Seeds, seeds and more seeds.
Winter is actually a great time for gardeners. Instead of tending to our gardens we are dreaming about them. My mother always tells the story that while other teenage girls would read fiction novels, her Shelley loved to read seed catalogs….and I have been doing it ever since.
I have my go-to’s that I’ve been ordering from for years, but I’ve added a few more to my source list for 2013 and am excited to share them with you!
Here’s 7 Organic Seed companies worth checking out.
1) Seed savers Exchange
We’ll start with this organic seed company based out of Decorah, Iowa. Members of this non-profit seed exchange group strive for biodiversity and conservation of heirloom seeds through saving and sharing.
As an original signing member of the Safe Seed Pledge, they have made a commitment to preserve our garden heritage. Members contributions have resulted in many unique varieties that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Your purchase of seeds supports their organization and on going programs.
2) Mountain Seed Co.
I love that they have taken the Safe Seed Pledge. I love that they have dozens of heirloom tomatoes. I love that they have some of the most unusual vegetables I have ever seen….and I love that they are from the Kootney’s, one of the most beautiful mountainous valley’s this country has to offer! Be sure to support this organic seed company so that they can continue to be ambassadors for mother nature.
3) Vesey’s Seeds
Since 1939 this seed company has been providing quality seeds to gardeners across North America from their Atlantic home on Prince Edward Island. Their extensive catalog has hundreds of seeds and bulbs to choose from including 82 organic herbs and vegetables.
I’ve been ordering from Vesey’s for years and have given gift certificates to my mom and mother-in-law on Mother’s Day from time to time. If you are in the market for a tiller this year, be sure to check out their Mantis Tiller and Accessory products, I’ve been dreaming of buying one of these for years.
4) Native Seeds
I was just informed that their prized Glass Gem Corn was ready for purchase…sweet! I’ve been on their waiting list for the last 8 months…and was very excited to put in my order.
This organic seed company is based out of Tucson, Arizona. They are the savers of wild and ancient seeds from the southern western states and Mexico. Will my precious corn grow here in my temperate clime? Like many a gardener, I am willing to try my luck and press against my designated hardiness zone. Fingers crossed!
5) Salt Spring Seeds
What’s not to LOVE about this seed company! Grains, tea’s and seed saving tips are just some of Dan Jason’s offerings from this island based seed company. Dedicated to providing open-pollnated, untreated and GMO-free seeds, this company’s earthy philosophy is sure to please….just one look at those dirt laden hands cradling a shaft of wheat and I was hooked!
6) Nichols Garden Nursery
This is their first year to have a catalog available on line and what a catalog it is! Being in the group of one of the first signers of the Safe Seed Pledge, this charming Oregon based organic seed provider has a ton of offerings. From recipes to cheese making kits, they are an excellent source for the gardener cook.
7) Johnny’s Selected Seeds
From Winslow, Maine comes this organic seed company which is 100% owned by it’s employee’s. I just love that! They too are an original Safe Seed Pledge signer and have 100′s of seeds to choose from. Check out their site for helpful on line tools like a seed calculator or their downloadable charts. If you prefer video instruction, they have that too through their Youtube tutorials.
So that wraps up my choices for 2013. Last year I decided to stick with one company and use only their heirloom / organic seeds. I layout in detail my selections in my 2012 Vegetable Garden Post.
The beauty of the internet is the ability to shop around for seeds from companies that are environmentally responsible. Don’t limit yourself to the seeds found on the shelves at local nurseries or hardware stores….and always do your homework. Buy organic, GMO, open-pollinated, un-treated seeds from a source you trust.
Happy Sowing!
