How We Select Seeds.
We use seed catalogues that specialize in seed diversity. Our top 3 sources are:
1. Fedco - a funky 1960 like cooperative whose black and white catalogue is full of quips. Based in Maine they offer lots of old varieties appropriate for our region with great prices.
2. Johnny’s - Seeds, also based in Maine, they are extremely easy to deal with, specialize in our growing climate and carry a lot of earth safe pesticides with a grid as to what insects they are made for. We also bring the Johnny’s Catalog to the farmers markets we attend to show our customers the ingredients of the plant based pesticides we use.
3. Seeds of Change – This organization dedicates their mission to preserving seed varieties. Their catalog is laid out amazingly with pictures that provide fantastic depictions of beautifully grown crops. I can always find something fun and unusual here.
Other seed resources include Totally Tomatoes for some hard to find varieties. Harris Seeds for black plastic (which we use to keep weeds down) and bulk quantities of seeds as well as early plant plugs for the greenhouse.
Each year we try a few new (to us and our customers) but “old” (historic) varieties to feature.
Barbara Kinsolver states in Animal Vegetable, Miracle that 90% of the seeds available in 1900 are no longer around. Surprisingly people are unaware of the decline. We have customers ask if a particular product is “new” or genetically modified when it is actually a historic, heirloom or heritage seed.
The joy of diversity comes in the look and taste of the food. To some customers I suggest serving three varieties of Winter Squash rather than just one. They served a light, medium and dark variety that really sparked up the dinner.
Please ask about the produce if you don’t recognize something. Feel free to ask how to cook things as well. We want your experience to be one of enjoyment and good health.
