Seed Time — ediblegardens52

29 March 2011

I’m tardy in getting a post up about seeds. It’s not too late to order seeds for the summer garden. At this date (in southern California), plan to purchase tomatoes, eggplant and peppers when you transition to the summer garden. The next several posts will be part of the “Seed Series.” Hope you enjoy the musings and find the information helpful.

When I gardened in New England, seed time was January and catalogs filled my mailbox. That was before online ordering and I’d pore over the pages of flower and vegetable seed catalogs, winnowing my list. Mid-winter there was nothing to do in the frozen garden so I’d make plans for the coming season.

Seed orders were sent by the end of January and lettuce and broccoli seeds planted in February. With daily nurture, the seedlings would grow under lights in the cellar. As they matured, the next step was hardening off with transfer to the cold frame situated in a sunny spot of the garden.

Meanwhile, I would look for just the right day in March to plant peas in the garden. (See March 11 for March is Mud Season).

Seed Companies to Consider

Renee’s Garden Very nice heirloom and hybrid seeds. Some varieties such a Raven Zucchini, I plant every year.
Botanical Interests Lovely seed packets. Mission Hills Nursery in San Diego carries the full line.
Seeds of Change City Farmers Nursery in San Diego has a wide selection of their offerings.
Heirloom Seeds No frills but excellent germination. Family-run, in Pennsylvania. Amish buggy and barn on the seed packet.
Victory Seeds Fifth generation farmers raising heirloom/OP seeds in Oregon.
Seeds from Italy High seed counts–plan to order with friends and share.
Johnny’s Seeds Employee owned in Maine. Large selection of pelleted seeds. Proven varieties for short season (or foggy coastal California).
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Never ordered from them. Maybe next year. Gets rave reviews.
Kitchen Garden Seeds Beautiful catalog, unusual varieties.