Seed Sharing Envelope DIY

Today I am sharing a printable seed packet template I made. I created it with different types of plants in mind and it's super easy to print, cut out and fill these mini seed envelopes. It's a great way to label your own seeds or share your seeds with other gardeners. That was a big part of the huge success in backyard gardening last year...seed sharing!

Last year a weird thing happened in the garden industry. They ran out of seeds! Almost 30 years gardening and I've never seen this happen! When the lockdowns started people started worrying about the food supply and since spring was right around the corner, they decided to plant their own gardens. 

Smart move. Not only was it  a home based activity when we were being asked to stay home, but it was an outdoor activity. Sunshine and fresh air is good for everyone! Did you know that 42% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D? Since our skin absorbs vitamin D from sunlight, spending some time in the sun is a good idea. Just use sunscreen, nobody wants skin damage or sunburn!

Sorry...went off topic!

This sudden interest in gardening overwhelmed the seed companies and many of them stopped taking orders because they couldn't keep up. Gardeners who saved their seeds from last years garden, were way ahead of the game. Many of them shared seeds with fellow gardeners and newbie growers.

In Will Expired Seeds Still Grow? I talk about how storing seeds properly can help extend their viability. If you're not sure how to save seeds from the plants, I have a You Tube video series on collecting flower and herb seeds. Your herbs and flowers should fall into one of these types, so if you're not sure how to collect your own seeds those videos should help! 

DIY Seed Sharing Envelopes 

All you'll need is a printer, glue and the seeds you collected from your own plants last year. If you're lucky enough to have already bought the seeds you like, these small packets make it easy to share new varieties with other gardeners. Yes, these packets are small...but how many seeds do you need of a new variety? That's a trick question obviously! 😉 

Ok, but seriously, most gardeners trying out a new variety only plant a few. So sharing a dozen seeds is more than enough! Unfortunately I always go all in when trying something new and it rarely works out. *sigh*

I planted a new berry last year and went with about 15 plants and as they grew and took up more and more space, I quickly got overwhelmed and ripped out all of them! I got scared when I found out they were toxic if picked too soon, and I couldn't tell they were ready till they got mushy. Oops!

Then there was the summer of kohlrabi story when I planted how much I thought I would use and it turned out to taste not very good. Did the same things with 'fruit' radishes 2 years back. Note: fruit radishes are nothing near fruit! They're quite spicy actually. That information would have helped when choosing seeds. 

Lets get to making these little seed packets!

How to make a seed packet

I came up with 4 different seed packet designs. In the PDF is one page each for vegetables, flowers, herbs and other seeds. I put 4 packet templates on each sheet.

Go right HERE and download the free printable PDF file. In it is the 4 different pages. Print the ones you want on light cardstock or regular paper. You need to set your size as 'fit to page' since you want the images as large as possible. Preview before printing to make sure the 4 templates fill up the page.

If you use regular printer paper the envelopes are going to be thinner, but it will still work. Card stock is thicker and more durable, but if you're only sharing a few seeds per packet, they probably don't have to last a long time anyway.

Cut out each envelope pattern on the outside lines. Once cut out you will fold the bottom up and fold the small side piece in. Fold the large piece over the back last. Press the folds down with a heavy object to smooth them out and keep them folded. Glue in place. I used Elmer's glue. 

There are lines on the front of the packet to write in any information needed. I usually write the variety, brief planting instructions and fill in the date saved line. Fill with seeds. Fold down the top flap and  glue or tape top shut.

If you want these save the bees packets the tutorial is right here. There's also one for attracting butterflies! Happy seed sharing!

Have you decided what to plant in your garden yet? Click here to see how I decide!

~L

If you're looking for larger seed packets I have a set of templates available right here in my Etsy shop!

Want gardening and healthy living information sent right to your email weekly? Click right here to join my list and get new posts sent directly to you the day they're published!