Spring has arrived, the procurement of garden seeds has begun

Shorter shopping season, changing habits With the warming of spring, hobby gardeners have started purchasing seeds across the country. Although retailers have been waiting for customers with stocks filled since January, the peak of seed sales can traditionally be dated to March and April. Typically, the purchase does not take place all at once: many people only buy seeds of heat-requiring plants, such as beans, cucumbers or sweet corn, at the end of April or beginning of May, explained Ferenc Marton, a member of the Vegetable Section Committee of the Seed Association.

According to the association’s data, approximately 17-20 million colored bagged seeds are sold on the domestic market annually, and due to increasing production and other costs, the turnover could be worth approximately 6 billion forints this year.

Traditional plants and novelties in the vegetable garden

The classic vegetable species are still the most popular among hobby gardeners: carrots, parsley, cucumbers, beets, zucchini and sweet corn The demand for its seeds is stable. In recent years, interest in special vegetables has increased due to cooking shows and gastronomic trends: for example, the essential herb of Italian cuisine, several varieties of basil, as well as tomato specialties and previously less known salad varieties, chili peppers. For lovers of Asia, Chinese cabbage, ribbed cabbage (pak-choi), melons, Asian lettuce, Hokkaido-type pumpkin (Uchiki kuri) seeds are an opportunity.

Urban gardening and eco-awareness

One ​​of the defining trends of recent years is the rise of urban gardening. More and more people are growing vegetables and herbs on a balcony or terrace. Choosing the right pot and soil is key, as the limited amount of land significantly affects crop yield.

In parallel, the eco-conscious approach is growing: more and more people are using plant associations, for example, planting marigolds or marigolds next to crops to keep pests away. The creation of bee-friendly gardens is also becoming more and more common, which is important not only from an aesthetic but also from an ecological perspective.

“I would be very happy if gardening became trendy among children. It would help to make it more popular if parents and grandparents playfully encouraged their children and grandchildren to plant crops together. For success, it is important to choose plants that are easy to grow and are sure to produce flowers. Home-grown tender green peas are an excellent delicacy, while sunflowers and marigolds are spectacular flowers,” explained Ferenc Marton.

Small gardens are not spared by the changing climate

However, cultivation is increasingly affected by extreme weather conditions. Water-saving solutions, such as rainwater harvesting or mulching, are becoming increasingly popular. According to experts, the reason for unsuccessful germination is often not the quality of the seed, but the improper sowing conditions. Soil that is too cold, the wrong sowing depth or a drying out seedbed can all hinder germination. The most important factors for successful germination are the right soil temperature, the right sowing depth and ensuring even moisture in the seedbed.

Bagged seeds retain their germination capacity within the validity period under appropriate storage conditions. It should be stored in a dry, cool, low-humidity room until use, but it is advisable to use it within the year of purchase, advises Marton Ferenc.

Quality and safety on the seed market

The advantage of domestic seeds is that they adapt well to local conditions, and the information on the packaging helps gardeners in successful cultivation. Seeds sold in domestic stores are also officially inspected