DH and I have spent the past few years chatting (and sometimes debating) about the importance of growing and storing non-hybrid, non-GMO vegetables. As hybrid seeds and genetically modified crops take over the market, it just seems smart—old-fashioned smart—to invest in seeds you can actually replant year after year. I bet you've thought about it too, or maybe you're already ahead of us and growing your own stash of heirloom goodness.
We’ve browsed more websites than I care to admit—some of those seed packages are priced like you’re buying a gold mine, not a tomato. One of them actually made me wonder if I’d accidentally clicked on a mortgage refinancing site. But then we stumbled across a gem: Hometown Seeds.
They sell a survival seed package that’s about 1½ pounds of 16 different vegetable seeds, all sealed for long-term storage. It comes with planting and storing instructions and, get this, it’s affordable. Like, actual people on actual farms can afford it affordable. They're even running a sale right now, and I have to say, the customer service was downright refreshing. A gal named Joni sent my order out, and it was in my mailbox four days later. That's faster than it takes me to find my gardening gloves.
Now all I have to do is wait for spring. I’m already picturing rows of healthy, non-GMO, non-hybrid vegetables waving in the breeze. And the best part? I can harvest the seeds from this year’s crop and use them for next year’s garden. That’s the kind of recycling I can get behind!
(And no, before you ask—that beautiful garden photo isn’t mine. That’s from Hometown Seeds' website. Mine looks a bit more... realistic. But I’m thinking of printing out that photo and posting it right in the middle of my garden for inspiration. Or maybe intimidation. “See this, lettuce? This is your potential. Shape up.”)
So if you’ve been toying with the idea of survival seeds, this might be the perfect time to start. It’s one small step toward food independence—and one giant leap for your zucchini plants.
Please leave a comment below. I love hearing from you.
5 comments:
Love the inspiration ideas. Do you suppose the weeds will be deterred by a lovely sign? Can't hardly wait to be my hands in the dirt. Happy Mud Season!
The 4 seasons in northern NH are almost winter, dead of winter, still winter, and mud! (Or as a friend from the southwest put it - 9 months of cold weather followed by 3 months of things that bite.) With this beautiful weather I'm just counting the days till we set up the greenhouse and I can play in the dirt.
That looks...sounds like a great idea
some other blogger talked about it awhile back
I am not a gardener or I might try them (o:
Another good source is Seed Saver's Exchange. Also, there must be information on how to long-term store seeds. Will look into that once I return to Washington State and start my garden.
I'm a big fan of heriloom, open pollinated seeds. Good for you! We get ours from rareseeds.com and the Seed Savers Exchange... This nice weather has been such a tease - it makes me want to start planting!!!!
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