FAQ's

Here you'll find a list of answers to the questions we get asked the most. It's broken down into categories to make it slightly easier to find what you're looking for. 

If you have a question you can't find an answer to here please send us an email at hello@superseeds.com or give us call at 207-926-3400

Q: WHAT IS A ‘TREATED’ SEED AND DOES PINETREE CARRY THEM?

A: When a seed has been ‘treated’ it means that a biological or chemical ingredient, usually a fungicide, has been applied to the seed to prevent pests or diseases from harming the seed before it can germinate. Pinetree Garden Seeds DOES NOT carry or sell any ‘treated’ seeds. 

Q: WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN A SEED IS COATED? 

A: Coated seed is seed that is simply coated for the purpose of making the seed more visible and easier to handle. Sometimes referred to as a ‘film coat’ or ‘slick coat’, this coating does not change the size or form of the seed and is typically made from an inert material (like clay) that will not alter the seed in any way. 

Q: WHAT IS A PELLETED SEED?

A: Pelleted seed is seed that has been wrapped in a thick coating that makes the seed easier to handle and plant. It enlarges small seed to a manageable size, and once planted, the pellet outside will dissolve with moisture. It is NOT a fungicide and does not affect the seed's germination or growth in any way. 

Q: "COLD TREATING SEEDS"... WHAT DOES THIS MEAN AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT ME?

A: Cold treating seeds, sometimes called “Cold stratification”, is a process of treating seed to simulate natural winter conditions. Sowing outdoors in the fall can provide these conditions naturally, especially for perennials. Stratifying/cold treating your seeds inside provides you the ability to control this process, mimicking these natural conditions.Most packets of seeds that require this process will indicate it on their packaging.

Q: HOW DO I ‘COLD TREAT’ MY SEEDS?

A: First, pre-moisten the seed starting medium, sow the seed into a pot then wrap it in a clear plastic bag, then place the sown seed into the refrigerator. Leave it in for anywhere from 2-4 weeks, checking once a week to make sure the medium has not dried out. Pull the seed from the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature. Place under grow lights and provide proper germination temperatures.

Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DETERMINATE AND INDETERMINATE SEEDS?

A: This question relates mostly to tomato seeds. Determinate means that once the plant grows, flowers and then produces fruit, its life cycle is done. Once the fruit is harvested, it will not produce any more. Determinate plants generally only reach a size of about 36”. Indeterminate means that once the plant grows, flowers and then produces fruit, it will continue to grow and produce fruit until it is killed by frost.

Q: HOW SHOULD LEFTOVER SEEDS BE STORED?

A: Storage conditions are very important to seed viability. Exposure to moisture causes seed viability to decline, so seeds should be stored in a dry place in an airtight, watertight container. Zippered freezer bags, glass jars, plastic containers and metal boxes are all options, as long as they have a tight seal. In humid climates, a desiccant such as a packet of silica gel or dry milk powder can be placed in the container to absorb moisture. Seed also should kept cool, and can even be stored in the refrigerator or the freezer.

Q: WHAT DOES "DIRECT SEEDED" MEAN?

A: Direct seeded means that the seeds can be planted directly into the ground, as opposed to needing to be started indoors for a short period of time. Direct seeding vs. seed starting is very climate specific, as certain seeds can handle a cooler soil temperature while other seeds require warm soil at all times. Please see the Seed Starting article on our blog for more detailed information.

Q: DO TOMATOES NEED TO BE PRUNED?

A: No. Tomato plants will grow and produce fruit even if you don't get around to pruning them. However, your plant will yield more fruit and have fewer disease issues if you prune them. 

Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYBRID AND OPEN POLLINATED SEED?

A: Open pollinated seed is seed that is genetically identical to the parent plant from which the seed came. Open pollinated seed is also known as Heirloom seed, which are seed varieties that have been passed down for generations through families or communities. Hybrid seed is seed that has two different parents of the same species that have been selected for their certain traits in a controlled environment. The seed produced will not be genetically identical to the parent plants. Please note that hybrids are NOT genetically modified. See below for more information on Hybrid vs. GMO seeds.

Q: WHAT CAN I GROW IN MY YARD IF IT IS VERY SHADY?

A: Virtually all vegetables require full sun; shade tends to reduce plant growth and the amount of fruit or vegetable that it will yield, if it grows at all. As an alternative, you may want to pick up container gardening, placing your containers wherever sun filters through the trees for the longest amount of time each day.

Q: WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF SEEDS AND CAN I SAVE THEM TO USE AGAIN THE NEXT YEAR?

A: Some seeds are only viable in the year of purchase, and others can be kept for many years. If seeds have not been pretreated or pelletized (see above for explanation of pelleted seed vs. coated seed) and if they have been stored properly, here is the shelf life you can expect: 1 year: onions, parsnips, parsley, spinach 2 years: corn, peas, beans, chives, okra, dandelion 3 years: carrots, leeks, asparagus, turnips, rutabagas 4 years: peppers, chard, pumpkins, squash, watermelons, basil, artichokes 5 years: beets, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, celery, lettuce, endive, chicory. Check out our Blog on this.

 

OUR STANCE ON GMO's

Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GMO AND HYBRID SEEDS?

A: Hybrid seeds select traits from different parent plants for a beneficial outcome. GMO seeds are genetically manipulated in their genes to make the seed more beneficial.

Q: DOES PINETREE SELL GMO SEEDS?

A: The short answer is no, we do not. Many of you have contacted us asking about Pinetree’s position on genetically modified seeds and the recent acquisition of small companies by larger corporations. After 40 years, Pinetree remains a small family owned business. We have never, and will never, sell any genetically modified seeds and strive to operate with integrity and transparency in all dealings while supporting our customers in their efforts to make informed decisions about their food and their environment. As our founder, Richard Meiners, has said: “We sell no seed that has been developed using genetic manipulation. We do not view technologies as being good or bad things in themselves, but people can certainly employ them in pernicious ways. We also think that developing countries are best served, focusing on the agricultures that they have the material and manpower for. Not some Western notion that ignores indigenous materials and tastes.” Additionally, Pinetree has signed the Safe Seed Pledge as an effort to make clear our stance on this issue and our support for those fighting against the political landscape that allows more and more GMO presence. The Safe Seed Pledge: "Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy, sell or trade genetically engineered seeds or plants. The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately healthy people and communities." In the interest of full disclosure, Pinetree has purchased seeds from Seminis in the long distant past. We have not purchased their seeds for many years, nor do we intend to in the future. Our relationship with Seminis predates the Monsanto acquisition by many years and we had always felt they were a responsible company but have chosen not to support Monsanto in any capacity. Pinetree will continue to meet the needs of the home gardener and provide our customers with more and more organic and heirloom choices in the coming years. We are committed to the ideals of sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship and appreciate your support. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Melissa

Q: WHEN WILL MY SEEDS/PRODUCTS ARRIVE?

A: During our busy season (January -March) most orders ship in approximately 5-7 business days. Otherwise, orders typically ship within 2-3 business days. Stock availability may affect this, so please call if you have specific concerns.

Live Plants, roots, bulbs, garlic, and tubers, have a SEPARATE shipping calendar - please visit the product page for more information or give us a call!

Q: HOW DO I REQUEST A CATALOG?

A: Click here to request a catalog via our website. Simply fill out the form and confirm the subscription via the email that will arrive in your inbox shortly after submitting.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?

A: We guarantee everything we sell for a period of 90 days from shipment. We will give a credit for the amount under $5.00 or a refund check over $5.00. All seeds can be happily replaced but plant material can only be refunded.

Q: WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?

A: Check, money order, Paypal, all major credit cards.

Q: WHAT ABOUT THOSE OTHER PAYMENT OPTIONS I SEE ON THE SCREEN?

A: ShopPay, GooglePay, and PayPal are all CUSTOMER ENABLED payment options - that means, you can choose to add these 'digital wallets' to your personal computer or devices.  It creates a faster checkout for you, the customer, as your information is stored on the platform - ShopPay, GooglePay, or PayPal depending on which you choose to use - but your information will not be stored on the site you're shopping!

Q: DOES SOLD OUT MEAN THE ITEM WILL NEVER COME BACK IN STOCK?

A: "Sold out" means that the item is currently out of stock but! it may be on its way to us from a grower. Check back and be sure to sign up on the product page for an email alert if and when the item is back in stock. If you placed a mail order, you will receive a refund or a credit for any sold out items. 

Q: WHAT ARE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR SALES AND DISCOUNTS?

A: Terms and Conditions include the following: Limit of one discount code per order and one code use per customer. Discount codes cannot be applied to gift certificates and are not valid for previous purchases. Discount code is valid for stated number of days from time email is sent or until expiration date stated (on eastern time zone) and applies only to orders in the US.

Q: WHAT IS THE SURCHARGE ADDED TO MY SHIPPING COST?

A: We are adding a $3.95 shipping surcharge to a few select items due to their weight and/or size. Adding this surcharge to these heavy and/or large items ensures we’re covering the added cost of materials and labor to get your items to you safely and efficiently.

Q: WHAT DO REFERENCES TO "ZONE" MEAN AND HOW DO I DETERMINE WHICH ZONE I'M IN?

A: Your "zone" is a reference to geographic regions of plant hardiness. This is based the average annual minimum temperatures in your area. There are 11 hardiness zone in north america; zone 1 being the coldest with minimum temperatures reaching -50°f, and zone 11 being the warmest with minimum temperatures never going below 40°f. Plant hardiness is rated by the lowest temperature at which the plant can survive. The USDA map of hardiness zones allows you to click on your area to find your zone and a list of the lowest temperatures that can be expected.

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The USDA map of Hardiness Zones 2023

Looking for your zone?

Click HERE to find your Hardiness Zone