As mentioned on the last thread I'm trying to keep my greens and brassicas alive through this winter. I have a small heated greenhouse and a cold frame with heating pad currently growing seedlings for March. I also converted an old TV cabinet in the house into a gro-lighted seedling chamber for landscape plants. So I'm keeping busy!
I've pick up different brands of seeds in the store, but my go-to has been Baker Creek. Their catalog is over 500 pages and I spend more than two weeks each year pouring over it (I admit to making it last as if it's a box of expensive chocolates).
Yesterday, I lifted up one of the huge Red Russian kale leaves and discovered a beautiful and tiny King Henry viola that was tucked under there. Botanical Interests seeds. Utterly charming!
In case it is not in your seed catalog pile already, I can't recommend Fedco Seeds enough. They are Maine-based so understand fickle Northeastern conditions, non-GMO, co-op structured, have a royalties program for Indigenous and Black communities, have a great selection and superlative customer service. Although the germination rate I experienced for a particular seed I ordered was good, I spontaneously received a replacement seed packet as their testing revealed a lower germination rate than promised.
I love the idea of perusing the catalogues with others, comparing, maybe even sharing ordered packets.
As mentioned on the last thread I'm trying to keep my greens and brassicas alive through this winter. I have a small heated greenhouse and a cold frame with heating pad currently growing seedlings for March. I also converted an old TV cabinet in the house into a gro-lighted seedling chamber for landscape plants. So I'm keeping busy!
Oh, I'd love to see a photo of that TV cabinet-turned-greenhouse! How cool!
I've pick up different brands of seeds in the store, but my go-to has been Baker Creek. Their catalog is over 500 pages and I spend more than two weeks each year pouring over it (I admit to making it last as if it's a box of expensive chocolates).
Yesterday, I lifted up one of the huge Red Russian kale leaves and discovered a beautiful and tiny King Henry viola that was tucked under there. Botanical Interests seeds. Utterly charming!
Yes, I love the Baker Creek catalog too! So many fun varieties! And I love to hear about your surprise viola!
I'm a reluctant gardener...but I'm trying!
In case it is not in your seed catalog pile already, I can't recommend Fedco Seeds enough. They are Maine-based so understand fickle Northeastern conditions, non-GMO, co-op structured, have a royalties program for Indigenous and Black communities, have a great selection and superlative customer service. Although the germination rate I experienced for a particular seed I ordered was good, I spontaneously received a replacement seed packet as their testing revealed a lower germination rate than promised.
Good to know, I've perused their online catalog--they have a fantastic selection and good prices. They will be my next order.
I love their merch too. I bought a Fedco baseball cap that I wore all last summer!
Fedco is one of my favorites too! I keep their catalog on my nightstand for bedtime reading. It's beautifully written and I love the illustrations!
Dahlia FANATIC here. Ordering ZINNIA SEEDS, TAKII'S CHOICE MIX based on your posting.♥️
Oh, wonderful! We'll have to share photos of our zinnias come summer!