seed picking and planning
This winter has me craving spring even earlier than usual. I do love the snow, but it’s not as much fun when it’s too cold out to enjoy it much. And being stuck indoors with small kids doesn’t allow for much snuggling up by the fire with a book, which is what I daydream about when I hear another snow storm is coming.
BUT.
I have great news: it’s seed catalog time. Actually, seed catalog time is probably more like January since you should be starting seeds by the end of February or so – at least for tomatoes and peppers. But the best part about gardening is that it’s flexible. Last year, we only started a small tray of seeds and bought starts or started seeds directly in the garden in May, and everything worked out fine. Gardening meets you wherever you are, which is what I like best about it, especially during this season of crazy schedules and crazier kids.
I like the daydreaming and planning for the garden nearly as much as I like actually eating the stuff from the garden. I recommend you find a local heirloom seed company if at all possible. If you’re in Indiana, I love Urban Farmer Seeds. They’re having a special through 2/12/14 using the promo code to the right if you’re interested. I’ve ordered from and had great luck with seeds from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and Pinetree Seeds. I’ve heard good things about Terroir Seeds and High Mowing Seeds.
Here’s what I ordered from Urban Farmer in case you’re interested – I’m not going to link to all of these because I just spent entirely too much time looking through the website in general – just use the search function on their website if you’re interested in learning more:
- Cosmic Purple Carrot Seeds
- Rouge D Hiver Lettuce
- Red Russian Kale
- Amish Paste Tomato Seeds
- Ground Cherry Tomato Seeds
- Red Currant Tomato Seeds
- Homemade Pickles Cucumber
- Purple Plum Radish Seeds
- Emerald Okra
- Seafresh Lettuce
- Renegade Spinach
- Parsley Italian Plain Leaf
- Borage Seed
- Lemon Grass
- Large Leaf Italian Basil
- Hot and Happy Pepper Mix
- Cocozelle Zucchini
- Nebuka Evergreen Bunching Onion
- Mammoth Salsify Seeds
- Pink Stem Swiss Chard Seeds
- Watercress Seed
I also ordered the salsa collection from Terroir to spread the seed love a bit. I didn’t order many seeds last year; hence, why I have such a big order this year. I do have lots of tomato and pepper seeds leftover or saved from last year’s plants, so I didn’t order many of those. I also just like to support seed companies who are doing the right thing, so I don’t feel too badly about spending a little extra on seeds that will feed us all year long.
