How to fold a seed packet
Print at Actual size (100%). The bar at the top of each sheet should measure 2 inches. The same steps print under the packets, or on a page of their own when the packets fill the sheet.
- Cut on the solid lines.
- Crease the dashed lines. Fold the grey flaps onto the unprinted side of the paper.
- Fold the panel with the grey flaps up behind the other panel. Glue the flaps to it.
- Fill with seed. Fold the flap marked “fold last” down and glue or tape it.
Packets printed sideways: turn each one so “fold last” is at the top before you fold. On card, spread the glue all the way to the edges of the flaps.
The notes print upside down on the sheet so they read the right way up once folded.
Example: nine packets for a swap
Ruth takes five varieties to a swap: three packets of Cherokee Purple tomato, two each of Dragon carrot and Provider bean, one each of basil and amaranth. Nine small packets fill three sheets exactly. Open Ruth's list.
Questions
What size are the seed packets?
Small is 2¼ by 3¼ inches and prints three to a sheet. Medium is 3 by 4 inches, two to a sheet. Large is 3¼ by 4½ inches, also two to a sheet, with room for beans or squash seed. Custom size takes any width and height that fits on the paper.
Will it print right on A4 paper?
Yes. Each sheet fits inside both Letter and A4, so nothing changes when you switch paper. Print at Actual size or 100%, not Fit to page, and check the bar at the top of the sheet: it should measure 2 inches (50.8 mm).
What paper works best for seed packets?
Plain printer paper folds and glues easily. Thin card lasts longer but needs a firm crease: run a dry pen along each dashed line against a ruler first.
What should I write on a seed packet?
At least the plant, the variety and the year the seed was grown: Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library asks for those three on every donated packet. Sowing depth, spacing and days to harvest help the next grower, and a Grown by name tells them who to ask.
Will tiny seeds fall out?
The bottom of the packet is a fold, not a seam, and the side flaps are glued inside, so lettuce, carrot or poppy seed has no gap to slip through. After filling, glue or tape down the flap marked “fold last”.
Can I paste my seed inventory spreadsheet?
Yes. Copy the rows from Google Sheets, Excel or Numbers and paste them into any box in the list. A header row such as Variety, Plant, Sow is matched by name; without one, columns are read in the list's order.
How do I print several packets of the same seed?
Type a number in that seed's Packets box. 10 prints ten matching packets, handy for a swap table.
Is my list saved?
Yes, in this browser, after every change. Download list gives you a spreadsheet copy to keep or to paste in on another computer.