Garden Time… Almost!

I’ve started planning this year’s vegetable garden, and just placed an order with Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds.  If you haven’t visited the Baker Creek site, you need to.  It boasts 1,275 varieties of open-pollinated seeds, pure, natural and non-GMO, from 70 countries, including some of the most unique, gorgeous veggies I’ve seen.  Come spring, I’ll be growing Green Zebra tomatoes, Rose Bianca eggplant, Dragon Tongue beans, and Sweet Chocolate peppers, as well as squash, peas, melons, and cucumbers from not only the United States, but India, Italy, France, and several other countries.  (Yes, I admit, I went a bit overboard – everyone I know will be getting seedlings for gifts, whether they want them or not!)

I’ve started setting up my shelves and mini-greenhouses and florescent lights, gathering soil and pots and heating mats.  I’m working on a planting schedule.  And, if I feel inspired, I’ll dig a path through the snow to the composter and take some out to defrost before sprouting time.  

So, what are heirloom seeds?  Generally speaking, to be an heirloom, a variety must be open pollinated and be at least fifty years old. This can include varieties that were passed down within a family or community or varieties developed by universities or breeders. However, they MUST be open pollinated. Seeds saved from an open pollinated plant will grow plants identical to the parents, with potential minor variations.

Not only are the vegetables delicious, but using heirloom seeds supports biodiversity, too.  Here are several articles and tips on the importance of heirlooms, starting seeds, and other resources.