Buying seeds

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jim Kenworthy on March 23, 2011 at 10:01am

I've been buying seeds at Plants of the Southwest for several years and am very happy with them; not too expensive, good germination  rate. plantsof thesouthwest.com---You can order online or get a catalog. Remember the movie, " The Milagro Beanfield War"? - the staff at Plants of the Southwest acted in that movie.

 

Lots of Scare messages going around.  Don't be afraid; be active.

Permalink Reply by Jessica Birmingham on March 23, 2011 at 10:51am

Jim,

Thank you for that last bit especially.  I have a young son that I stay at home with.  I watch the news a lot and have some major conspiracy theorists in my family.  It is starting to scare me more and more.  With a barely one-yr-old, I don't always know how to be active.  Hence me joining sites like this.  I have great vision, but I am frustrated that I feel that I can't really act on what I want to do. But quite possibly, I may be looking at it wrong and giving myself an excuse...  

Jess

Permalink Reply by Devin Quince on March 23, 2011 at 2:18pm

I agree with Jim. If you end up growing non-heirloom seeds, no big deal, but I would stay away from any vendors that get their seeds from monsanto or gmo seeds. Also, unless you are serious about seed saving, then the heirloom are not really worth the money and seed saving is a lot of work to be honest.

Permalink Reply by Jessica Birmingham on March 23, 2011 at 5:11pm

They are heirloom seeds.  I just don't want to waste money on  these seeds from an unreputable source when I could go local.  So, there's more than saving them in a waterproof canister in a cool place away from sunlight?  Please pardon me being naive, I'm new to this.  =)

Permalink Reply by Juliet Larson on March 23, 2011 at 4:36pm

Here's a website that lists companies that have signed the seed safety pledge if interested:

http://www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org/ViewPage.aspx?pageId=261

Seeds of Change (organic) is on this list, but is owned by Mars inc (candybar co.) and will be starting up GMO cocoa in Africa so decided to go with the local company as mentioned by others BBB and Botanical Interests.  I have tried a few new ones that were on the list Native Seeds and Uprising Seeds. 

 

Permalink Reply by Jessica Birmingham on March 23, 2011 at 5:12pm

Thank you, Juliet.  I'll check that out!

Permalink Reply by Jason Gerhardt on March 23, 2011 at 6:51pm

Jessica,

As an avid seed saver and seedsperson I must say that you have right to be concerned about buying seed from an unreputable online source.  I personally prefer to buy seed from Abbondanza Organic Seeds and Produce based here in Boulder, CO.  They grow their seed locally and are amazingly committed to small local food systems.  They do phenomenal work!  You can get their seed at the Farmer's Market which opens in Boulder April 2nd.  Seeds are very important and have been misused and abused enough already.  We need people to support the local efforts to save our heritage seed varieties more than ever.  As the foundation of good agriculture and gardening it is in my opinion of utmost importance to start with the best seed!  Other good seed companies are Baker Creek Seeds, Seed Savers Exchange, Wild Garden Seed, and High Mowing Seed.

Best,

Jason

Permalink Reply by Jessica Birmingham on March 24, 2011 at 7:46pm

I cancelled the order successfully.  Thank you so much to all for such wonderful information.  

Jessica