Seed packet and seed saving labels
Labels for saved seeds and seed packets: variety, where it grew and the date collected.
Lines up with real label sheets. The Avery sheet layouts (A4 L-codes for Australia, the UK and Europe, and US Letter codes) were measured from Avery's own templates, so each label prints in the right place on that sheet and on other brands' sheets sold as compatible with the same code. Print at 100% (Actual size), and try one page on plain paper first. makekite.com is printed only in a blank sheet margin, never on a label.
Which label sheet to use
This page starts on Avery L7160 (A4, 21 labels per sheet, each 63.5 × 38.1 mm) for A4 printers, or Avery 5160 (US Letter, 30 labels per sheet, each 2⅝ × 1 in) if your browser is set to US English. You can switch to any other sheet, a thermal roll printer or cut-out labels in the Label sheet or printer menu, and the preview changes to match. Check the code printed on your packet of labels: sheets from other brands that say they are compatible with an Avery code use the same layout.
Printing in four steps
- Type your labels, one per line. Use | to start a new line inside the same label.
- Choose your sheet, then set the text size and picture size so each label looks as full as you like.
- If part of a sheet is already used, set Start at label to the first empty label.
- Print at 100% (Actual size), first on plain paper. Hold the test page against a label sheet up to the light, then print on the labels.
Ready-made labels on this page: Cherry tomato Saved Feb, Sweet basil Saved Mar, Marigold Saved Apr, Climbing bean Saved Mar, Lettuce Saved Dec, Sunflower Saved Mar. Change, delete or add to them before you print.
Using this page
Saving and labelling seed
Let seed heads dry fully on the plant, then collect the seed on a dry day and spread it on paper for a week before storing. Write the variety, the month collected and where it grew. Add notes such as tall, early or sweet so next year's choices are easier. Keep the packets in a cool, dry, dark place in an airtight tin or jar. Some seeds, such as lettuce and beans, keep well for a few years, while others, such as parsnip, are best used within a year.
Using the labels
Type one seed per line and use the vertical bar for a second line, for example Variety | Saved Mar. Print on plain paper and glue it to an envelope, or use adhesive labels directly on small jars. Stick a label on both the packet and the box so you can find the right seed at planting time.