FOREWORD

heirloom |ˈe(ə)rˌlo ͞om|nouna valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations

The seeds in this collection represent the most recent incarnation in a long and ancient lineage, weaving a course back through countless generations, to the early days of the domestication of these species. The plants herein were grown to maturity time and again, their best seeds saved, year after year until these unique varieties were developed, and then passed on .

They have arrived here now, in your hands, and today you are the steward of this phenotype, this variety. Grow them, feed yourself and those you love, save your seeds as well, and you too will be a thread sewn into the tapestry that is the story of these plant’s genetic journey through the landscapes of mankind. They will move through you and along to those to whom you pass them on. Through you they will live and then become heirlooms once again.

Unlike the fruits and vegetables that we find merchandized in our supermarket produce departments, these unique varieties were not chosen for their tolerance to the rigors of shipping, or for their ability to sit long days, unspoiled, upon the mega-mart shelves.

Unlike those flavorless and nutritionally bankrupt varieties that our modern food-machine manufactures, these varieties were not selected for the characteristics that help the merchant turn a dime. Rather, and more to the point, they have been chosen for their unique beauty, their genetic strength, the ripe and bursting flavors that bespeak their nutritional density.

Throughout time, human beings have celebrated flavorful produce in its season, freshly harvested from the garden at the peak of its ripeness. The industrial era brought both humankind and the garden to its knees, and the food of that age had all the sparkle, appeal, and nutritional value of a factory-line item.

Now the tables have turned once more. Now you hold in your hands the source of true health, and therefore, wealth. May these seeds bring abundance to your heart and to your table. May you be deeply nourished by the satisfaction that only food sovereignty can bring. Each seed within this collection is a priceless heirloom. They live on through you.

Daniel Vitalis

Health Motivator and Strategist

Co-Founder of SurThrival

INTRODUCTION

And by embracing our community of neighbors, local farmers and permaculture associations to help us grow, we can expand our sense of interdependence with like-minded people – the surest path forward to self-sustaining self-sufficiency!

The finest collection of pure non-hybrid open pollinated seeds for the health and survival of you and your family.

These organic heirloom strains will produce a delicious array of fruits, veggies and grains in your home garden for optimal nutrition including important proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes with extra greens for a boost from life force promoting chlorophyll plus varieties that provide essential oils, herbal medicinals, and even nectar for your garden pollinators and forage for chickens, horses and cattle. The SurThrival Seeds Collection provides seeds for barter including the highly prized and rare Hopi Tobacco seeds – the original cultivar of North America. 

All protected inside this steel can in moisture resistant packaging to keep these live embryos fresh and long lasting for years of planting productivity. Sow, harvest and learn to save seed – your personal seed bank will support a lifestyle of food independence with the pleasure of fresh picked home grown goodness. Harnessing sun energy direct through your very own efforts – for your health freedom and safety!

Mindful of a few important principles when farming and gardening such as nourishing our soil first, and working in harmony with beneficial microbes, worms, insects and animals will provide us with success in growing an abundance of healthy food. By reintegrating our food systems back into our lives, we will gradually build our knowledge bank on our path to food self-sufficiency. Over time, we’ll discover best methods and practices about our local environments and growing conditions to be self-sustaining.

And by embracing our community of neighbors, local farmers and permaculture associations to help us grow, we can expand our sense of interdependence with like-minded people – the surest path forward to self-sustaining self-sufficiency!

The following information is to help prepare you in understanding the specific planting, growing, and harvesting instructions for each seed variety to get the most from your seeds and provide you with some of the basic important considerations in caring for your seeds and planting your garden.

CHAPTER 1 SEEDS

“Permaculture is revolution disguised as organic gardening.”Graham Burnett ‘Permaculture – A Beginners Guide’

Starting with fresh seeds from the most recent growing season wherever possible – SurThrival Seeds are germination tested to ensure high germination rates. Seeds are either purchased directly from growers or from a variety of smaller seed companies that work directly with growers who maintain organic growing standards and whose seeds have received organically grown certifications.

Seeds are packed for longer term storage. Seeds are fragile, living organisms, and the shelf life of the seed is affected at the beginning of the plant cycle by such factors as soil nutrition. Though providing the best conditions for crop growth and health is the foundation of seed quality, the factors that can have the most important effect on seed viability and vigor are harvesting, extraction, cleaning, transportation, and storage. It is easy for seed to become damaged at any of these stages.

To preserve viability of the seed for as long as possible, optimal storage requires controlled temperature and humidity (not above 25%). We source seed that comes to us correctly dried and germination tested, ready to be packaged for long term storage. Seeds are placed in individual zip lock clear pouches in a low humidity environment. The total seed assortment is then placed into a protective sealed waterproof, and puncture resistant poly mylar bag.

There is space left within the contents of the bag to ensure that the seeds have oxygen since they are living organisms. The key is to control the moisture, as moisture increases the respiration rate of seeds, which in turn raises seed temperature that reduces germination rate, and can even promote mold growth. Each bag includes clay desiccant inside a small Tyvek paper pouch as a highly effective moisture absorbing material to control moisture.

“Adopting permaculture in your garden could be the first step towards limiting your personal consumption and planning your life to become more creative as time goes by.”Graham Bell, ‘The Permaculture Garden’

Finally, seeds are enclosed in this steel can with tight fitting lid – the lid may be removed to examine the contents which includes the sealed bag, the SurThrival Growing Guide with important information on growing, harvesting and seed saving, plus an independent package of seeds for barter that can be used at anytime without disturbing the sealed bag. Since it is best for longer term storage to keep the seeds cool, store this can under refrigeration or somewhere cool. Longevity increases as temperature decreases. Subfreezing temperatures can protect seeds well for many years if seeds have moisture content below 14% because ice crystals do not form. Seed cycled in and out of the freezer too many times without re-drying may cause degradation of germination. Importantly, keep the can dry as steel will rust. This can is epoxy lined to resist rust. Replace the lid tightly to keep moisture, insects and rodents out!

If you should wish to begin planting some of your seeds in the more immediate term, once opened, reseal your remaining SurThrival Seeds by zip locking the interior mylar bag. Be sure to dry the clay prior to adding it back to the contents – it can be dried in the oven for several hours after removing the Tyvek paper cover.

You’ll know when the time is right to begin growing your own food and accumulating the experience of what works well in your environment. Your garden, whatever its shape and size, will become a work in progress to a wonderful bio-diverse symbiotic system with some trial and error along the way eventually allowing you to produce thousands of pounds of food every year and a deep knowledge of how to get the most out of your garden. Or your SurThrival Seeds, in storage, may simply be your peace of mind for several years to come.

CHAPTER 2 SOIL

Organic goes beyond not using chemical pesticides – it is about farming as a system and it all starts with the soil – a good fertile living soil is a culture medium to produce healthy nutritious foods that is able to support a network of microbes, insects and animals as a healthy system. When we shift our paradigm to seeing soil as a biological community of beings, this in turn allows for methods beyond a chemically based approach of adding and depleting NPK to one that can continually regenerate soil through the fundamentals of plant growth and decay.

NutrientsHealthy plants require three essential compounds in order to produce healthy nutrient dense foods – N (Nitrogen), P (Phosphorus) and K (Potassium). An important means of providing these is by fertilization to ensure all the vital compounds are available for healthy thriving plants. To produce organic produce, it is important to select organic fertilizers that come from plants, animals and mined minerals. For soil application, you can use powdered, pelleted and tablet fertilizer. Use liquid fertilizers or water soluble fertilizers through irrigation, or foliar sprays that are applied directly to the leaves of plants that will absorb the nutrients through their stoma, the pores in their leaves.

Refer to Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) Products List as the most complete directory of organic production or processing if you plan a meticulous approach to keeping your methods organic.

Plant fertilizer – alfalfa, corn gluten and cottonseed meal; and sea kelp or seaweed; and green manure that are cover crop plants turned into the soilAnimal fertilizer – blood, bone, and fishmeal; and composted chicken manureMined Mineral fertilizer – soft rock phosphate, gypsum, and limestone

When NPK is added as artificial forms, these acid based chemical fertilizers kill off the various soil bacteria, beneficial fungus and earthworms, which support the humus, which is the great basis of soil structure. Plants are weakened by being fed with artificial fertilizers susceptible to insects and diseases that then need a whole host of further chemical pesticides and fungicides causing poisonous pollution of the soil, water, and animal and human life. The end result is that farming soils the world over have lost their structure, and are now degraded soils. Use natural forms of fertilizers to create fertile living soils.

CompostingSoils that have high humus content, have abundant living biological activity. Organic compost is essential in organic gardening to add beneficial soil microbes and nutrients, and adding organic matter increases water retention. By starting with scraps from your kitchen, you can begin first steps to creating a closed loop system. “Rich soil” is made up of sand, clay and organic matter (compost) in various stages of decomposition. Humus is the stable remains of decayed matter broken down by fungi and bacteria that then provides a reservoir for plant nutrients available in the soil for balanced growth. There are many methods for composting so research ones that will work for the type and volume of material you can “feed” your compost and the space you have available in the garden. Simple soil testing can help you determine how much matter to add to get the right amounts of NPK.

Cover Cropping and ManureHealthy soil, rich in organic matter and teeming with life, is essential for a thriving farm or garden. There is no better, more sustainable way to build, protect, and enrich soils than by cover cropping particularly for sustainable, organic growing and farming.

Non-food crops grown for plowing under to benefit the soil are also referred to as ‘green manure’. The roots of these plants exude vitamins, enzymes, and other vital compounds that nurture essential bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and other soil dwelling organisms. After being incorporated into the soil, the decomposing plant tops provide additional essential elements, improving nutrient availability, soil structure, drainage, water-holding capacity, and overall soil health.

Cover crops also suppress weeds, host beneficial insects, sequester atmospheric carbon, and beautify the landscape. Overtime, combine different species to suit your needs and microclimate. We have provided a core variety of seeds that will also support livestock and attract numerous insects and wildlife. Manures from chicken and other livestock are essential to providing key nutrients. By utilizing solar generated bio-mass that is turned under or decomposed on site and adding composted manures from herbivores, mimics nature to create fertile soil ready to produce foods concentrated with nutrients.

InoculantsLegumes are a very important part of sustainable gardening. Garden inoculants will improve the growth and nitrogen-fixing ability of various peas, beans, and vetch. When tilled under, they not only add organic matter to your soil, they also add nitrogen. Legumes form a symbiotic relationship with rhizobial bacteria that causes nitrogen from the air to accumulate in nodules on their roots. This nitrogen is then converted into a usable form. Some is used by the legume plant itself and the excess is released into the soil for other plants to use. This entire process is called nitrogen fixing and occurs only if there are sufficient populations of rhizobial bacteria in the soil. Inoculants are live rhizobial bacteria. Since these bacteria have a short life expectancy, they need to be sourced fresh yearly at the time of planting your seeds.

Beneficial InsectsThe topic of good and bad bugs is crucial to organic farmers. Planting to attract predator insects is a natural method of pest management. We have included several plants that will do the job. For instance, sunflowers, dill, yarrow, and flowering cover crops will attract ladybugs as their source of food – these lovely bugs in turn will help to control aphids. There are many more examples to create a teeming community to keep pests in check.

CHAPTER 3 PLANTING

PlanningYour growing success will be dependent on good planning. Time and space cannot be wasted if you have limited area to work with and if you have plenty of space, you’ll want to consider multi-dimensional growing all the way from ground level at your soil on up into a canopy of food trees. Including food trees such as fruit and nut trees (apricot, fig, citrus, apple, walnut, pecan, almond, avocado) will take a number of years before they begin producing however they will also require little effort once established to eventually provide bountiful harvests so begin the investment in growing some of these now. A diverse interdependent system will produce a wide variety of foods that can be harvested in some cases all year long. Adding berries that fill the layers in between will provide crucial anti-oxidants and a harbor for beneficial animals, while protecting smaller plants. There are some excellent on-line tools for garden planning so get started playing around with your space including patio and roof top gardens to raised beds and wide open patches. Over millennia, wealth was created by storing the Sun’s energy in plants by growing, so anyone cultivating land found every possible way to maximize what could be grown. To get maximum sun, plant tallest plants on the north side to minimize their shade and plant rows running north south.

LifecycleAnnuals (planted from seed every year) put their energy into something that you “harvest” such as the grain whereas perennials put their energy into their roots and won’t require your involvement year to year in sowing seed. Biennials are flowering plants that take two years to complete their biological lifecycle – in the first year the plant grows leaves, stems, and roots, and then goes dormant over winter. In the following spring and summer, the stem will elongate (bolt) for flowering to produce fruits or seeds before the plant finally dies.

Crop RotationCrop rotation is one of the oldest and most effective cultural control strategies. It means the planned order of specific crops planted on the same field to reduce disease. It also means that the succeeding crop belongs to a different family than the previous one. The planned rotation may vary from 2 to 3 years or longer. On the next cropping, start by planting a different family than the previous one: Allium – onion; Aster – lettuce, sunflower; Cucurbit – cucumber, pumpkin, squash, watermelon, zucchini; Crucifer – brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, radish, turnip); Grains/Cereals – barley, corn, millet, oat, rice, sorghum, wheat; Legume – bean, pea; Solanaceous (Nightshade family) – eggplant, potato, pepper, tomato; Umbrelliferous – carrot, celery, parsley, parsnip. Or a simpler grouping - plant leafy vegetable, then fruit vegetable, then root crops, then legumes, then small grains. Practice green manuring. And keep records. Rotation prevents soil depletion and erosion, maintains soil fertility, controls insects, pests, disease and weeds by changing out the crop of dependence.

Over millennia, wealth was created by storing the Sun’s energy in plants by growing, so anyone cultivating land found every possible way to maximize what could be grown.

Companion GardeningDiversity is most important in organic gardening. By growing numerous types of crops you create habitats for beneficial insects or animals, deter pests, and enrich your soil to create a living ecosystem of beneficial bacteria and helpful fungi. Many people are familiar with the Native American the “Three Sisters” technique of combining corn, squash, and beans. This trio provides a balanced diet. Also, the corn offers the beans needed support. The beans pull nitrogen from the air and bring it to the soil for the benefit of all three. As the beans grow through the tangle of squash vines and wind their way up the cornstalk into the sunlight, they hold the sisters close together. The large leaves of the sprawling squash protect the threesome by creating living mulch that shades the soil keeping it cool and moist and preventing weeds. The prickly squash leaves also keep away raccoons, which don’t like to step on them. Planting certain crops next to each other, can increase yield and deter pests. Consult a combining guide to start mixing apples and oranges!

Preparing SeedsYou’ve prepared your soil and made a plan and now it’s time to prepare your seeds. The seed’s outer coat is there to protect the embryo inside from extreme temperatures, parasites and mechanical injury. The embryo is a tiny immature plant within the seed coat with the “endosperm” or food that will nourish the embryo in its early stages of development. Seed dormancy is very complex, however it protects the living plant material until conditions are right for it to emerge and grow.

Scarification is a method to break dormancy on seeds by breaking or weakening a very hard seed coat impervious to water and gases – mechanical with a small nick, or light sanding between sheets of sandpaper, soaking in hot (not boiling) water or a sulphuric acid (which needs specific instructions and care for safety). In nature, scarification occurs as the seed is exposed to freezing temperatures or microbial activity or passes through the digestive tract of birds and animals. Once scarified, seed will not store well so you’ll want to get planting. You may be called upon for moist, cold stratification which is storing the seed in the refrigerator for a period as a signal to seeds to germinate once removed from the cold as they would in the spring following winter.

Germinating SeedsTypically big seeds have more endosperm to feed the embryo plant longer while it works its way to light so larger seeds can be planted deeper and some small seeds can even be placed right on top of the soil. Seeds must absorb water to get the germination process underway so soaking these will help things along, and light but frequent moisture will be important for the newly emerged roots. Seeds that are planted in summer should be planted a bit deeper to maintain moisture below the soil surface.

Germination testing is important to determine how many of your seeds will sprout being effected by many factors including their age and storage conditions. Placing 10 seeds on a damp folded paper towel inside a sealed plastic sandwich bag for a week or so at room temperature depending on the seed variety will provide a good indication of their germination rate as they sprout (10 seeds 100% = perfect, 9 seeds 90% = excellent, 8 seeds 80% = good, 6–7 seeds 60–70% = sow more thickly, 5 seeds or less 50% = throw the seed out!) We would rather sow very thickly than throw any seeds out.

Sowing SeedsSowing seeds indoors will give you a jump start on spring particularly if your northern growing season is shorter – plants started indoors and transplanted will flower sooner and produce an earlier harvest than those started directly outdoors. Select clean containers such as egg cartons, peat pots or seed starting trays, fill with a seed starting soil mix that is moist not wet, and follow instructions on the depth of hole required. Small seeds can be placed right on top of the soil with a covering of fine vermiculite and roots. Mark rows with plant type, variety and date of planting. Plant large seeded vegetables such as cucumber and watermelon directly in peat pots as some of these do not transplant well later on. Cover the container with a plastic film or bag or window glass to retain moisture so that little or no further watering is required until germination and place in a warm location.

At germination, remove covering and move to bright light such as a bright south window – do not place covered containers in sunlight and find a cool location for the plants that prefer cool temperatures. Cleanliness is crucial to control any spread of fungus that can attack seedlings. Damping-off is a fungus where seedlings are weakened and fall over at the ground line exacerbated by high temperature, poor light or excess moisture.

Check the pH (potential Hydrogen ions) of your soil with a simple soil testing kit from your local nursery. A soil test is the only precise way to determine whether the soil is acidic, neutral or alkaline – a measure of the amount of lime. Generally, soils in moist climates tend to be an acidic soil (lower than 7.0), and those in dry climates are alkaline (higher than 7.0). Most soil nutrients are readily available when soil pH is at 6.5–7.5. It is easier to make soils more alkaline – done by adding lime. To make them more acidic, add sulfur, sawdust, composted leaves, wood chips and peat moss. Changing the pH should be done over time, with annual soil testing to gauge progress, or prepare beds with a topsoil purchased at a nursery to get started right away.

Transplant SeedlingsAs soon as seedlings have used up the nutrients provided by the sprouted seeds, they benefit from small amounts of fertilizer – liquid is best for quick up take at half strength for a manufactured one or mix your own teas using dried chicken manure with wood shavings, seaweed, eggshells, and grass clippings that have been soaking in water. Once seedlings have developed at least one set of true leaves, they should be transplanted to individual pots. Handle by the leaves instead of by small thin stems, avoid tearing roots, carefully dig up the small plants with a knife, or spatula. If several have grown closely together, gently separate. Poke a hole into the soil where the seedling will be planted. Make it deep enough so that the seedling can be put at the same depth it was growing in the seed flat – small plants 1 inch apart and large rapidly growing 2 inches apart. Then firm the soil and water gently. Keep newly transplanted seedlings in the shade for a few days.

If moving plants to outdoors, they need to be hardened by introducing them over a two week period starting with shade and daily increasing their sun exposure and frequency of watering. Once planted they’ll require a further fertilization.

CHAPTER 4 GROWING

Typically, heirloom plants have adapted to whatever climate and soil they have been growing in, so over time, their genes have become pest, disease and extreme weather resistant. Introducing a seed to a new environment will take some additional care.

IrrigationRain water harvesting and an underground source may be opportunities for delivering water to your plants or supplementing through an irrigation system. Conventional sprinklers, drip or soaker hoses, or ditches along your rows of plants are methods to deliver water efficiently to your garden. Plants need water for cell division, cell enlargement, and even for holding themselves up. If the cells don’t have enough water in them, the result is a wilted plant. It also dissolves your home made fertilizers, and along with light and carbon dioxide, produces the sugars that provide the plant with energy for growth. How often you water will depend on how well your soil retains moisture, how fast water evaporates in your climate and how often it rains. Humidity, temperature, wind and air movement will affect water evaporation. Plants need more water when days are bright.

And certain type and maturity of the plant will require differing amounts. Sometimes water is not what a wilting plant may need. Sometimes their leaves get ahead of their roots’ ability to deliver water. If a plant wilts in the afternoon from the heat it can regain its balance overnight however wilting early indicates it needs water immediately. If the soil is dry to a depth of half an inch or so, it’s time to water.

When hand watering rather than using a nozzle that can deliver either too strong a flow or an inefficient mist, the best way of controlling water flow is to use your thumb. Automating your watering through an irrigation system can be a great time saver. The best use drip hoses to supply water directly to the base of the plants minimizing the loss of water to evaporation common with sprinkler systems. The most economical way of creating an automatic watering system is to use soaker hoses (porous hoses that allow water to trickle out throughout their length) and a simple timer that fits onto the tap. Place the hoses under any mulch at about six inches from the base of your plants. With just a minimum amount of pressure, this hose can be left on for several hours. Soaking promotes deep root growth making for a sturdier healthier plant.

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MulchingMulch is a protective cover placed over soil to retain moisture, reduce erosion, provide nutrients, and suppress weed growth that mimics leaf cover found on the forest floors. Leaves, grass clippings, hay, straw, shredded bark, sawdust and fully composted materials can be applied towards the beginning of the growing season which serves to initially warm the soil by retaining the heat which is lost during the night, allows earlier seeding and transplanting, and encourages faster growth. As the season progresses, mulch stabilizes the soil temperature and moisture, and prevents sunlight from germinating weed seeds. In winter, it can keep the soil frozen until winter ends instead of alternately freezing and thawing which expanding and contracting can break new roots or even push new plantings out of the ground. Organic mulches will decay over time so will need continual replacement.

Weed ControlWeeds are simply plants growing in places you don’t want them to. Weed seeds exist in the soil of all gardens and can be spread by wind, water, animals and soil amendments we use to help our gardens grow. There’s probably no more important place for organic weed control than in the vegetable patch where they compete with your vegetables for soil nutrients and water. Weeds are the number one concern for field crop organic farmers and pose important problems for vegetable and fruit organic farmers and can dramatically reduce crop yield if not controlled. The best line of defense is to build healthy soil. A biologically active and diverse soil will reduce weed populations and help plants and crops grow faster. The faster a crop builds a canopy to fill rows and cover the soil, the less impact weeds will have on the crop.

Increase seed rates and narrow planting rows to give the desired crop a competitive edge. Healthy soil can be built by using cover crops, choosing good crop rotation, applying compost and mulching to smother weeds, and maintaining good drainage. Turning existing weeds into the soil with a weeding hoe or hand weeding while weeds are small will deal with those already grown to prevent weeds from setting seed. Some home made weed killers can include a blend of vinegar and lemon juice, and also boiling water for spot removal.

SunlightAn edible garden will require a great deal of sunlight to thrive. It’s important to understand the lighting definitions as they apply to your space. The shade cast by a tree can be described in degrees as partial sun (4–6 hours of direct sun) or partial shade (2–4 hours of direct sun). This will determine what you are able to grow in these areas. You will have a few options for plants that will grow in partial shade including herbs and leafy greens that may not reach mature sizes.

Partial sun will host bush beans, radishes and peas with reduced yields and berries. Ideal conditions for many plants will be full sun (6+ hours of direct sun). The length of day is a crucial factor for some plants. As an example, regardless of when an onion is planted, the amount of dark and light the bulbing onion is exposed to strongly influences when and if it bulbs, flowers or sets seed. Onions come in short day (12 hours of light per day to begin bulb formation), intermediate day (13 to 14 hours of light) and long day (14 hours or more of light per day) varieties. Because location (latitude, or distance north or south of the equator) determines day length, some kinds of onions are not suited to some locations since you’ll need to match that photoperiod with the right time of year for soil temperature and plant maturity.

A short-day onion at northern latitudes when the days reach short-day photoperiod is only March when the soil is cold and the plant is tiny. Market growers will find that calculating a target harvest date is effected by length of day depending on when in the year they plant – radishes planted in September take 29 days to maturity, in late November 77 and those planted at the end of January 65.

PollinatorsAnimal and insect pollinators are essential to pollination in over 75% of the world’s flowering plants, which includes roughly 35 percent of the world’s crops. Animal and insect pollinators include bees, moths, flies, bats, birds, ants, butterflies, wasps and beetles. Some of these pollinator species have declined in numbers, become endangered or even gone extinct due to the loss of natural food supplies and habitat.

We’ve made a point to include varieties of seeds including Red Clover. The list of crops that are pollinated by honey bees is endless – including fruits, berries, nuts, clovers, alfalfa, canola, and many vegetables.

Eventually, neighbors can come together to share in bee keeping for wax and honey so your crops will be valuable to support the nutrition and health of your local bees. Bees are the most predominant pollinators of flowering plants in nature, thus contributing a vital service to the ecosystem. Because of this important role, bees are referred to as “keystone organisms”.

Techniques to encourage native bees to live in your area are simple to implement. These can be done on a farm or in a home garden. You can preserve known nesting and foraging sites on your property, or you can create them. Good bee habitat must include water, areas for nesting or egg-laying and secure over-wintering sites. Flowers that provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season will provide adequate food. These habitat and forage areas should never be treated with insecticides or other harmful chemicals.

SELF SUFFICIENCY

“If humanity does not opt for integrity we are through completely. It is absolutely touch

and go. Each one of us could make the difference.” - R. Buckminster Fuller

SurThrival Seeds are your opportunity to create your personal seed bank that you can draw from to grow your own healthy and nutritious food, then harvest seeds from your crops, and store those seeds to continually increase your own seed stock available for sharing, exchanging and as a currency for barter. The worldwide effort to preserve seeds through the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway and facilities within countries around the world including the USA validates the effort to preserve seed and plant variety.

CHAPTER 5 HARVESTING

Most vegetables are harvested just before full maturity for maximum flavor and the most pleasant texture. The only fail-safe way to guarantee harvesting vegetables at the optimal time is to taste test. However, there are guidelines for each variety in judging when vegetables are ripe and ready for harvest. Counting days to maturity can’t always be relied upon as growth depends on many factors including precipitation, temperature, and soil fertility, and so can vary from year to year. The best way to determine when a vegetable is ready to harvest is from the characteristics of the plant itself. These signs can often be subtle and it takes practice to familiarize yourself with them. Refer to a harvest guide for each variety to help you along as your plants mature. When harvesting vegetables, be careful not to break, nick, or bruise them. The less vegetables are handled, the longer they will last in storage. Harvest only vegetables of high quality. Rotting produce cannot be stored for very long, and could spread disease to other stored vegetables.

Succession PlantingYou can stretch the harvest of many vegetables by planting your seeds repeatedly. You must consider the earliest date you can plant when cold weather limits you in spring, the latest date you can plant and still get a crop to harvest before cold arrives in fall, the date beyond which you won’t get good quality because of heat, rain, insects and other pressures, the days to maturity for each crop and the length of the harvest period for each variety. These factors vary widely across regions. In coastal California, growers can plant broccoli every 10 days from the middle of April until the first of September, and harvest it every week from June to October. In the Southwest, growers may get only one planting of broccoli to harvest before it gets too hot. In the South, growers may succession plant basil every three weeks from April through September, whereas growers in the North may get only one or two plantings of heat loving basil.

StoringMany root crops can be left in the ground through the winter if “mulched heavily”. This means covering your root crops before the ground freezes with 1 to 2 feet of mulch such as hay, leaves, or straw. Some vegetables need to be cured after harvest. This involves exposing the produce to warm, dry air so that the outer skin hardens and protects the succulent core from rotting.

Root cellars and basements with ventilation can be good storage areas for those vegetables that can have a long storage life. These include beets (5 months), cabbage (5 months), carrots (8 months), parsnips (4 months), radishes (2 months), turnips (4 months) in cold moist conditions of a root cellar. Those vegetables that do well in cold and dry conditions such as a basement are onions (4 months), pumpkins (2 months), and winter squash (2–6 months).

Optimal NutritionDelicious recipes for fermenting and canning will provide you with a year round bounty of long lasting reserves. Fresh or prepared, follow the rainbow – different colors found in vegetables contain different phytochemicals that promote vibrant health through many health benefits:

Blue/purple vegetables contain anthocyanins and phenolics – urinary health, memory function, and healthy aging.

Green Vegetables contain lutein and indoles – vision health, and strong bones and teeth.

White vegetables including white, tan, and brown contain allicin, found in the garlic and onion family – maintain heart health, and cholesterol levels that are already healthy.

Yellow/orange vegetables contain carotenoids and bioflavonoids – maintain healthy heart, immune system and vision health. Red Vegetables contain lycopene and anthocyanins – urinary health, memory function, and healthy heart.

CHAPTER 6 Seed Saving

"Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed.  Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders."-  Henry David Thoreau

Seeds can be overlooked in our daily lives however they are responsible for providing almost 75% of the food to humans on the planet and it is the seed that holds the genetic information for native plants endemic to our local environments.

SurThrival Seeds are your opportunity to create your personal seed bank that you can draw from to grow your own healthy and nutritious food, then harvest seeds from your crops, and store those seeds to continually increase your own seed stock available for sharing, exchanging and as a currency for barter. Hybrid vegetable seeds are prevailing in the market, and the seeds obtained from the harvest of these crops cannot be used for sowing future crops – this is why preservation of heirloom varieties is so important.

Other massive repositories around the world include The Millennium Seed Bank Project headquartered in West Sussex, England safeguarding 24,000 plant species around the globe from extinction and the 5000 sq ft vault at the National Seed Storage Laboratory in Fort Collins that holds the bulk of America’s national seed collections.

Once you become familiar with how to select, harvest, prepare and store seeds, you too can become a local repository within your personal community on your path to a lifestyle of food independence. SurThrival Seeds will get your started with over 20,000 seeds right here in your hands!

The journey of a seed ends in the cold room at the Millennium Seed Bank in southern England. (Photo: Richard Weinstein)

Harvesting SeedsThe most important aspect of seed viability and vigor is seed harvest and storing. Leave seeds on parent plant to full maturity unless they are threatened by rain. Seed harvesting and cleaning techniques will vary depending if seeds are dry or wet when mature, or if a seed will die if dried out after maturing.

Wet seeds from tomatoes, eggplants, and many squashes will need to be separated from their pulp, cleaned and dried. Some seeds such as tomato will need to be fermented similar to when ripe fruits are eaten by animals or drop to the ground and rot (in order to remove a germination-inhibiting gel). Seeds with pulp can be placed in a jar with half the amount of water in a warm place for several days. Fermentation will be evident by bubbling or white mold on the surface of the mixture – then clean and dry. If left too long to ferment, seeds can start to ‘imbibe’ or swell and begin sprouting and will need to be planted. A sprouted seed will die if dried out for storage once it has begun germination. Fermentation is a way also to control seed-borne diseases as will hot water baths though conditions are seed specific and methods need to be precise according to instructions.

Dry seeds including beans, peppers, basil, onion and carrot involve drying, then crumbling pods, husk and chaff, and separating them either with screens (one fine mesh smaller than seed to remove small matter and one mesh just larger than seed to let the seed through from the pods) or ‘winnowing’ where the wind separates the chaff from the heavier seed as the harvest is let fall from some height into a container or onto a tarp with light wind conditions.

HEIRLOOM ORGANIC

SurThrival Seeds are 100% non-hybrid, non-GMO, open pollinated seeds that are certified organic and selected to grow in most zones to yield an abundance of nutritional and medicinally supportive crops that in turn will produce more seeds for saving and planting to support you and your family now and for generations to come.

An heirloom seed is a cultivar that was commonly grown over several generations, and not used in modern large-scale agriculture. Many heirloom vegetables have kept their traits through open pollination. Heirloom seeds are grown in kitchen gardens because of their delicious taste, stunning color or other unique traits. You will not find many heirlooms in supermarkets for a number of reasons including shipping or storage issues or challenges farming certain varieties on a commercial scale.

Organically grown produce arriving in your local grocery store is very likely grown from hybrid seeds rather than farm-saved seed. Visit your local farmers market to see, smell and taste the distinct difference in the produce that for the most part is grown from heirloom seed. Hybrids were developed as a means to force farmers to buy new seed every year. Hybrid seed cannot be reproduced on-farm, because it requires two different parent lines known only to the seed company. Officially this was done to increase yield – in reality this enabled a growing monopoly effect throughout the last century which now includes the idea of industrial patents on plants.

Fast forward to today’s global market for seeds – it is estimated that farm-saved seed accounts for the majority of seed planted throughout the world (about 90%) which according to GRAIN (a small international non-profit organization that works to support farmers and social movements in their struggles for community-controlled and biodiversity-based food systems), “On the basis of its own estimates, the International Seed Federation Secretary-General claimed in 2005 that for just the 18 countries surveyed, FSS (farm-saved seed) represented an “average loss” to the seed trade of almost US$7 billion annually (calculated on the basis of an average seed value of $73 per hectare and an area under cultivation of 95 million hectares). Expressed differently (and more correctly), that would be the average extra business that seed companies could monopolize if FSS was made illegal. Multiple that figure a few times – because the actual worldwide area that is each year seeded with FSS is probably more than 1 billion hectares – and you may get a sense of just how far the seed industry is prepared to go to corner the market.” For the entire report visit GRAIN’s website - http://www.grain.org/article/entries/58-the-end-of-farm-saved-seed-industry-s-wish-list-for-the-next-revision-of-upov

Meanwhile back at the ranch, armed with our window boxes, rooftop patio pots and planters, our backyard gardens, and our farms, find us creating the lives we intend for ourselves, for our children, for our neighborhoods and our communities – be it in the city, the suburb, or in the countryside. Where there is soil, make a little hole, place a seed – feed and water the soil along with a few strategies, tips and techniques, and get prepared to harvest what you sow. You can begin now or hold on until you are prepared to dedicate some time and energy – either way – happy growing!

GROWING GUIDE COMPANION + COVER CROP + FORAGE

Buckwheat – 200 Seeds

Fagopyrum escOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedHardy annual (60–72 days)  Excellent biomass and nectar producing cover crop for warm season application. Great choice for protecting bare soil from the sun, working well for both fertile and depleted soils. Grows to 2 feet – green manure soil conditioner.

Growing:Planting depth: 1 1/2”; 5.0–7.0 pHSoil temp. for germ.: 45–105°FDays to germ.: 2–5; 88% germAvg. Spacing: Broadcast or direct seedAvg. Seeding rate: 30–50 lbs./acreDays to maturity: 60–72 daysPartial shade/full sunModerate water

Seed Saving: Harvest 10 weeks after planting – 70–75% of seeds should be brown and mature and not yet dropping – moisture content of less than 16% needed for safe storage.

Hopi Tobacco – 500 Seeds

Nicotiana rusticaOrganic – Wild – Open PollinatedNicotianas are beautiful plants, growing up to 6 feet in height with huge green leaves and very sweet-scented yellow flowers. They have a very high nicotine content; tobacco is very smooth; straight forward to grow, and will give you no end of pleasure in the Summer months. Toxic if ingested due to high nicotine content so caution not to eat including by chickens and livestock. Grind leaves, make slurry and use as insecticide by filling spray bottle. Harvest when tinge of yellow on leaves and hang to dry.

Growing:Planting depth: 1/2–3/4"Soil temp. for germ.: 70–85°FDays to germ.: 5–10Avg. Spacing: 1–2 feetAvg. Seeding rate: Days to maturity: 55–60Partial shade/full sunModerate water

Seed Saving: Produces abundant seeds – pick flower clusters when brown – let dry and then screen.

Alfalfa – 625 Seeds

Medicago sativaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedPerennial (14–35 days)  Cover crop best for fertile soils and home gardens. Fresh sprouts and tea of the dried aerial plant provide a rich source of chlorophyll, minerals and eliminates retained water and can rebuild body after illness. Excellent choice for putting vegetable beds to rest – fixes 200 pounds nitrogen per acre, effectively sequesters subsurface minerals – grazed by livestock for high protein content. Grows 2–3 ft, graze/cut to 2” for successive cuttings after 5 week recovery – last cutting 3–4 weeks before first killing frost. Pollinator friendly.

Growing:Planting depth: 1/4–1/2"; 6.8–7.0 PHSoil temp. for germ.: late summer seeding preferredDays to germ.: 5–10; 90% germAvg. Spacing: 18–36” rowsAvg. Seeding rate: 10–35 lbs./acre – 25 to 35 seedlings per footDays to maturity: 14–35 dayPartial shade/full sunModerate water, inoculate

Seed Saving: Harvest when pods turn brown and seeds golden,

GROWING GUIDE COVER CROP + FORAGE

Omega 3 Forage Blend – 1000 Seeds

Organic – Open PollinatedHardy annual (60–72 days)  Omega-3 fatty acids are an important component of a healthy diet. One way to get this substance in our food is to eat eggs from chickens raised on a diet that promotes the formation of Omega-3s right in the egg. This blend is planted for chicken forage to achieve this high Omega-3 result. 2–5 ft tall – let chickens eat half way – not for horses. Bison intermediate ryegrass, Tetraploid perennial ryegrass, Common Flax, Buckwheat, Tetraploid annual ryegrass, Japanese millet Red clover, Strawberry clover, Alfalfa, Ladino clover, Broadleaf Trefoil – OMRI approved Nitro coating.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4–1/2”; 6.0–7.0 pHSoil temp. for germ.: min 60°F, ideal 68–77°FDays to germ.: varies – some 3 days; 82% germAvg. Spacing: Broadcast or direct seedAvg. Seeding rate: 2–3 lbs/1000 sq ftDays to maturity: varies some 60–80 daysPartial shade/full sun – Moderate water

Seed Saving: See instructions for individual varieties.

Medium Red Clover – 800 Seeds

Trifolium pratenseOrganic – Wild – Open PollinatedPerennialThe most versatile legume green manure – a tall (2–3 ft) quick-growing clover. Lush, nitrogen fixing covercrop. Broadcast on newly tilled ground in spring, summer or fall.  Clovers are the best choice for forcing out unwanted weed species. Seed is coated with rhizobium inoculant. Their activity is three-fold (just like their leaves) – they loosen the subsoil with their roots, fix atmospheric N in the soil with their root nodules, and dispel diseases. Edible and medicinal – leaves, new flowers and sprouted seeds in salads, soups; tea of dried red clover flowers as diuretic, sedative and tonic; poultice for eczema, psoriasis, lymphatic system. Rich in nutrients and isoflavones. Flowers yield a yellow dye.

Growing:Planting depth: 1/4–1/2"; 6.2–6.5 pHSoil temp. for germ.: 68–77°F; Hardy to -40°FDays to germ.: 3 days; 82% germAvg. Spacing: 1”; 12” rowAvg. Seeding rate: 1/2 lb/1000 sq ft (15–20lb/acre)Days to maturity: 60–80 daysFull sun; Moderate water, inoculate for best performance

Seed Saving: Harvest flowers, let dry then rub through screen to separate seed.

Chicory – 270 Seeds

Cichorium intybusOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedPerennialThis is a coarse variety of chicory meant for pasture.  Seed can be broadcast fall or spring. The long taproot penetrates subsoil and breaks up plowsole to improve aeration and water holding capacity of soils. The leaves provide superior forage for cattle, horses, goats, etc, containing up to 30% protein – rotational graze at -8” growth. Chicory leafy growth is rich in potassium, sulfur, calcium, sodium, manganese and iron – use young, tender leaves in salads.  Sow in fall, spring, or summer. Blue flowers.

Growing:Planting depth: 1/4–1/2": soil pH above 5.5Soil temp. for germ.: 65–75°FDays to germ.: 10–21 daysAvg. Spacing: 1–2”; 24–36” rowsAvg. Seeding rate: 1–2 lbs/acre spring – 2–3 lbs/acre fall Days to maturity: 80–100 days for grazingFull sun-moderate water, plant with legume for nitrogen with clover companion

Seed Saving: Harvest flowers, let dry then rub through screen.

GROWING GUIDE Fruits

Sugar Baby Watermelon – 25 Seeds

Citrullus lanatusOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedTender AnnualDrought-tolerant developed in 1959. Grows to fridge friendly size perfect for small gardens with reddish orange flesh underneath a rind that is nearly black when rip. Prefers light, loamy, fertile, deep, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter, mulch for week prevention. Plant 3–4 transplants per hill, selecting the strongest two when vines are 1’-2’ long. Vines grow to 6 feet and set 4 to 6 melons roughly 10” across.

Growing: Planting depth: 1 – 1 1/2”Soil temp. for germ.: 75–95°F; 5.5–6.5 pHDays to germ.: 10–20 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 3–5’ after thinning Days to maturity: 80 daysFull sun – water amply until transplanting seedlings, then water more sparingly

Seed Saving: Harvest from early ripening melons, wash seeds in a strainer and dry; ready for storage when they break instead of bend.

Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe – 50 Seeds

Cucumis meloOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedTender AnnualAromatic, sweet, deep-orange flesh. Moderately rich, well drained soils. Melons need plentiful heat to develop; use plastic, mulch and row covers in cooler climates. Melons are ripe when the rind changes color to yellow and gentle pressure separates the stem from the vine.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/2"; 6.0–6.8 pHSoil temp. for germ.: 65–80°FDays to germ.: 7–12 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 3–5’ after thinningAvg. Seeding rate: varies depending on moistureDays to maturity: 70–97 daysFull sun – Moderate water as seedlings, low water before transplanting, moderate during growth, and low, even water during fruit development

Seed Saving: Harvest from early ripening melons, wash seeds in a strainer and dry; ready for storage when they break instead of bend.

Garden Rhubarb Fraulein Sharfer Torte – 15 Seeds

Rheum rhabarbarumOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedHerbaceous PerennialProduces deep red, tart but tasty stems for use in cooking – select German cultivar with superior culinary attributes – not bitter with pleasant texture; initially grown for medicinal purposes 2000 years ago. Technically, rhubarb is a vegetable (no fruit with seed) however associated as a fruit in culinary use. ls winter hardy and resistant to drought. Thrives in composty soil. Start the seeds in spring and work them up into successively larger pots; eventually will require one square yard of space; refrain from harvesting the first year as leaving leaf stalks are good for root development; will reach full size in the summer of the second year. Eat only the stalk as the leaf is poisonous but can be composted. Leaf can be used as insecticide (oxalic acid) by grinding into slurry, put in spray bottle with soap.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4–1/2"; 6.0–6.8 pHSoil temp. for germ.: Hardy to -10°FDays to germ.: 5–10 daysAvg. Spacing: 3 ftDays to maturity: 65–85 days; 175 days to harvestFull sun – plentiful water

Seed Saving: Replant cuttings for great results since seeds do not produce true to type; let rhubarb branch dry and brush off.

GROWING GUIDE GRAINS

Quinoa – Faro – 70 Seeds

Chenopodium quinoaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedSelf seeding annualThis is one of the most highly productive food grains that can easily be grown by home gardeners. Should be cultivated frequently during the summer. Plants tend to lodge (heavy seedheads blown by wind!) so hill them up during the growing season to bolster. Rich in protein (16 to 23 percent) and contains an amino acid balance high in the essential amino acids lysine, methionine, and cystine. Prefers short day length, cool/cold evenings.

Growing: Planting depth: 1 1/2–1”Soil temp. for germ.: 65–75°F; 6.0–8.5 pHDays to germ.: 7–14 daysAvg. Spacing: advice varies 8 seeds/ft, thin to 18–24” Avg. Seeding rate: 4 kg/acreDays to maturity: 100 daysFull sun – watered well, but when the seed begins to mature, stop watering

Seed Saving: When the heads yield mature seeds when rubbed, then cut the tops and dry them by hanging in the shade.

Golden Giant Amaranth – 200 Seeds

AmaranthaceaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAnnualHuge plumes of golden flowers on plants to 8 feet tall. Golden Amaranth produces the superior type of seed for food use—light colored, loaded with nutrients, high in protein, incomparably tasty.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4"; 5.6–6.5 pHSoil temp. for germ.: 65–75°FDays to germ.: 3–4 daysAvg. Spacing: 7–10” then 1–2’ after thinningAvg. Seeding rate: varies depending on moistureDays to maturity: 100 daysFull sun – Moderate water, low even water during fruiting

Seed Saving: Wait until the seed is completely mature in the seedhead—rub the head between your hands and if mature seed falls out, then it’s done. Harvest in the afternoon of a bright, sunny day.  Lay the seedheads out on racks, when dry, beat the heads with flails made of green willow or rub the heads through a 1/2 inch hardware cloth. Then, wind winnow on a sheet, allowing the chaff to blow away, and keeping the grain.

Cayuse Oats – 1350 Seeds

Avena SativaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAnnual – 1952 varietyGrows to 6'. This is a versatile, all around grain for you, for livestock or as a cover crop. These oats can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet, or used for increasing organic matter, livestock feed, as a nurse crop for legumes and in areas where they winterkill – as a smother crop against weeds – leaf growth provide lots of organic matter. Throw chock of oats into barnyard for horses, cows or goats letting ruminants eat biomass and falling grain for chickens.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4–1/2"; 5.5–7.0 pHSoil temp. for germ.: Hardy to 45°FDays to germ.: 4–7 days; 98% germAvg. Spacing: 3 ftAvg. Seeding rate: 30 seeds/sq ft; 80–100 lbs/acreDays to maturity: Varies on use – harvest early for higher protein contentFull sun

Seed Saving: Thresh shock of oats, dry grain.

GROWING GUIDE GRAINS

Kamut Wheat – 500 Seeds

Organic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAn ancient relative of modern durum wheat, two to three times the size of common wheat with 20–40% more protein, higher in lipids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, and a "sweet" alternative for all products that now use common wheat. A hard amber spring type wheat with a huge humped back kernel, this grain is "untouched" by modern plant breeding programs which appear to have sacrificed flavor and nutrition for higher yields dependent upon large amounts of synthetic agricultural inputs. Has properties that reduces effects of grain intolerance compared to normal wheats.

Growing: Planting depth: 1–1/5”; approx 6.0 pHSoil temp. for germ.: 50–65°FDays to germ.: 97% germAvg. Spacing: 5”Avg. Seeding rate: 500 seeds/50 sq ftDays to maturity: 120 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Dry and then thresh.

Winter Rye – 200 Seeds

Secale cerealeOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAnnualOldest domesticated crop, with archaeological evidence dating back to the Paleolithic. As a cover crop in modern use, cereal rye is an effective tool for covering the garden after harvest, seeded in before the ground freezes. Ideally, the soil should be tilled or turned and the seed scattered over the surface, raked in, tamped, and kept moist until germination. One or two fall rains will suffice in getting the stand started. Provides excellent winter forage for chickens and ruminants. In the spring, mow down the grass, then turn the soil or till again, thereby incorporating the carbon. Rye is very good at releasing phosphorus and potassium. 

Growing: Planting depth: 1–2"; 5.0–7.0 pHSoil temp. for germ.: Hardy to 33°FDays to germ.: 79% germAvg. Spacing: 6–7” rowsAvg. Seeding rate: 4–6 lbs/acre Aug through Sept or in Oct to overseedDays to maturity: 80 daysFull sun – Drought tolerant

Seed Saving: Dry seed heads, screen from chaff.

Soft White Wheat – 500 Seeds

Triticum aestivumOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAnnual One of the oldest wheat varieties in North America. Drought tolerant and disease and rust resistant. Excellent for tortillas and soft textured breads. Can be planted in Fall, but has a short season. Soft white flour brings a fresh and mild flavor to baking. This flour is unique in that most grain millers remove the bran and the germ to extend the shelf life. This wheat flour is perfect for cakes and quick breads. 9% protein. Soft White Wheat berries are used primarily by home millers but can be cooked as a whole grain or sprouted.

Growing: Planting depth: 1–2"; +5.4 pHSoil temp. for germ.: 41–86°FDays to germ.: 95% germAvg. Spacing: 30 seeds per mound 12” apartAvg. Seeding rate: 3–5 lbs/1000 sq ftDays to maturity: 90 daysFull sun – tolerates drought – 2 to 3 waterings per season

Seed Saving: Dry and then thresh.

GROWING GUIDE GREENS

Red Russian Kale – 400 Seeds

Brassica oleraceaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedHardy Biennal Rare, gourmet variety has red-purple veins on slate-green, wavy-margined leaves. Cool weather intensifies its color. Steamed lightly, the frilly leaves make an attractive garnish. If using in soup, add kale at the end to avoid overcooking. Great source of vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals. Plant mid-July for fall harvests. Kale will thrive in any moderately fertile soil with good drainage, organic matter, and a pH range of 5.5–6.5. Light frost tolerant.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4–1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: 45–95°F; 5.5–6.5 pHDays to germ.: 5–18 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 16” after thinningAvg. Seeding rate: 1–2 lbs/acreDays to maturity: 50–65 daysPartial sun – regular even watering

Seed Saving: Let pods ripen and dry before removing seed.

Cilantro – 450 Seeds

Coriandrum sativumOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAnnual Supplement the soil with plenty of organic matter to help with water retention, and mulch the roots to keep them from drying out. In hot summer climates, grow in the shade of other plants to postpone bolting. Begin harvesting leaves when the plant is about 6" tall. Cilantro leaves are best used fresh because the flavor disappears when dried.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4"; 6.5–7.5 pHSoil temp. for germ.: 55–65°FDays to germ.: 7–15 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 6–8” after thinningAvg. Seeding rate: 25 lbs/acreDays to maturity: 30–65 daysPartial sun

Seed Saving: The seeds of the plant can be harvested and are called coriander. Allow a few plants to go to seed; harvest the seeds when they turn brown by shaking the seed heads over a paper bag.

Fordhook Giant Chard – 600 Seeds

Beta vulgarisOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAnnual – variety since 1750Truly superior green chard for farm and garden, used since the 1750s. Heavily crumpled, very dark glossy green leaves contrast nicely with broad white succulent stems. Receives top marks for fine flavor and texture, also makes a nice poultry feed. Start seeds indoors 1–2 weeks before the last frost, and keep planting every 2 weeks for succession harvest. Chard tolerates light frosts when young, and moderate freezes once established. It can also adapt to warmer summer temperatures. Chard contains vitamins A, C, E, and B6, as well as many minerals. Noted for its dark green deeply savoyed leaves.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: 50–85°F; 6.5 pHDays to germ.: 5–10 days; 97% germAvg. Spacing: 4–5” after thinningAvg. Seeding rate: 4–6 lbs/acreDays to maturity: 50–60 daysPartial/full sun – moderate water

Seed Saving: Strip seed from flowering clusters, dry, winnow.

GROWING GUIDE GREENS

Forest Green Parsley – 500 Seeds

Petroselinum crispumOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedHardy Biennal grown as an annual

Double and triple leaves held high away from the ground keeping them clean. Long, stiff stems allow ease of bunching. Great flavor and quantity of leaves produced. Scarify seeds,soak and then freeze for one week before planting.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4"Soil temp. for germ.: 79–90°F; 6.0–7.0 pHDays to germ.: 11–28 days; 78% germAvg. Spacing: 8–10”Avg. Seeding rate: 14–16 lbs/acreDays to maturity: 70–90 daysFull sun – regular even watering

Seed Saving: Allows seeds to mature and dry before harvesting.

Freckles Romaine – 600 Seeds

Lactuca sativaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedHardy Annual This romaine lettuce has green leaves splashed with red. The red darkens as the lettuce matures. Freckles is a tender and long standing heirloom. Lettuce likes full sun except in hot summer climates where it prefers some shade, especially in the afternoon. Add plenty of compost to the soil to encourage rapid growth. Make successive plantings every 10–14 days for a continuous harvest. In mild climates, lettuce can be sown from spring through fall. Lettuce is a good source of vitamin A.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4–1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: 40–65°F; 6.0–7.0 pHDays to germ.: 7–14 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 10” after thinningAvg. Seeding rate: 60 seeds for 50ft rowDays to maturity: 50–70 daysPartial/full sun – moderate even water

Seed Saving: Let lettuce flower and go to seed, cut tops when dry for several weeks and shake in bowl.

Merveille des 4 Saisons Lettuce – 600 Seeds

Lactuca sativaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedHardy Annual – introduced in 1885This head lettuce is an unusual French Bibb variety. It is a ruby-red butter lettuce with tightly folded, green hearts. It has excellent flavor in hot weather with crisp yet tender leaves, but tends to bolt. Add plenty of compost to the soil to encourage rapid growth. Make successive plantings every 10–14 days for a continuous harvest. In mild climates, lettuce can be sown from spring through fall. Harvest the entire plant when mature, but still young and crisp. Needs ultraviolet light to germinate but do not allow to hot or to dry out.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4–1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: 40–65°F; 6.1–7.5 pHDays to germ.: 7–14 days; 95% germAvg. Spacing: 8” after thinningAvg. Seeding rate: 1.5 lbs/acre cool soil; 2.5 lbs/acre in warm soilsDays to maturity: 45–70 daysFull sun or partial shade in summer – moderate even water

Seed Saving: Let lettuce flower and go to seed, cut tops when dry for several.

GROWING GUIDE CULINARY HERBS

Sweet Lettuce Leaf Basil – 25 Seeds

Ocimum basilicumOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedProlific producer.  Good market basil. Large, thick leaves. Excellent for pesto. This was one of our first crops and remains one of the best.  Fat seeds that satisfy. Standard basil culture—grow in pots or seed directly in the spring garden. 

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4"Soil temp. for germ.: 55–70°F; 6.0–6.8 pHDays to germ.: 84% germAvg. Spacing: 10–12”; 2–3 ft rowsAvg. Seeding rate: 60 seeds/ftDays to maturity: 60–90 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Harvest seed heads as they dry and allow to finish drying in a warm, dry spot. Seeds are easily removed by crumbling the dried flower heads and then blowing away the chaff.

Bloomsdale Spinach – 470 Seeds

Spinacia oleraceaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedHardy Annual – introduced 1880Glossy, dark green savoyed leaves are sweet, tender, fleshy and have a rich flavor. Stands well in warm weather without bolting. Spinach prefers loose, well-drained soil with moderate nutrients enriched with plenty of added organic matter.Spinach prefers cool weather and can handle light frosts. Low in calories, spinach has high amounts of vitamins A and C, and iron.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: 50–75°F; 6.5–7.5 pHDays to germ.: 7–14 days; 86% germAvg. Spacing: 1” then 8” after thinningAvg. Seeding rate: 8–10 lbs/acreDays to maturity: 50–70 daysPartial sun – moderate even water

Seed Saving: Allow plants to bolt and set seed. Some staking may be necessary as plants may reach 3' in height. When seeds are dry, harvest the entire plant and thresh.

Arugula, Wild Roquette – 100 Seeds

Diplotaxis tenufoliaOrganic – Wild – Open PollinatedBiennialThis wild selection is spicy and choice. Best-selling green for market gardeners. Appetite stimulant and digestive. Seeds yield an edible oil. Full sun to part shade, copious water, and rich soil make the best tasting greens. Sow in spring. 

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4–1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: 40–55°F; 6.0–6.8 pHDays to germ.: 88% germAvg. Spacing: 1” then thin to 6–8”Avg. Seeding rate: 60 seeds/ftDays to maturity: 35 daysFull sun or partial shade in summer – constant moisture keeps leaves from tasting bitter

Seed Saving: Leave plants in the ground to overwinter after harvesting leaves for eating during the growing season. As with any member of the Cabbage Family, allow seeds to ripen and dry on the plant in the spring—but do not leave for long after they are dry or the pods will shatter and the seeds disperse.

GROWING GUIDE CULINARY HERBS

Wild Oregano – 70 Seeds

Origanum vulgareOrganic – Wild – Open PollinatedPerennialFlowers in heady corymbs, with reddish bracts and purple corollas. This is one of the sources of the antiseptic essential oil known as carvacrol, which (along with other terpenoids such as thymol) inhibits several kinds of nasty bacteria (e.g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa) by eroding the bacterial cell wall. The flowering tops of Origanum vulgare are also put into beer and ale as a flavoring and coloring.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/8"Soil temp. for germ.: at least 70°F; 6.0–8.0 pHDays to germ.: 85–95 daysAvg. Spacing: 12–15”Avg. Seeding rate: 1 seed/2”Days to maturity: 85–95 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Harvest and dry flowers.

Dill Bouquet – 80 Seeds

Anethum graveolensOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAnnualLacy foliage and nodding seedheads. This is of course the definitive pickling spice, used fresh or dried in canning, especially of course "dill pickles".  Equally well suited for provider beans or even carrot slices and broccoli. Plant prefers full sun and regular garden soil.  Easy to sow directly in the garden in the early spring.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/2"; Soil temp. for germ.: 60–70°F; 6.1–6.5 pHDays to germ.: 7–21 days; 92% germAvg. Spacing: 2 seeds every 4”; Rows 2–3 ftAvg. Seeding rate: 6/footDays to maturity: 45–65 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Harvest individual heads as they dry on the plants, since they ripen over a period of time.

Marjoram – 600 Seeds

Origanum marjoranaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedPerennialMarjoram will not survive harsh northern winters outdoors. Its leaves are used in vinegar, soups, salads, dressings, roast lamb, and tomatoes. Marjoram prefers light, well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a neutral pH. The typical seed germination rate is 50%. Pinch plant ends during early growth to establish bushier habit. Keep the leaves trimmed back to encourage new growth as it matures. A tender perennial in colder climates, pot up and bring indoors to overwinter. Marjoram is one of the most fragrant herbs known.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/16"Soil temp. for germ.: 60–70°F; 6.3–7.3 pHDays to germ.: 10–14 daysAvg. Spacing: 6–8” after thinningAvg. Seeding rate: 1/8 lb/ 5000 sq ftDays to maturity: 62–80 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Allow seed heads to dry on plants; then remove heads, break them open, clean and dry the seeds.

GROWING GUIDE CULINARY HERBS

English Broadleaf Thyme – 200 Seeds

Thymus vulgarisOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedHardy PerennialA short, compact, aromatic herb, thyme is a classic in any garden. It forms attractive, tiny lavender flowers which attract bees, and is known to deter cabbage worms. Thyme adds interest to soups, casseroles, pizzas, and breads, and also has many medicinal uses. Thyme can grow in most soils, but performs best in well-drained soil with moderate nutrients. Soil which is too rich will cause the plant to get leggy and lose its compact shape. Thyme is said to aid in digestion of fats.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/16"Soil temp. for germ.: 60–70°F; 5.5–7.0 pHDays to germ.: 21–28 daysAvg. Spacing: thin to 4–6”; rows 2–3 feetAvg. Seeding rate: 10 sds/ftDays to maturity: 90–100 daysPartial sun

Seed Saving: Due to low germination rate, most people opt for root cuttings. Thyme seed will be very tiny dark specks that will come out of old flowers. Let dry and crumble.

Garden Sage – 20 Seeds

Salvia officinalisOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedWoody PerennialThe main species used both in culinary arts and in herbal medicine. The fresh or dried leaf is the best source of "sage" as a spice and of dried sage for tincturing (improves memory, dries secretions, reduces inflammation of oral mucosa, good for treating coughs, excellent flavoring additive). Prune back after flowering to about an inch above the last year's growth. Keep the trimmings as spice—these are very productive.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: 60–70°F; 5.5–6.5 pHDays to germ.: 14–21 daysAvg. Spacing: 6 seeds every 12”-18”; 1 ft RowsAvg. Seeding rate: 8 lbs/acreDays to maturity: 80–90 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Sage seed pods look like bells. They’ll turn a dark gray to brown color when fully developed and you can pop the ends of the bells open to get to the seeds.

Summer Savory – 70 Seeds

Satureja hortensisOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAnnualEasily grown garden annual produces large amounts of small leaves that when dried and removed from the stem make what is probably the most omnigastric spice known to herbalist. Strew seeds on fine seed bed or propagation tray in spring and keep moist. Vigorous and evident germinator within a week or two. Plants prefer full sun, rich soil and regular watering to attain plumpest succulence.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4"Soil temp. for germ.: 65–70°F; 6.7–7.3 pHDays to germ.: 10–14 daysAvg. Spacing: 8–13”Avg. Seeding rate: 65–75 daysDays to maturity: 40 daysFull sun – moderate watering

Seed Saving: Dry plant on screens and shake in a bowl for seed.

GROWING GUIDE OIL PRODUCERS

Mammoth Sunflower – 100 Seeds

Helianthus annusOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedThis variety is the result of Russian breeding efforts and returned to the US in 1880 then as now under the name "Russian Mammoth." This giant sunflower has bright gold flowers that can grow easily to 10" across. Produces a single flower, filled with grey and white striped edible seeds. For oil extraction, seeds are bruised, crushed, ground and pressed. Plant seed 6" apart and 1/2" deep after spring frost. Thin to 8"-12" when plants reach 2" in height. Attracts bee and butterflies.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: at least 55–60°F; 5.5–7.5 pHDays to germ.: 7–14 days; 81% germAvg. Spacing: 1–2’; rows 30”Avg. Seeding rate: 1 1/2oz/yardDays to maturity: 90–100 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Allow sunflower heads to dry on the plants before harvesting whole heads and hanging them upside-down in a protected spot to complete drying. The seeds can then be removed from the heads by vigorous rubbing. Store and plant the seeds in their kernels for protection.

Golden Flax – 625 Seeds

Linum usitatissimumOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedCultivar producing seeds containing low mucilage and high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids (linolenic acid). The seed is shiny and golden, and the flowers are flax blue. Fiber producer for linen. 93% germ; 35 days to maturity; 6.0–6.5 pH.

Black Sesame – 450 Seeds

Sesamum indicumOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAnnualMultistemmed upright annual bearing follicles stacked with oil-rich seeds.  Native to India. Easy and vigorous germinator in warm soils, quickly attaining a full branching habit and maturing seed within 120 days. Seeds are jet-black and have a sweet taste as opposed to tan types, which can be quite bitter. The seeds are highly nutritious, and may be eaten raw (dried) or toasted. Typically made into tahini. However, gross over-consumption of unhulled sesame can cause kidney problems. Leaves can be eaten raw or gently steamed. Medicinally (in Ayurveda), the leaves are used as a gentle mucilagenous demulcent to the GI, used in treating respiratory infections, cholera, dysentery and urinary infection. The decoction or confection of the seeds is given in cases of bleeding piles and amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea. The poultice of the crushed seeds is used in treating old burns. The oil of the seeds is used in treating migraine and vertigo, and serves as a substitute for olive oil in pharmacy. 60–100 days to maturity; neutral soil of 7.0.

Mexican Chia – 110 Seeds

Salvia hispanicaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAnnual.  90 days to flowers, 120 days to seedsNative to South America.  Makes succulent, bright-green, bushy plants up to 4 feet tall. The seed is made into a stimulating beverage, high in soluble fiber and oil.  Regulates sugar metabolism. 60–90 days maturity; soil 5.5–6 pH.

GROWING GUIDE MEDICINAL HERBS

Astragalus – 10 Seeds

(Huang-qi)Family: Pea (Fabaceae)Organic – Open Pollinated Hardiness:  -15° FTaprooted herbaceous perennial native to China.  King of tonic herbs. It is an anabolic immunostimulant, that may be dried and ground up, then used for making tea, decoction, or tincture.  As a fresh root, may be boiled in soup to release its life-supportive essence. Plant is a sturdy survivor, and prefers full sun, average soil, and good drainage.  Scarify seed lightly, and use rhizobium inoculant.  Direct seed in early spring. Good cold soil germinator and a poor warm soil germinator. Germ in 3 to 10 days. Thin to 6 inches apart. Plants flower yellow-white to 4 feet tall. Soil 7–8 pH.

Artemesia – 75 Seeds

Artemesia Annua, Sweet Annie, Qing-hao (Sweet Wormwood)Organic – Open Pollinated Days to Maturity:  100 days to harvest of leaf and flower, 160 days to seed. Annual herb native to China. An herb of world importance (the WHO has dubbed it the most important antimalarial treatment available). Plant prefers full sun and sandy, well-drained soil. Actually grows in the wild and at the edges of civilization in waste places. Sow on surface of sandy soil and keep moist until germination, which is usually a week or two. Very tiny seedlings grow rapidly and transplant well. Overdose of this plant potentially toxic due to thujone content – familiarize before planting. Full sun; 6.0–7.5 pH.

Ashwagandha – 20 Seeds

(Withania somnifera)Family: Nightshade (Solanacea)Organic – Open Pollinated Hardiness:  to 15 degrees F but quite intolerant of moist soils in winter. The plant is an evergreen woody shrub in the tropics and hot desert areas, and acts like an herbaceous perennial in temperate zone 8 and warmer. Native to Africa, an ecotype with large leaves and very fast growth. In native medicine, dried root is considered a sexual tonic. Plant prefers full sun, fast-draining, alkaline (pH 7.5 to 8.0) soil and dryish conditions. Sweeten regular garden soil with ground limestone. Light dependent germinator. Sow in early spring indoors or in the greenhouse.  Average germ time 15 days.  Space 1 foot apart—grows 2 to 3 feet tall, producing eventually the lantern-like pods enclosing the pea-sized fruits, green at first and becoming bright red as the inflated calyx dries and becomes transparent.

GROWING GUIDE MEDICINAL HERBS

Chamomile – 50 Seeds

(German Chamomile)Family:  Aster (Asteraceae)Organic – Open Pollinated Hardy to all zones.Annual or overwintering annual. This is the delightfully aromatic Chamomile of tea fame. Perfect for gentle bedtime sedation or for treating stomachache. Plant prefers full sun and regular garden soil, and cool soils for germination. Sow on surface and press in hard.  Sow in early spring for flowers by early summer. Full sun; cover seed with thin layer of soil; soil 4.8–8.3 pH.

Burdock – 20 Seeds

(Ha Gobo, Leaf Burdock)Family: Aster (Asteraceae)Organic – Open Pollinated Biennial. 70 days to maturity. Japanese version of Arctium lappa selected for the softly edible leaves.  We've tested them quite extensively as a steamed vegetable, in soups and stir-fry. They are pretty bitter, but in terms of texture, chewy and luscious.  It's an odd combination in a way—surprising, even, in a culinarily sense.  The roots are good to eat. They are extremely long and thin (that's a 12 inch ruler set next to them), medium crunchy, and we rate them as very good tasting when eaten fresh or steamed. The roots taste the same as Gobo. Medicinally interchangeable. Plant does well in open garden situation.  Deep soils will encourage long, deep roots.  Very easy to grow by direct seeding, spring or fall barely covered. Germ in 6 to 12 days. Thin to 3 inches apart. 5.8 pH.

Calendula – 20 Seeds

(Calendula officinalis)Family:  Aster (Asteraceae)Organic – Open Pollinated Annual.  40 to 50 days to maturity.  Vigorous winter blooming self-seeder. A rare offering of the parent plant of our domesticated Calendulas.  Wild calendula makes bushy plants with many small, star-like flowers. Plant blooms fall and early spring.  In Mediterranean climates (zone 6 and up) will flower midwinter, one of the few plants that will, and as such provides grateful color in the otherwise drab garden bed, and provides nectar to sustain populations of beneficial insects through the winter. Plant prefers full sun to part shade and moist but well-drained soils.  Sow in pots, or sow in the garden in the fall or early spring in a prepared seedbed. These are slower germinators than other Calendula, as they retain some of their wild ways. 30 days of cold, moist conditioning in the refrigerator or sowing in cold soils of the fall or very early spring will enhance germ rate. 6.0–7.0 pH.

GROWING GUIDE MEDICINAL HERBS

Evening Primrose – 50 Seeds

Oenothera biennisFamily: Onagraceae Organic – Open Pollinated Hardiness:  All temperate zones.Self-seeding overwintering annual or biennial. Native to Europe and North America. This herb is very drought tolerant, bravely producing bloom after yellow, mucilaginous bloom in the evenings, despite sun-baked conditions. The seed is high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an intermediate in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Some women report alleviation of PMS by eating the plant and the seeds. The flowers especially make a tasty addition to salads. Cultivation: Easy. Scatter seed on surface of disturbed soil in fall or early spring, or start on surface of flat and transplant. Seed requires exposure to light in order to germinate. Plant 12 inches apart; 1/16” depth. Flowers to 3 to 4 feet. Soil 5.5–8.5 pH.

Dandelion – 25 Seeds

Taraxacum officinaleFamily:  Daisy (Asteraceae)Organic – Wild – Open Pollinated Herbaceous perennial.  Native to and distributed throughout the temperate zones of planet Earth. This is a wild plant that prospers – one of our most respected plants on the land and we let them grow. Plant prefers part shade to full sun and richly composted soil, and much water. While many people think of the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as a pesky weed, herbalists consider it a valuable herb that can be used as a food and medicine. Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Traditionally, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and upset stomach. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion has been used to treat stomach problems, appendicitis, and breast problems, such as inflammation or lack of milk flow. In Europe, it was used in remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhea. 1 plant produces 15,000 seeds; 1/4–1/2” depth 8–12”; 85 days to maturity. Soil 7.5 pH.

Echinacea Purpurea – 70 Seeds

Echinacea PurpureaFamily:  Aster (Asteraceae)Organic – Open Pollinated Hardy to all temperate zones.Herbaceous perennial prairie dweller – currently uncommon in the wild. Widely cultivated – contains the rich spectrum of active chemicals found in the original wild plant. Medical activity as per E. angustifolia. Sow seed in the early spring in flats outdoors or in the greenhouse, and transplant seedlings out to the garden or field in mid-spring. It is fairly easy to seed this plant directly in the garden or field. Sow the seed shallowly in the early to mid-spring. Keep moist. Once the plants are up, you must stay on top of the weeds, and thin to 1 foot spacing after the second set of leaves has formed. E. purpurea likes full sun, plenty of water, and rich, limey soil. This is the species best suited to varied growing conditions, whether coastal or mountain, east or west. It is easy to grow, and produces on the average 1/2 pound of fresh root by the dormant period following the second year of growth. Plant 1 foot apart 1/4” depth. Flowers 3 to 4 feet tall. Soil 6.0–7.0 pH.

GROWING GUIDE MEDICINAL HERBS

Lambs Quarters – 35 Seeds

(White Goosefoot)Family: Goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae)Organic – Open Pollinated Annual.  Wild medicinal food. Soft, slightly downy, and mucilaginous leaves, like spinach—high in protein, calcium, and vitamin A. Dried herb good in soups.  Seeds also edible and nutritious.  Good bird feed.  Native Americans used the plant to treat urinary infection, diarrhea, and stomachache.  Prefers full sun,  loose, nutrient-rich soil, and plenty of water. Direct-seed in spring or summer less than 1” depth. Flowers green-white, 3 to 6 feet. Soil 4.5–8.3 pH.

Holy Basil – Tulsi Kapoor – 15 Seeds

Kapoor Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)Organic – Open Pollinated The plant is a bushy annual tea basil with small leaves, purple flowers and a tutti-frutti fragrance. Among all basils, this one is (surprisingly) the shortest season, most frost-hardy cultivar and will also self-seed the following year, which is unusual among basils. Excellent medicinality for triterpenoic content as well as confirming the eugenol marker. Soil temp 70–80°F; 1/8–1/4” depth; days to germinate 10–14; full sun; days to maturity 65–75. Soil 5.5–6.5 pH.

Lemon Balm – 50 Seeds

Melissa oficinalisFamily: Mint (Lamiacea)Organic – Open Pollinated Hardiness:  to 20 degrees F, sometimes colder.Herbaceous perennial. Native to the Mediterranean, Russia, Syria, Iran and Turkestan. This is a classic medicinal tea herb. Assists in controlling high blood pressure, migraines, hysteria, melancholia, goiter, hyperthyroidism and Grave’s disease. Cultivation: Extra care. Light-dependent germinator. Sow outdoors in the fall or very early spring or provide 2 weeks of cold conditioning. Germ. in 10–40 days. Prefers full sun or shade; normal garden soil and minimal water. Plant 1.5 feet apart; 1/8” depth. Flowers yellow to 2 feet tall. Soil 6.1–7.8 pH.

GROWING GUIDE MEDICINAL HERBS

Lobelia – 100 Seeds

(Lobelia inflata) Indian TobaccoFamily: Lobeliaceae Organic – Open Pollinated Overwintering annual or annual. Native to the central, southern, and eastern US. Diminutive plant with white flowers with light-blue  spots. These flowers give way to the characteristic “inflated” seedpods. Lobelia is an indispensable antispasmodic. Low dose botanical! A liquid extract of the seed is commonly used and can cause the impressive expulsion of thick, ropey mucous from sinuses and bronchi. Lobelias prefer part to full sun, rich, moist soil, much water.Short-lived seed.  Light-dependent germinators. Sow seed in spring or fall.  Average germ time in warm soils is 1 to 3 weeks.  Water very gently. Extra advice on lobelia inflata—if you're really trying to grow a patch for production, it makes sense to follow the natural cycles for this plant.  In nature, germination is in the fall, after which the low-lying rosette overwinters, and flowers and goes to seed in the next spring to early summer. If you try to grow it as a spring annual it will probably bolt to flower when the soils warm up in the summer and give very little yield. Soil 4.5–7.5 pH.

Ma-huang – 25 Seeds

(Ephedra sinica)Family: Ephedraceae Organic – Open Pollinated Hardiness:  to – 40 degrees F.Perennial, primitive shrub. Native to the steppes of north and northwestern China. Rare offering of the main official species. Does well in pots. Dried stem is a natural adrenergic stimulant to the central nervous system and a bronchodilator for treating colds and asthma. The whole herb, dried and used in small doses, poses no threat to the health. However, the very young, the very old, and the pregnant mother would best avoid using this stimulating herb. Ma-huang prefers full sun and dry, sandy soils. The seed is easy to germinate in a warm, sandy medium. Strew the seed on surface of very sandy potting soil (50% sand) and barely cover with more of the same potting soil. Tamp securely and keep evenly moist until germination, which in the greenhouse or under propagation lights should take about 11 days – in flats as seedlings are small and you need to work them up to about 4 inches before transplanting. After germination, back off on the watering because the young seedlings can easily damp off—this is a desert plant.They create, in 2 or 3 years, a stubby, woody trunk bristling with the jointed stems. The flower is inconspicuous, fruits are colored orange, gooey and

mucilagenous, and very sweet to the taste. Part of plant are poisonous if ingested – familiarize before planting. Soil 7.9–8.5 pH.

Lomatium – 13 Seeds

Lomatium dissectum (Syn. Leptotaenia multifida/dissecta)Family: ApiaceaeOrganic – Open Pollinated Wild, celery-like herbaceous perennial  native to the Great Basin and other drylands of the West. In nature, Lomatium grows on sunny slopes in rocky soil. Sow in outdoor nursery bed in the fall or midwinter. Expect germination in cold soil in spring.  Naturally low germ rate. Plant 1 foot apart. Grows to 3 feet tall.This is our most important indigenous, antiviral herb from the American Pacific Northwest; works where other antivirals fall short. The root is the part used.

GROWING GUIDE MEDICINAL HERBS

Yellow Maca – 35 Seeds

(Syn. Lepidum meyenii)Family:  Mustard (Brassicaceae)Organic – Open Pollinated Hardy to all temperate zones.Biennial, radish-like, rosette forming plant native to the high Peruvian Puna. This is a select cultivar that gives high yields of firm, yellow roots and demonstrates a tolerance for low elevation. Sow the seed on the surface of the seed bed, stir it around with your fingers, then tamp in securely. Germination is in 4 days at 65 degrees F soil temperature. Plant prefers fall, winter and spring conditions for growth. Full sun and a fast-draining soil is preferred. Maca likes a somewhat alkaline soil, such as decomposed granite or volcanic soils. Composted manures are a good fertilizer for MACA. Thin to 6 inch spacing, and harvest after the first year of growth.  Best to direct-seed in September and harvest in May or so if no snow – grows through the winter, which is preferred, as it encourages bulbing (the hypocotyl). If left in the field for 2 years, the root will become quite woody and the plant will go to seed. Probably the best regions for growing maca are high steppes in tropical or subtropical countries. The plant is very tolerant of high intensity sunlight and withstands drastic temperature fluctuations.  New seed tests at 86% germ. Plant 1/2” depth. Soil 6.0–7.0 pH.

Marshmallow – 20 Seeds

(Althaea officinalis)Family:  Mallow (Malvaceae)Organic – Open Pollinated Hardiness:  All temperate zones.Herbaceous perennial native to Europe. A premier healing agent, marshmallow root is nutritious, soothing to the digestion, stimulating to the immune system and helps prevent and repair ulcerations of the gastric mucosa and duodenum. Sow the seed in the spring. It is easy to grow in regular garden soil in the full sun or part shade. The plant prefers regular watering and makes a lot of biomass, both above the ground and below. Every part of the plant, including leaf, flower (and less useful, the stem) and especially the fresh or dried root, is useful in herbal medicine and is truly indispensable. Full Sun; 60 days to maturity; plant 1/8” depth; soil temp 70°F; 6.1–6.5 pH.

Stinging Nettles – 70 Seeds

(Urtica dioica)Organic – Open Pollinated Hardiness:  All temperate zones.Herbaceous perennial. Native to temperate climates worldwide and fully cold hardy. Premier spring tonic and best terrestrial plant source of micronutrients and minerals. Plants will prosper in moist, fertile soil whether in shade or sun. Does not require good drainage. Plants purchased after April will probably have to be cut back before shipping, but this is a good thing for the transplant, and the new leaves that come up are the ones that you use in medicine. Use of older leaves (after the plant reaches knee-high or so) not recommended. Plant 1/2” depth; 10–14 days germination; 60 days to maturity. Soil temp 65°F; 6.1–6.5 pH.

GROWING GUIDE MEDICINAL HERBS

Stevia – 20 Seeds

(Yerba dulce, Sweet herb) Family: AsteraceaeOrganic – Open Pollinated Hardiness:  to 10 degrees FTender herbaceous perennial in the temperate north and evergreen subshrub in warmer climates (zone 9 and up). May be effectively grown as an annual. Native to Paraguay and Brazil.  The dried leaf is used for sweetening drinks and is purportedly 250 times sweeter than sugar. Medicinally, stevia is used as a flavoring agent, a wound healer, a treatment for hypoglycemia, and a digestive aid. Plants thrive in rich garden soil, and also they do very well in pots.  Tend to get a bit leggy so cut them back to encourage lower branch growth.  Plants prefer full sun to part shade and humidity, and plenty of water.  Heat-dependent germinator does best if sown just under the surface, tamped well, kept evenly moist and in direct sun or under lights or in a greenhouse with temperatures from 80 to 85 degrees F.  Germination in 1 to 2 weeks; 40–60 days to maturity.  Protect from slugs, which like the sweetness about as well as any other beast. Prick seedlings into gallon pots or transplant out to garden at about 1 foot spacing in the temperate north and about 2 foot spacing in warmer zones. Soil 6.5–7.5 pH.

Valerian – 35 Seeds

(Valeriana officinalis) Family: valerian (Valerianaceae)Organic – Open Pollinated Herbaceous perennial. Native to Europe and temperate Asia.  Hardy to -20 degrees F. Probably the strongest herbal cerebral sedative, the plant makes one go to sleep. All parts of the plant are active, but it is the spreading root and root crown, dug and used fresh, that is most commonly used, and the tincture of the fresh root is the most common dosage form.  Valerian prefers full sun to part shade and moist but well-drained soils. I have seen excellent clumps form, during a wet spring, on the peak of a pile of ground pumice.  However, regular garden soil amended with organic compost will do nicely. The plant adapts rather well to a wide range of conditions. Seed is short-lived and should  be sown within a year of receipt.  Light dependent germinator. Sow in spring, tamped securely into surface, and keep evenly moist until germination, which occurs in 10 to 16 days. Seedling leaves look very un-valerian at first and some folks are confused.  Space plants 1 to 2 feet apart. Flowers white in the second year to a height of 5 feet or more. Plant 3/8”; soil temp 60–70°F; 5.5–7.0 pH.

Wood Betony – 15 Seeds

(Stachys officinalis) (Woundwort)Family: Mint (Lamiaceae)Organic – Open Pollinated Herbaceous perennial hardy to -20 degrees F and highly adaptable to lowland sites as well as gardens at altitude.  Native to Europe and Russia. This moisture-loving plant is a clumper, making a lush mound that flowers in multiple upright racemes red-purple.  The tea or tincture of fresh leaf helps relieve acute or chronic pain. Sow in the early spring. Standard greenhouse culture or direct seed. Barely cover seed, tamp well and keep evenly moist until germination, which occurs in 1 to 3 weeks. Space 2 feet apart.  Flowers from 2 to 3 feet tall. Plant 1/8”; soil temp 60–70°F; 6.1–6.5 pH.

GROWING GUIDE VEGETABLES

Kentucky Wonder Bean – 100 Seeds.Phaseolus vulgarisOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedTender Annual – introduced in 1864Pole bean – unbeatable productivity, consistency, and flavor. Introduced in Kentucky just prior to the Civil War, this classic variety has proven its excellence through the test of time. Pods are 7–9” long, stringless, solid, and meaty. Known to have a favorable bean-y flavor. Use fresh for snap beans, or dry on vines for an excellent soup bean. Brown seeds. Make small, successive plantings every 10 days for a continuous harvest. Water lightly at planting, medium at flowering, and heavily throughout harvest time. Avoid overhead watering which can promote disease. Pick regularly to extend harvest period.

Growing: Planting depth: 1"Soil temp. for germ.: 65–85°F; 6.0–6.2 pHDays to germ.: 7–10 days; 82% germAvg. Spacing: 3” after thinningDays to maturity: 68–72 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Saving bean seeds is as simple as waiting for the pods to dry on the vine, collecting the seeds, and completely drying them.

Maxibel Haricot Vert Bean – 100 Seeds

Phaseolus vulgarisOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAnnualThe most popular French filet bean and unsurpassed as a gourmet market specialty. Known for its long, slender, medium green pods with a delicate tenderness. Heavy producer of 6–8” beans on good sized plants. Maxibel will keep you loaded with fresh beans for a good amount of time. Pick frequently for optimal tenderness and yields. Speckled brown seeds. Plant every 2–3 weeks. Legumes like well-drained soil rich in organic matter and a moderate amount of nutrients. Water lightly at planting, medium at flowering, and heavily throughout harvest time.

Growing: Planting depth: 1–2"Soil temp. for germ.: 75–95°F; 6.0–6.8 pHDays to germ.: 7–10 days; 95% germAvg. Spacing: 3” after thinningDays to maturity: 68–72 daysFull sun – even moisture

Seed Saving: Saving bean seeds is as simple as waiting for the pods to dry on the vine, collecting the seeds, and completely drying them.

Yarrow – 50 Seeds (Medicinal Herb)

Achillea millefoliumFamily: Aster (Asteraceae)Organic – Open PollinatedHardy to: All ZonesHerbaceous perennial. Native to temperate zones worldwide. Spreads joyfully. This is the hardy white-flowered species, wild harvested from the Oregon Siskiyou Mountains. Vulnerary (antiseptic), anti-inflammatory, hemostatic. The flowers picked in early maturity and shade dried are the best part of the plant to use for the high grade medicine, but all aerial parts of the plant do demonstrate activity. Cultivation: Easy. Sow in flat or direct seed. Germ. in about 8 days in warm soils. Space plants 18 inches apart. Grows vigorously in any kind of soil. Prefers full sun and requires very little water. You know, a lot of people plant roman chamomile for lawns, but if an even more unusual  lawn is desired, yarrow is a great choice! It spreads joyfully, makes a very cushy carpet, dissuades other plants from interloping, and may be mowed back as easily, or more easily, than chamomile. Aromatic, dark green, available at all times for harvest and production of the anti-inflammatory mouth poultice, tea or tincture—really quite the pleasant plant.  The quintessential medicinal herb. Plant 1/16”; soil temp 60–70°F; 4.7–8.0 pH.

GROWING GUIDE VEGETABLES

Black Turtle Dry Bean – 100 Seeds

Phaseolus vulgarisOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedTender AnnualBelieved to have originated in southern Mexico and Central America over 7,000 years ago, Black Turtle beans are one of the tastiest beans we know. They have a deep, rich flavor that works superbly in soups, frijoles, chili, and as refried beans. High yielding and easy-to-grow bush variety. Legumes like well-drained soil rich in organic matter and a moderate amount of nutrients. Water lightly at planting, medium at flowering, and heavily throughout harvest time.

Growing: Planting depth: 1"Soil temp. for germ.: 65–85°F; 6.0–6.5 pHDays to germ.: 7–10 days; 89% germAvg. Spacing: 4” after thinningDays to maturity: 85–115 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Saving bean seeds is as simple as waiting for the pods to dry on the vine, collecting the seeds, and completely drying them.

Little French Lentil – 200 Seeds

Phaseolus vulgarisOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedTender AnnualLentil are annual plants producing lens shaped seeds. A cousin of the bean, the lentil belongs to the legume family, or those with seeds that grow within pods. Lentils are quite rich in iron and have the highest levels of protein of any vegetable next to soybeans.

Growing: Planting depth: 1"Soil temp. for germ.: 65–85°F; 6.0–6.8 pHDays to germ.: 7–10 days; 95% germAvg. Spacing: 4” after thinningDays to maturity: 85–115 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Saving bean seeds is as simple as waiting for the pods to dry on the vine, collecting the seeds, and completely drying them.

GROWING GUIDE VEGETABLES

Golden Acre Cabbage – 175 Seeds.Brassica oleraceaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedHardy Annual This beautiful, early cabbage produces tender heads that are 5"-7" in diameter. Golden Acre's compact plants are ideal for small gardens. Cabbage prefers cool weather. Fast growing or stressed cabbages tend to split and bolt; cutting into the root system by transplanting will slow growth and prevent splitting. Provide transplants with cutworm shield collars. Harvest when the head feels solid. Smaller heads sometimes grow from the remaining plant.

Growing: Planting depth: 1"Soil temp. for germ.: 65–85°F; 6.2–7.5 pHDays to germ.: 7–10 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 3” after thinningDays to maturity: 68–72 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: they grow and mature in the first season, then over-winter before setting seed in spring of their second year. Allow seeds to mature and dry completely before removing them.

Chioggia Beets – 200 Seeds

Beta vulgarisOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedBiennialThe flesh of this unusual Italian heirloom has red-and-white alternating rings within eye-catching scarlet skin. They have a sweet, peppery taste and are beautiful sliced horizontally in a salad. The green tops are delicious and nutritious both raw and cooked. A popular seller at farmers' markets. Beets are easily grown, though they prefer deep, loose soil and even. Mulch once established to protect the roots from heat. Soak seeds before planting to promote germination.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: 50–85°F; 6.5–7 pHDays to germ.: 5–10 days; 82% germAvg. Spacing: 2–4” after thinningDays to maturity: 55–65 daysPartial sun – tolerates light shade – moderate water

Seed Saving: Saving beet seeds is a two-year project because this biennial doesn't flower and produce its seed clusters until the next growing season. Look for blossoms in June and July, and harvest the seeds in August.  Cut off the tops, dry under cover, then strip.

Broccoli Di Ciccio – 1000 Seeds

Brassica oleraceaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedHardy Annual – 1890 Italian introductionIt produces a 3"-4" bluish-green central head with many medium-sized side shoots for a prolonged harvest. Though not uniform at maturity, this variety is the best tasting. This is a great choice for spring or fall planting. Harvest when heads are tight, before yellow flowers appear. Side heads may continue to produce for several weeks. Flavor improves with cooler temperatures. Use shade fabric to extend summer harvests. Broccoli is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium, phosphorus, and iron.

Growing: Planting depth: 1"Soil temp. for germ.: 75–85°F; 6.0–7.5 pHDays to germ.: 4–20 days; 82% germAvg. Spacing: 1–2” after thinningDays to maturity: 48–85 daysPartial shade

Seed Saving: Leave a healthy side shoot or two on each plant to over-winter and flower for seeds. Harvest seed pods before the pods split open naturally, but after they have fully matured and dried on the stalks.

GROWING GUIDE VEGETABLES

Snowball Cauliflower – 300 Seeds.Brassica oleraceaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAnnual Snowball cauliflower's large 6"-7" snow-white heads are well protected by outer leaves. This reliable strain is heavy yielding and produces smooth white curds with a uniform appearance. It is downy mildew resistant. To ensure plump heads, time indoor sowing so that plants are no more than 5 weeks old at transplant time. Sow outdoors when soil temperatures are at least 60F. Harvest while heads are tight and compact. Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamins C, K, B6, and folate.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4–1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: 60–80°F; 6.5–7.2 pHDays to germ.: 6–14 days; 85%Avg. Spacing: 15” after thinningDays to maturity: 50–72 daysFull sun – water moderately and evenly

Seed Saving: Heads don't resprout after harvesting – you can leave a branch or two of cauliflower head on the plant to heal and flower in the spring or more reliable is to plant a separate planting just for the seed. Pick seed pods promptly after they fully mature and dry on the plants.

Red Acre Cabbage – 175 Seeds.Brassica oleraceaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedHardy Annual This beautiful, early cabbage produces tender heads that are 5"-7" in diameter. Fast growing or stressed cabbages tend to split and bolt; cutting into the root system by transplanting will slow growth and prevent splitting. Provide transplants with cutworm shield collars. Harvest when the head feels solid. Smaller heads sometimes grow from the remaining plant. Cabbage is high in vitamin C, folate, and antioxidants.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/2–1"Soil temp. for germ.: 60–85°F; 6.0–7.5 pHDays to germ.: 5–10 days; 89% germAvg. Spacing: 3” after thinningDays to maturity: 55–75 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: they grow and mature in the first season, then over-winter before setting seed in spring of their second year. Allow seeds to mature and dry completely before removing them.

Scarlet Nantes Carrot – 1000 Seeds

Daucus carotaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedBiennialThis well-loved classic is crisp, sweet, and delicious with a high sugar content. A perfect carrot for juicing, snacking, freezing, and storing. The root matures quickly but is also good when harvested as a baby. Its 6"-7" long root is almost cylindrical and blunt-ended. The fine-grained, red-orange flesh is nearly coreless. Seed directly into 75°F soil for quick germination. Mix the small seeds with dry coffee grounds or sand to improve seed distribution. Carrots are extremely high in vitamin A. They're also a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4–1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: 45–85°F; 6.0–6.5 pHDays to germ.: 6–20 days; 72% germAvg. Spacing: 2–3” after thinningDays to maturity: 48–85 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Allow carrot seed umbels to ripen and dry on the plant before harvesting and cleaning.

Tall Utah Celery – 800 Seeds.Apium graveolens var. dulceOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedBiennial Tall Utah is a crisp, stringless green celery with tightly folded hearts, and broad, thick, well-rounded stalks. It is a vigorous grower without getting flimsy. Popular for late use – enjoy celery all winter, transplant a few plants into large pots and overwinter them in a cool place, watering as needed. Celery requires rich, loamy soil and heavy, consistent water and patience plus organic matter into the soil to help hold moisture. Celery leaves are also edible and tasty, and contain significant amounts of vitamin A.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/16"Soil temp. for germ.: 65–75°F; 5.8–6.2 pHDays to germ.: 7–10 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 8” after thinningDays to maturity: 70–125 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Cut stems high or remove individually from the outside of the plant for eating, then leave a healthy portion of stump in late fall to over-winter and produce seed in the spring. Allow seeds to dry completely on plants before harvesting.

GROWING GUIDE VEGETABLES

Wapsie Valley Corn – 50 Seeds

Organic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedTender Annual9 1/2' tall, strong, widely adapted corn plants with 7 1/2 - 8" well formed ears.  Colored mostly a rich yellow, waxy color with some maroon ears and few brown colored ears.  14 – 18 straight kernel rows.  Outstanding plant health. Good standability. Average C.P. (crude protein) 11%. Superior silage choice. Nicely finishes for grain where others won't.   Has done well in dry years and is widely adaptable. Corn is a heavy feeder requiring high amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). Its weak and shallow root system likes loose soil with a high compost content. Ripe corn usually has a small amount of green silk near the top with dry, brownish silk at the ends.

Growing: Planting depth: 1"Soil temp. for germ.: 70–85°F; min 6.0 pHDays to germ.: 4–12 days; 95% germAvg. Spacing: 8” after thinningDays to maturity: 85 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Allow corn ears to mature and dry onthe stalks, but harvest as soon as the earsare dry.

Homemade Pickle Cucumber – 60 Seeds.Cucumis sativusOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedTender Annual Heavy-yielding variety that produces small, crisp, green, cucumbers for pickling or salads. The fruit grows to 5"-6" with white spines and medium green skin. The solid cored cucumbers should be harvested regularly to maintain good production throughout the season. Plants are disease-resistant and will maintain quality well over the season. Plants need well-drained soil and will benefit from added compost or well composted manure. Fruits can be harvested at any desired size, from 1.5" – 5" and eaten fresh or made into pickles, pick continuously to keep vines productive.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/2–1"Soil temp. for germ.: 70°F; 5.5–6.8 pHDays to germ.: 3–4 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 18” after thinningDays to maturity: 55 daysFull sun – water moderately and evenly

Seed Saving: Cucumbers should be left on the vine to ripen to well past the eating stage before being harvested for seed, and then aged another 20 days in the cuke before the seeds are removed and cleaned.

GROWING GUIDE VEGETABLES

Florence Fennel – 100 Seeds.Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricumOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAnnual Called finocchio in Italy, fennel's licorice flavored, overlapping leaves form a bulb-like enlargement at the base of the celery-like stalks. The bulb is great in stir-fry dishes, soups, and raw in salads. Start seed indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost, or sow seed directly once the soil has reached 65F. Fennel tastes best when grown in moderate weather; extreme hot or cold temperatures, or soil that's too dry, tend to make the plants tough. Harvest bulb once it has reached a 4" diameter and is firm to the touch. The leaves can be harvested anytime the plant is large enough and used like any other sweet fennel. Fennel does not store well; use fresh.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4"Soil temp. for germ.: 65–75°F; 5.8–6.8 pHDays to germ.: 7–16 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 12” after thinningDays to maturity: 65–100 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Allow umbels to dry completely on plantsbefore harvesting seeds.

Straight Eight Cucumber – 60 Seeds

Cucumis sativusOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedTender Annual – 1935 All-American Selections winnerA smooth, straight cucumber up to 8" long with rounded, blunt ends and deep-green skin. It is mosaic-tolerant and free from stippling. This cucumber is vigorous, early, prolific, and of excellent quality for home use. Plant cucumbers in hills or mounds with plenty of added organic matter. Sow 6–7 seeds in a hill, thinning to the 3 best vines. In cool regions, start seeds indoors 10–14 days before the last frost, or sow seeds directly when the soil is at least 70F. Harvest while small to medium-sized for best flavor.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: 70–95°F; 5.5–6.8 pHDays to germ.: 3–10 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 18–48” after thinningDays to maturity: 62 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Cucumbers should be left on the vine to ripen to well past the eating stage before being harvested for seed, and then aged another 20 days in the cuke before the seeds are removed and cleaned.

Rosa Bianca Eggplant – 75 Seeds

Solanum melongenaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedTender AnnualA gorgeous Italian variety with a delicate, mild flavor, creamy consistency, and no bitterness. Considered one of the best by gourmets and gardeners alike. Fruits are about 4"-6" long and 4"-5" in diameter. Soil should be fertile, well-drained and rich in organic matter, with a pH of 5.8 to 6.8. Eggplant also needs a lot of calcium, so add lime to the soil before you plant. Can harvest anytime after half of the mature size, but don't wait too long, over-ripe fruit is tough and bitter.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4"Soil temp. for germ.: 75–90°F; 5.8–6.8 pHDays to germ.: 10–21 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 18–24” after thinningDays to maturity: 80–90 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Eggplants should be left on the plants until well past the eating stage before harvesting for seed.

GROWING GUIDE VEGETABLES

Evergreen Bunching Onion – 150 Seeds.Allium fistulosumOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedBiennial Also known as scallions, Evergreen's clusters of 4–9 leek-like stalks are non-bulbing and versatile. Crisp and tasty, this onion continues to grow and form new shoots throughout the growing season. Onions prefer loose, fertile, friable, well-drained soil with plenty of added organic matter. Their shallow root system is sensitive to fluctuations in water. Mulch to conserve water and control weeds. Sow seed in spring, or plant in fall to overwinter in the north. Bunching onions are hardy and survive winter temperatures as low as -30F.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4"Soil temp. for germ.: 65–75°F; 6.2–6.8 pHDays to germ.: 7–16 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 12” after thinningDays to maturity: 65–100 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Bunching onions go to seed each season, so they will reseed year after year if you keep the weeds out.

Purple Vienna Kohlrabi – 150 Seeds

Brassica oleraceaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAnnual – dating to 1860’s Kohlrabi is a little known yet delightful vegetable with mild broccoli-like flavor. Texture is of a juicy radish. Can be eaten raw, pickled, or cooked. Provide plenty of water and a well drained, soil rich in compost. Direct seed as soon as ground can be worked in early spring or late summer. For the best quality, plant in time for a fall harvest. Kohlrabi will withstand light frost. The edible portion of kohlrabi is not the root, but rather the round, swollen stem of the plant. Leaves are also edible. Harvest when stem swells to 3–5" and is easily visible above the soil. Rich in potassium and vitamin C.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4–1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: 50–75°F; 6.0–6.8 pHDays to germ.: 7–10 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 6–8” after thinningDays to maturity: 55–65 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Overwinter in mulch to produce blooms and seed.

American Flag Leek – 150 Seeds

Allium ampeloprasumOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedBiennialA perfect variety for the home gardener. American Flag has thick blue-green leaves with large white stems,. This variety is good for fall and winter harvesting and will grow quickly from seed. Leeks prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Keeping the stems covered with loose soil will keep them bright white. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Thin seedlings when transplanting and plant 6" apart about 2 weeks before last frost. Mulch heavily in cold climates. Leeks overwinter well in milder climates. Use fresh. If heavily mulched over the winter leeks can be harvested as needed.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4"Soil temp. for germ.: 60–80°F; 6.0–7.5 pHDays to germ.: 5–12 days; 83% germAvg. Spacing: 6” after thinning Days to maturity: 120–135 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Leek seed heads can be cut when the seeds appear black inside the tiny 'flowers'.

GROWING GUIDE VEGETABLES

Sugar Daddy Snap Pea – 60 Seeds.Pisum sativumOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedHardy AnnualSugar Daddy was the very first stringless snap pea. This pea will grow two pods on each node that set on the top of the plant making it easy to harvest. This variety freezes and cooks well without splitting open. Well drained, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Adequate water is needed for high yield. Direct seed in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. For best yields and easier picking, provide support at planting time with a fence or trellis. Peas have highest yield and sweetest flavor when pods are almost rounded.

Growing: Planting depth: 1"Soil temp. for germ.: 50°F; 5.5–6.5 pHDays to germ.: 7–10 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 2” after thinningAvg. Seeding rate: Days to maturity: 65–100 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Ideally, pick pods after they have dried on the vines.

Australian Brown Onion – 75 Seeds

Allium cepaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedBiennial – dating to 1897 This onion will produce uniform medium to large size globes that are pungent, yet flavorful. Australian Brown is an excellent storage onion! Good all purpose onion.Great for the home gardener or market grower. Plant in well-fertilized, moderately moist soil. Sow seeds indoors in flats in early spring or sow seed outdoors as soon as the soil is workable. Cover seeds with 1/4" of fine soil. Allow 6"-18" between rows. When seedlings reach 4" tall, thin or transplant 6" apart. Thinnings can be eaten like green onions. Cut off seed heads as they form. When mature, bend the tops, expose the bulb and let it stay in the ground until the leaves turn brown. Lift bulbs from the soil, braid tops, and hang outside, in the shade, to dry for at least 7 days.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4–1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: 50–75°F; 6.0–7.5 pHDays to germ.: 7–10 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 6–8” after thinningDays to maturity: 55–65 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Allow seeds to ripen and dry on the plants, then harvest quickly to avoid losing seeds.

Progress #9 Shelling Pea – 60 Seeds

Pisum sativum var. sativumOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedHardy Annual This is the leading large-pod home garden shelling pea. Its vigorous dark-green plants produce 4"-5" pods with 6–9 large, wrinkled dark-green peas. It is an early producer with consistently heavy yields. A dwarf variety, Progress #9 needs no staking and is easy to grow. Great flavor and quality. Peas perform best in cool weather between 60–75F; growing season may be extended using shade cloth or frost fabrics. Presoak seeds to help prevent disease and to speed germination. Progress #9 is wilt resistant. Peas are usually ready for harvest about 3 weeks after the flower appears and before peas are fully developed in the pods. Regular picking extends production.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4" Soil temp. for germ.: 40–75°F; 5.5–6.5 pH Days to germ.: 14–36 days: 77% germ Avg. Spacing: 1–2” after thinning Days to maturity: 58–65 days Partial sun

Seed Saving: Ideally, pick pods after they have dried on the vines.

Jalapeno M Pepper – 35 Seeds

Capsicum AnnumOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedJalapeno M Pepper is probably the most well known of all the Jalapenos. The reason they are so popular is the thick walls, dark green color and only 5,000 scoville units. Easy to grow.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4–1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: 50–75°F; 6.0–6.8 pHDays to germ.: 7–10 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 6–8” after thinningDays to maturity: 80–90 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Harvest, clean seed and dry.

California Wonder Bell Pepper – 50 Seeds

Capsicum AnnumCalifornia Wonder was introduced in 1928. Upright 2 ft tall plants bear prolific fruits that are 4–5" long and almost the same width across. California Wonder 300 has a crisp, thick flesh has a mild, pleasant flavor. Organic California Wonder 300 contains high amounts of vitamins A and C.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4–1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: 50–75°F; 5.5–7.5 pHDays to germ.: 7–10 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 6–8” after thinningDays to maturity: 75 days; Full sunSeed Saving: Harvest, clean seed and dry.

GROWING GUIDE PEPPERS

Anaheim Chile Pepper – 50 Seeds.Capsicum AnnumOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedThe name "Anaheim" is said to have come about when a farmer named Emilio Ortega brought these seeds to the Anaheim, California, area in the early 1900s. Anaheim Chilies are prolific bearers of long thin fruits about 6" long.  Mildly hot, people use them in roasting, stuffing, stews, sauces or raw.  Organic plants grow 20–30" and bear late in the season. 

Growing: Planting depth: 1"Soil temp. for germ.: 50°F; 7.0–8.5 pHDays to germ.: 7–10 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 2” after thinningDays to maturity: 65–100 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Harvest, clean seed and dry.

Long Red Thin Cayenne – 35 Seeds

Capsicum AnnumOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedThis is truly an heirloom as the Cayenne is known to be Pre-Columbian in origin. It is said to be named after the Cayenne River in French Guyana. A hot, zesty and pungent organic pepper that is 6" long, but only a 1/2" wide.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4–1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: 50–75°F; 7.0–8.5 pHDays to germ.: 7–10 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 6–8” after thinningDays to maturity: 80–90 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Harvest, clean seedand dry.

Early Crookneck Summer Squash – 25 Seeds

Cucurbita pepoOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAnnual This is the best summer squash for buttery, rich flavor and tender but firm texture. The plants are highly productive and produce semi-open, smooth, light-yellow fruits with a curved neck. Provide squash plants with deep mounds of organic matter, rich soil, and heavy, even water. All squash are extremely frost sensitive, so use mulch to heat soils in early spring and row covers to protect from frost at both ends of the growing cycle, especially in short growing seasons. Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost, or sow seed directly once soils are at least 70F. Use row covers to provide a physical barrier to insects. Pick squash when they are 4"-7" long to keep production high, and for best flavor.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/2–1"Soil temp. for germ.: 70–95°F; 6.0–7.0 pHDays to germ.: 6–10 days; 96% germAvg. Spacing: 6–8” after thinningDays to maturity: 50–60 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Squash must be fully mature before harvested for seed production. Scoop out squash, clean pulp from seed and dry.

GROWING GUIDE VEGETABLES

Waltham Butternut Squash – 25 Seeds.Cucurbita moschataOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAnnualThe most popular butternut squash. Waltham is more uniform in shape and size, with fewer crooknecks.  This organic butternut has an excellent interior texture and color.  Typically grows 8"x4" and can weigh up to 6 lbs. Waltham has a creamy, rich, dry yellow-orange flesh that has a nutty flavor. Vine are extremely vigorous so leave plenty of room for this butternut. Pollinator friend.

Growing: Planting depth: 1"Soil temp. for germ.: 70°F; 5.8–6.8 pHDays to germ.: 92% germAvg. Spacing: 4” apart; 6–8 seeds per hill, thin 2–3 plants Days to maturity: 110 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Squash must be fully mature before harvested for seed production. Scoop out squash, clean pulp from seed and dry.

Cocozelle Summer Squash – 25 Seeds

Cucurbita pepoOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedTenderAnnual Beautiful fruit is dark green striped with light green. This Italian heirloom has a pleasing, slightly nutty flavor. The compact bush type vines are ideal for small gardens. This squash is perfect for frying, steaming, freezing, and canning. Provide squash plants with deep mounds of organic matter, rich soil, and heavy, even water. Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost, or

sow seed directly once soils are at least 70˚F and the danger of frost has passed. Harvest squash when they are 4"-7" long for best flavor and to keep production high. Don't waste male squash blossoms by leaving them in the garden. Toss them in the salad bowl or add to any squash preparation. (Stem of the male blossom is thin; the stem of the female blossom is thick).

Growing: Planting depth: 1/2–1"Soil temp. for germ.: 60°F; 6.0–7.0 pHDays to germ.: 5–10 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 24–36” after thinningDays to maturity: 51–60 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Squash must be fully mature before harvested for seed production. Scoop out squash, clean pulp from seed and dry.

French Breakfast Radish – 220 Seeds

Raphanus sativusOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedAnnualFrench Breakfast is a mild, tasty radish. The 2"-long, bright, scarlet-red roots with white tips make an eye-catching snack. This top-quality variety is good for the farmer's market. Radishes prefer well-drained soil with plenty of added organic matter. They have low nutrient requirements; especially avoid excess nitrogen to promote good root development. Preferred soil pH is 6.0–7.0. Cool weather is needed for best development. Sow seed directly wherever there is extra space in the garden. Radishes make good, living row markers for slower germinating crops like carrots. French Breakfast is used best when young and immature, less than 1" in diameter. Radishes are a great source of vitamin C.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/2–1"Soil temp. for germ.: 45–90°F; 5.8–6.8 pHDays to germ.: 4–12 days; 94%Avg. Spacing: 4–6” after thinningDays to maturity: 25 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Harvest 3' tall stalks containing seeds pods when pods have dried brown. Pull entire plant and hang in cool, dry place if all pods are not dried at the end of the growing season. Open pods by hand.

GROWING GUIDE VEGETABLES

Large Cherry Tomato – 220 Seeds.Solanum lycopersicum cerasiformeOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedTender AnnualTomatoes love fertile soil rich in organic matter. Add plenty of compost prior to planting. Soil pH is preferred between 5.5–7.0. Soak the soil 4"-6" deep at 7-day intervals. Sow seeds in flats 6–8 weeks before the last frost and thin to 2" apart after the first true leaves appear. Before transplanting after the last frost, harden off the plants by placing them outdoors for a few hours to start, increasing the amount of time each day until they are accustomed to a full day of sunlight. Harvest when individual fruits give slightly under finger pressure; the shoulders may not have changed color yet.

Growing: Planting depth: 1"Soil temp. for germ.: 70–85F; 6.2–6.8 pHDays to germ.: 6–12 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 15–36”Days to maturity: 50–79 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Harvest ripe tomato, clean seed and dry.

Cinderella Pumpkin – 12 Seeds

Cucurbita maximaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedTender Annual The coach-shaped fruits vary from 20–40 pounds with distinctive, heavy ribs and a uniform shape. The flat, shiny, red-orange pumpkins are beautiful, and have excellent flavor. Pumpkins prefer loam or sandy soil high in organic matter to hold large amounts of moisture. The plants require heavy and even water for best development. Preferred soil pH is between 6.0–7.0. Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost or sow seed directly when soil temperature reaches 70F. To begin growing earlier, use mulching plastics and row covers to warm the soil. Place a board underneath the fruit to help prevent rotting. For immediate use, harvest when the skin loses its sheen. For storage, harvest pumpkins when fully mature.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/2–1"Soil temp. for germ.: 70–90°F; 6.0–7.0 pHDays to germ.: 6–18 days; 82% germAvg. Spacing: 2–4” after thinningDays to maturity: 105 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Squash must be fully mature before harvested for seed production. Scoop out squash, clean pulp from seed and dry.

Purple Top Turnip – 800 Seeds.Brassica rapaOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedBiennal

Purple Top White Globe is a fast growing, crisp, fine-grained turnip. It is purple above ground and white below. It keeps its mild, sweet flavor and tenderness yet grows larger than other turnips and stores well. Turnips like loose, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.5–7.0. Water moderately. They prefer cool weather and grow best when grown quickly in 60–65F daytime temperatures. While seeds can be started indoors, they perform best when seeds are sown directly 4–6 weeks before the last frost. Sow every 2 weeks through midsummer for a continuous harvest. Harvest a few greens when the plants are young and eat the rest when you harvest the roots at a length of 3"-4". The greens and roots are best eaten fresh, though both can be frozen. Store roots in cool, moist conditions. Turnip greens are an excellent source of many vitamins including vitamins A, C, E, B6, and folate. They are also an excellent source of the minerals calcium, copper and manganese.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/4–1/2”Soil temp. for germ.: 50–85°F; 6.0–6.5 pHDays to germ.: 2–14 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 15–36”Days to maturity: 45–65 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Harvest the pod after flowering and dry – plant early enough to harvest in this growing season.

GROWING GUIDE VEGETABLES

Brandywine Pink Tomato – 225 Seeds

Lycopersicon lycopersicumOrganic – Heirloom – Open PollinatedTender Annual

Indeterminate. Heirloom. Brandywine has large (up to 16 ounce), semi-flattened, deep-red fruit on large vines. Its yield is moderate and the fruit is often variable, but the flavor is excellent. This Amish heirloom dates from the 1880s. Tomatoes love fertile soil rich in organic matter. Add plenty of compost prior to planting. Soil pH is preferred between 5.5–7.0. Soak the soil 4"-6" deep at 7-day intervals. Sow seeds in flats 6–8 weeks before the last frost and thin to 2" apart after the first true leaves appear. Before transplanting after the last frost, harden off the plants by placing them outdoors for a few hours to start, increasing the amount of time each day until they are accustomed to a full day of sunlight.

Growing: Planting depth: 1/2"Soil temp. for germ.: 75–85°F; 5.5–7.0 pHDays to germ.: 6–12 days; 85% germAvg. Spacing: 15–36” after thinningDays to maturity: 80 daysFull sun

Seed Saving: Harvest ripe tomato, clean seed and dry.

RESOURCES

“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.” - John Muir

BooksGaia’s Garden, Second Edition: A Guide To Home-Scale Permaculture – Toby Hemenway

Heirloom Vegetable Gardening: A Master Gardener’s Guide to Planting, Seed Saving, and Cultural History – William Woys Weaver

Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use – Rosemary Gladstar

Permaculture: A Designers’ Manual – Bill Mollison

Permaculture: Principles and Practices Beyond Sustainability – David Holmgren

Permaculture Soils -Geoff Lawton

Rodale’s Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening: The Indispensable Green Resource for Every Gardener – Fern Marshall Bradley + Barbara Ellis + Ellen Phillips

Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable GardenersSuzanne Ashworth + David Cavagnaro

Teaming with Microbes: The Organic Gardener’s Guide to the Soil Food Web, Revised Edition – Jeff Lowenfels + Wayne Lewis

The Permaculture Garden – Graham Bell

The Self-Sufficient Life and How To Live It – John Seymour

The Winter Harvest Handbook: Year Round Vegetable Production Using Deep Organic Techniques and Unheated Greenhouses – Eliot Coleman

Internet – Be sure to check out all the garden planning apps online!www.farmersalmanac.comhttp://kgi.org/

www.motherearthnews.comwww.organicgardening.com

NOTES – MY GROWING ZONE

My Zone: Date Last Spring Frost: Date First Fall Frost:————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

“Permaculture is consciously designed landscapes which mimic the patterns and relationships found in nature, while yielding an abundance of food, fiber and energy for provision of local needs.” - Bill Mollison and David Holmgren

NOTES

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“It’s not the soil itself – it’s the soil life that is the most important element.” – Geoff Lawton

TM

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Cover Design byPulp+Wire

Replacement of Seed Varieties Listed – Due to ever changing availability of organic, non-hybrid seed varieties, seed varieties are subject to change without

notice. We endeavor to find replacements as close as possible and will provide updated details within your growing guide. Seed counts are for general reference

and will be approximate – the actual quantity will be greater than stated for the majority of seed varieties however may be adjusted from time to time depending on availability. Currently, all the seed varieties listed in this guide are in your collection – enjoy growing!

Our interest is in your satisfactionWe warrant to the extent of the purchase price only that the seeds or plants sold hereunder are as described on the label within recognized tolerances. No other

warranty is given, expressed or implied, of (1) the merchantability or fitness of the seeds or plants for any particular purpose, or (2) against loss due to any cause.

We cannot accept any responsibility for the many uncontrollable growing and climatic conditions (soil preparation, fertilization, weed and pest control, temperature

control, irrigation…etc.) that must be met to insure the success of your crop(s) or plants. As a result, you may return your product within 15 days for a refund

provided the inside sealed pouch has not been opened.

Individual Seed Growing Directions and InformationWe have provided, as best as possible, a summary of best growing instructions and use of plants – some listings may be incomplete where reliable information

was not available. More important, please familiarize yourself with any seeds that you plant so that you understand what plants or plant parts may have some level

of toxicity if not used correctly. The information herein cannot be thorough nor complete due to space restrictions, so by purchasing these seeds, you agree to

take full personal responsibility including for your additional further research to ensure you understand fully any safety concerns related to the use of each and

every seed and plant.

Any claims made about specific plants have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure

or prevent disease, and are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care

professional, nor should you use any of this information for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or as a substitute for medication or other treatment

prescribed by your physician or health care provider. You should consult with a physician before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program.