place cutout packet right side down on a work surface. Fold up flap A to form the bottom. Step 3: Fold over flap B. Use a glue stick along the cut edge. Step 4: Fold over flap C; press down along glued edge of flap B to secure. Allow to dry. Step 5: Fill out the necessary information on the back of the seed packet. Step 6: Add seeds; then fold down flap D, and glue to secure. *Attention Mac Users: When you click on the PDF link a window will pop up with the PDF question mark logo. You need to click on file at the top of the window, click save as, and save the PDF to the desktop in order to open it and print.

A Noble Justification
While giving seeds away is sure to bring smiles to friends and family, Virginia Nazarea and her husband, Robert Rhoades, have created another great way to share the bounty. These professors of anthropology at The University of Georgia started The Southern Seed Legacy. Based in Athens, this group encourages gardeners to save and share seeds, either through the mail or at their annual seed swap.

Why Save Heirlooms?
Every winter, gardeners scour seed catalogs for the next great plant. Unfortunately, these new hybridized seeds often produce good yields, but their seeds aren't suitable for saving because they are either sterile or won't produce seedlings that are true to the original plant.

Instead, look for heirloom seeds. These are usually open-pollinated, which means they are pollinated by the wind or insects. Heirlooms will give you consistent returns each year and help keep a diverse gene pool. Most seed packets clearly state whether the contents are open-pollinated or hybridized.

"How to Save Seeds for Next Year's Garden" is from the November 2005 issue of Southern Living.