Seeds for Sprouting

Before you get to the point of sprouting your seeds, you need to find the kind of seeds that you want.   You can buy them, save your own or exchange with others.

Here is a list of my favorite seed companies:

1.  Botanical Interests – www.botanicalinterests.com – I can buy their seeds locally at some nurseries (Chapons and Trax Farms).  Also, I bought some from the website this year.  They carry a nice selection of flower, vegetable and herb seeds including heirlooms and organic seeds.   The also sell some combo packets with several kinds of lettuce and blends of different varieties of the same plant (sometimes they color code them so you know what you are planting).

2.  D. Landreth Seed Company – www.landrethseeds.com – I came across this company at the Mother Earth News Fair at Seven Springs Ski Resort in 2013.   Never saw their seeds sold locally.   I like to do as much vertical gardening as I can and this company fits the bill when it comes to their pole bean and pea selections.  While I can buy white and red skinned and yukon gold seed potatoes locally, I wanted to try some unusual potatoes this year.  Landreth Seeds fits the bill again because I can buy a 1 lb bag for $5.00 so it is an inexpensive way to try several types – I went for four types this year.

3.  High Mowing Organic Seeds – www.highmowingseeds.com – I came across this company at the same fair.   Never saw their seeds sold locally.  While I think their seeds are a little more expensive, they have the best variety for their vegetables.   My first exposure with their seeds was with pac choy and Chinese cabbage -both were excellent choices.

3.  Livingston Seeds is a wholesale company so you have to go to your local nursery to purchase them.  I like their flower selection.

4.  Ferry-Morse  has no website but they have a Facebook page.  Currently, Home Depot and Lowes are selling their seeds.  I really like their pepper and tomatillo seeds which I’ve grown in the past.

5.  Burpee – www.burpee.com – I love their selection of perennial and annual  flower seeds that they offer on their website.  The single flowered zinnias are my favorite.  Also, you can find their seeds at Home Depot and Lowes.   They have a nice selection of Asian and Hispanic seeds at the stores.

I don’t save a lot of seeds but I tried a few last year.  I will let you know  if my seeds sprout this year!

I recently read a short article in Country Living magazine about Seed Librairies – here are the two that they listed:  richmondgrowsseeds.org and seedlibrary.org.  I searched on these sights and found out that there is a seed library in Pittsburgh where I live.  It is called Pittsburgh Seed and Story Library and they have a facebook page.  I will have to check it out!

Another option is to exchange seeds with your family, friends and neighbors.   Be creative!