Basic Terminology

Look next to the Non-GMO label: Open pollination means that your plant produces seeds that pollinate by way of bees, butterflies and wind. 

In using heirloom seeds that have been pollinated this way, you can plant a romantic history of seeds being harvested and passed down by farmers for 40 years, or all the way back to the 1940's.

These are the plants you can use for collecting seeds that will germinate next season, called the "parent" plant.

"Hybrid" seed is naturally pollinated but is further removed from the two parent plants, and collected seeds may not flower or fruit, so buy hybrid seeds instead of collecting them yourself.

To pre germinate, go back to childhood! No really, grab a paper towel, wet it with warm water, line up your seeds on the towel and then fold the towel to hold the seeds inside. Keep the towel moist and store it in a clean jar or ziplock bag.

Some seeds, like chard, only require a 24 hour wait before planting. 

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Hypogeal germination and epigeal germination