Arugula Rocket Salad Seed (Eruca - sativa)

heriloomNothing adds such an exciting, interesting flavor to salads as this green! Its flavor is often described as hot with a hint of nut flavor, tart, and spicy. It is most often eaten raw in salads but can also be steamed or added raw to many other dishes (such as pizza). Leaves are most tender and tasty when young (2"-6" long), but don't worry when your plants mature and grow to a taller 2'-3' as the weather warms. Then, you can forgo the leaves and sprinkle the edible flowers in your salads. As a cool season crop, it is best to plant it in the early spring or late summer for a fall crop. Tolerates partial shade. This packet plants: One 20-foot row or five successive plantings of 4-foot rows.

When to plant outside: RECOMMENDED. Early spring, 3-4 weeks before average last frost, and successive plantings thereafter every 3 weeks until 2 weeks before the first fall frost. (Skip hot part of summer.) In USDA zone 8 or warmer areas, it can be planted in fall for a winter harvest.

When to start inside: 4-6 weeks before last frost and when soil temperatures are very high.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: None. Easy to grow in cool temperatures.

Harvesting: Harvest leaves when at least 2" long, but no longer than 6". Pick individual leaves or cut off entire plant at ground level. For best flavor, pick before leaves before the plant begins to flower. (But, if the plant does produce flowers, they are edible too! They make a pretty addition to salads.)

Container Tips: Can be grown in 1-2 gallon containers. If larger, thin to 6" apart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bean Bush Blue Lake 274 Seed (Phaseolus - vulgaris)

 

full sunAn old time favorite with exceptional Blue Lake flavor, it is noted for retaining its excellent flavor and texture when frozen. This snap bean (or green bean) grown on short bushy plants is eaten pod and all and is one of those vegetables like tomatoes that tastes significantly better when grown at home rather than bought at the grocery store. Blue Lake 274 produces a very large crop of round 6" pods all at once. An excellent variety for containers. This packet plants: One 10-foot row.

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. Sow in spring, after average last frost. If the weather is cold and wet, wait for warmer weather. For all areas, bush beans can be planted in succession to produce beans all season. Seed a new crop every 7 to 14 days up to 60 days before first fall frost. Note for Southwest and South: Even though frost sensitive and preferring warm temperatures, the beans will drop flowers if daytime temperatures are consistently above 85-90 degrees F. In these very hot summer areas, beans should be planted in mid-March for June harvest AND in early August for late September harvest.

When to start inside: Not recommended.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: It isn't absolutely necessary, but seeds can be treated with an inoculant containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This may help plant growth and production if you are planting beans or peas in an area for the first time. Beans need good air circulation, thus the recommended distance between rows of 3'-4'. Seeds that do not come up can be immediately replaced. BUY NEW SEED EVERY YEAR. Bean seed does not store well and old seed is a big contributor to home garden failure.

Harvesting: Snap beans are ready to pick when the pod "snaps" or breaks in half CLEANLY. This is when seeds have just begun to form, and the pods are 4"-8" long. Hold stem with one hand and the pod with the other hand to avoid pulling off branches which may continue to produce. When harvesting, bush beans, some recommend pulling up the whole plant at once, since bush beans produce primarily all at once. (After harvest, the nitrogen-rich plants make great compost material!)

Container Tips: Bush beans can be grown in containers that are at least 2 gallons. 1 plant per container or thin plants to 4"-6" apart in larger containers. They are fun to grow in plastic-lined baskets (with drainage). (To view a commonly asked question about growing beans, click here.)

 

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Bean Bush Contender Organic Seed (Phaseolus - vulgaris)

heriloomContender is simply the earliest bean we could find, only 40 days from sowing to harvest! It has a delicious bean flavor, is stringless, very productive, and tolerates hot weather and mildew. Like out other snap beans, Contender is stringless and excellent when eaten cooked or fresh right out of the garden. Pods are 6" long, thick, and slightly curved on 12" to 20" tall plants.

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. Sow in spring, after average last frost. If the weather is cold and wet, wait for warmer weather. Note: In very hot summer areas such as the south and southwest, plant in March for June harvest and in August for late September harvest.

When to start inside: Not recommended. Special Sowing & Germination Instructions:It isn't absolutely necessary, but seeds can be treated with an inoculant containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This may help plant growth and production if you are planting beans or peas in an area for the first time. Beans need good air circulation, thus the recommended distance between rows of 3'-4'. Seeds that do not come up can be immediately replaced. BUY NEW SEED EVERY YEAR. Bean seed does not store well and old seed is a big contributor to home garden failure.

Harvesting: Snap beans are ready to pick when the pod "snaps" or breaks in half CLEANLY. This is when seeds have just begun to form, and the pods are 4"-8" long. Hold stem with one hand and the pod with the other hand to avoid pulling off branches which may continue to produce. When harvesting, bush beans, some recommend pulling up the whole plant at once, since bush beans produce primarily all at once. (After harvest, the nitrogen-rich plants make great compost material!)

Container Tips: Bush beans can be grown in containers that are at least 2 gallons. 1 plant per container or thin plants to 4"-6" apart in larger containers. They are fun to grow in plastic-lined baskets (with drainage). (To view a commonly asked question about growing beans, click here.).

 



 

 

Bean Bush Tavera (French Filet) Organic Seed (Phaseolus - vulgaris)

full sunA true gourmet French 'filet' bean produced for the French restaurant trade. You will enjoy their very flavorful, 'extra fine', tender, medium dark green round pods. These 'haricot verts' (as they say in France) are exquisite when they are picked frequently at 4"-5" long with 1/8"-1/4" diameter. The small white seeds are easy to grow to impress your fellow gourmets! (Note: This was our replacement for the 'Montpellier' bean that is no longer available from the breeder. ) This packet plants: 72 plants or four 9-foot rows.

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. Sow in spring, after average last frost. If the weather is cold and wet, wait for warmer weather. Note: In very hot summer areas such as the south and southwest, plant in March for June harvest and in August for late September harvest.

When to start inside: Not recommended. Special Germination Instructions: It isn't absolutely necessary, but seeds can be treated with an inoculant containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This may help plant growth and production if you are planting beans or peas in an area for the first time. Beans need good air circulation, thus the recommended distance between rows of 3'-4'. Seeds that do not come up can be immediately replaced. BUY NEW SEED EVERY YEAR. Bean seed does not store well and old seed is a big contributor to home garden failure.

Harvesting: French filet beans should be harvested when beans are between 1/8" and 1/4" wide and about 4"-5" long. Do not allow beans to get as wide as a normal snap bean.

Container Tips: Bush beans can be grown in containers that are at least 2 gallons. 1 plant per container or thin plants to 4"-6" apart in larger containers. They are fun to grow in plastic-lined baskets (with drainage). (To view a commonly asked question about growing beans, click here.).

 



 

 

Bean Pole Kentucky Wonder Seed (Phaseolus - vulgaris)

heriloomThis heirloom variety, introduced before 1864, has excellent flavor. A heavy producer, it is meaty and tender. Growing well even in hot climates, it out-produces most other pole bean plants with heavy crops of 9” long, gently curved, oval pods. It is a multi-use bean that is great for drying, shelling, and fresh green beans. Grow it up poles, trellises, fences, or a teepee made of poles (which is a great tent for kids or a cool spot to grow lettuce!).

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. Sow in spring, after average last frost. If the weather is cold and wet, wait for warmer weather. Note: In very hot summer areas such as the south and southwest, plant in March for June harvest and in August for late September harvest.

When to start inside: Not recommended.

Special Germination Instructions: It isn’t absolutely necessary, but seeds can be treated with an inoculant containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This may help plant growth and production if you are planting beans or peas in an area for the first time. Beans need good air circulation, thus the recommended distance between rows of 3’-4’. Seeds that do not come up can be immediately replaced. BUY NEW SEED EVERY YEAR. Bean seed does not store well and old seed is a big contributor to home garden failure. (To view a commonly asked question about growing beans, click here.).

 

 

 



 

 

Beet Detroit Dark Red Seed (Beta - vulgaris)

heriloomThese tender, sweet, tasty, extremely nutritious roots are much better when they are home-grown. This heirloom variety was introduce in 1892 and is “the standard for beets”. The young leafy greens are great in salads, can be substituted in recipes for spinach or Swiss chard, and can be steamed or frozen. 1 cup of greens has more iron than a hamburger patty. Try sliced beets in salads or to add extra nutrition to your fresh juices (try making a juice with apples and ginger – yummy!). Beets make an excellent spring or fall crop and can also be grown in containers. This packet plants: Three 10-foot rows (about 30 lbs. of beets).

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. Early spring, 3-4 weeks before average last frost for an early summer crop AND late summer for a fall crop. Growing during hot temperature periods should be avoided. In frost-free areas, sow in September for February harvest.

When to start inside: Not recommended. Sow directly outside.

Special Germination Instructions: Soak seeds for 24 hours before sowing. Beet seed is actually a dried fruit with 1-5 seeds in each fruit. Therefore, thinning instructions are very important. Plant seed 1” deep and 1” apart. If several seedlings emerge from 1 fruit in the same spot, immediately thin to 1 seedling per 1”. After 3-4 weeks, thin to 1 seedling for every 3”-5”. Thinned seedlings can be used in that evening’s salad. Do not allow a crust to build up on the soil surface which could hamper seedling emergence. Mulch soil after plants are 2” high.

 

 

 



 

 

Bok Choy White Stem Seed (Brassica - rapa)

heriloomGardeners who haven?t tried traditional bok choy are missing out on a wonderful vegetable. It?s really two vegetables in one! The leaves have a swiss chard mustardy flavor. When young, they can be used raw in salads. More mature leaves can be steamed like spinach. The leaves and chopped stems can also be used in stir-fries with beef, pork, seafood, or tofu. Often used as an ingredient on Won Ton soup, you can drop it into soups and simmer just long enough to be limp. Whole young bok choy plants is a gourmet delight when cooked whole or halved. The center stalks are called the Hearts and are considered a delicacy. Dried bok choy is used as an ingredient in Asian cooking. Bok Choy is rich in vitamin C and minerals; it is also high in fiber. A wonderfully versatile plant ? you can also eat the flowers! (Also called White Mustard Cabbage or Pak Choy.)

When to plant outside
:RECOMMENDED. Sow as soon as soil can be worked in spring. 2-6 weeks before average last frost. You may also sow in late summer for a fall or early winter harvest. In warm climates, sow in fall for winter harvest and in very early spring for spring harvest.

When to start inside: Not recommended.

Special Germination Instructions: Easy to start from seed. Thin seedlings by pinching off plant at soil surface, thus decreasing damage to other seedlings. Rotate crops, so you don?t grow any member of the mustard family (such as bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, kale, etc.) in the same place more than once every 3 years.

 

 



 

 

Broccoli Waltham 29 Seed (Brassica - oleracea)

heriloomThe ancient Romans loved broccoli for its flavor; today we also love it because we know that it's packed with nutrition. Studies suggest that broccoli may be important in preventing cancer, diabetes, and lowering cholesterol. The heads and stems are packed with vitamin C and provide calcium, potassium, and iron. Growing broccoli is truly producing health food straight from your garden! The 4"-6" blue-green heads on this variety have delicious flavor raw or cooked--much better than store-bought broccoli. It freezes well (a great reason to grow a lot) and kids will adore the "little trees" on their plate. (For broccoli seeds for sprouting, try our large sprouting packet, click here.)

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. 4-6 weeks before average last spring frost or as soon as soil can be worked in spring. It may also be planted in late summer for fall harvest. In mild winter climates, it can be sown in late fall for winter or early spring harvest.

When to start inside: 3-4 weeks before average last frost. Harvesting: Cut main head when 3"-6" across, buts are tightly closed and don't show any yellow color. Cut head with a couple of inches of stem with a sharp knife. Smaller heads on side shoots will develop for an additional harvest.

Container tips: Broccoli can be grown in a 5-gallon container. 1 plant per container.

 

 

 

 



 

 

Carrot Baby Little Finger Seed (Daucus - carota)

heriloomThis gourmet mini-carrot is fun for kids of all ages! Even harvested early, it has a deep orange color, tender core, and sweet flavor. Did you know that grocery store ‘baby carrots’ are actually cores from regular-sized carrots? Once you try the sweet and crisp flavor of this 3” long “true” baby carrot, it will be hard to go back to the store-bought imitation. Though it tastes great fresh from the garden – “Little Finger” was developed in France for pickling and canning whole. This packet plants one 15 foot row. Little Finger carrots can also be grown in containers. Although carrots “prefer cool soils to begin life and warm soils to finish it”, you can grow both a spring and fall crop. Carrots will germinate in soils as cool as 45 degrees, and in the fall they can still be dug from the garden and eaten until the ground freezes.

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. First sowing should be 2-4 weeks before average last frost. Successive plantings can be sown every 3-4 weeks until 60 days before the first fall frost. In warm climates with lows above 25 degrees, they can be grown all winter.

When to start inside: Not recommended.
Special Germination Instructions: Soak seeds in water for 12 hours before sowing. (Press them dry between paper towels afterwards to reduce clumping.) Plant 4 seeds per inch. When inch tall, thin to 1 plant per every 3 inches. A favorite gardening tip is to alternate carrot seeds and radish seeds. The radishes will mature first. As they are pulled, the carrots then have more growing room and water going towards their roots from the spaces in between.

 



 

 

Carrot Cosmic Purple (Daucus - carota var sativus)

full sunA purple carrot? You might be surprised to know that many colors of carrots that have been grown throughout history. Medieval Asian and European cultures (and maybe even Egyptians) grew purple carrots. It was 17th century Dutch patriots that popularized the orange-colored carrots we are familiar with today. Cosmic Purple is a gorgeous, unique carrot with purple skin on the outside and orange on the inside. It has characteristics of both Nantes and Imperator type carrots. It grows 6"-7" long conical roots and has strong 18" tops. It is high in antioxidants (especially anthocyanin) and vitamins (especially Vitamin A). It is quite the novelty for gourmet meals and a treat for kids! Though it has been reported that people who eat large quantities of carrots may take on some of orange color in their skin, we haven’t heard any reports of purple carrots turning people purple! Although carrots "prefer cool soils to begin life and warm soils to finish it", you can grow both a spring and fall crop. Carrots will germinate in soils as cool as 45 degrees, and in the fall they can still be dug from the garden and eaten until the ground freezes. Cosmic Purple carrots mature in 70 days, but can be harvested earlier.

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. First sowing should be 2-4 weeks before average last frost. Successive plantings can be sown every 3 weeks until 60 days before the first fall frost. In warm climates with lows above 25 degrees, they can be grown all winter.

When to start inside: Not recommended.

Special Germination Instructions: Soak seeds in water for 12 hours before sowing. (Press them dry between paper towels afterwards to reduce clumping.) Plant 1 seeds per inch. When inch tall, thin to 1 plant per every 3 inches. A favorite gardening tip is to alternate carrot seeds and radish seeds. The radishes will mature first. As they are pulled, the carrots then have more growing room and water going towards their roots from the spaces in between.

Harvesting: Harvesting can begin as early as 70 days or at 3/4 maturity when they are already sweet with purple color. Do not allow carrots to get larger than 6"-7". Late summer planted carrots are very sweet if harvested after the first couple of light frosts but before heavy frost. In climates where temperatures don't fall below 20 degrees, with protection, carrots can be left in the ground for storage and harvested as needed.

Container Tips: Not recommended for containers.



 

 

Carrot Royal Chantenay Seed (Daucus - carota)

heriloomChantenay carrots have thick, fat roots. This 5"-6" long heirloom variety has sweet flavor and a crisp texture. A great 'all around carrot', it has the excellent qualities of flavor, shallow soil growth, and long storage ability. It grows well in dense soils and can be grown in containers as well as in the ground. This packet plants six 10-foot rows or three successive plantings of two 10-foot rows. Although carrots 'prefer cool soils to begin life and warm soils to finish it', you can grow both a spring and fall crop. Carrots will germinate in soils as cool as 45 degrees, and in the fall they can still be dug from the garden and eaten until the ground freezes.

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. First sowing should be 2-4 weeks before average last frost. Successive plantings can be sown every 3-4 weeks until 60 days before the first fall frost. In warm climates with lows above 25 degrees, they can be grown all winter.

When to start inside: Not recommended.

Special Germination Instructions: Soak seeds in water for 12 hours before sowing. (Press them dry between paper towels afterwards to reduce clumping.) Plant 4 seeds per inch. When inch tall, thin to 1 plant per every 3 inches. A favorite gardening tip is to alternate carrot seeds and radish seeds. The radishes will mature first. As they are pulled, the carrots then have more growing room and water going towards their roots from the spaces in between.

 



 

 

Carrot Scarlet Nantes Organic Seed (Daucus - carota)

heriloomScarlet Nantes is an old favorite for many reasons. It has a reputation for sweet flavor, crisp texture, tenderness, abundant production, and consistent quality. The bright orange-red roots are cylindrical in shape and 6?-7? long. There is no finer garden treat than a homegrown carrot! This packet plants one 12-foot row. Although carrots ?prefer cool soils to begin life and warm soils to finish it?, you can grow both a spring and fall crop. Carrots will germinate in soils as cool as 45 degrees, and in the fall they can still be dug from the garden and eaten until the ground freezes.

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. First sowing should be 2-4 weeks before average last frost. Successive plantings can be sown every 3-4 weeks until 60 days before the first fall frost. In warm climates with lows above 25 degrees, they can be grown all winter.

When to start inside: Not recommended.

Special Germination Instructions: Soak seeds in water for 12 hours before sowing. (Press them dry between paper towels afterwards to reduce clumping.) Plant 4 seeds per inch. When inch tall, thin to 1 plant per every 3 inches. A favorite gardening tip is to alternate carrot seeds and radish seeds. The radishes will mature first. As they are pulled, the carrots then have more growing room and water going towards their roots from the spaces in between.

 



 

 

Cucumber Homemade Pickles Seed (Cucumis - sativus)

 

full sunWhy is this variety the best cucumber for pickles? Because the small fruit is 1” to 5” long, has a solid and crisp interior, and has been bred for the purpose of pickling. Homemade Pickles cucumbers have excellent disease resistance, VERY HIGH yields, and you can begin harvesting 55 days after planting. The small cucumbers also can be sliced fresh for salads. A monoecious variety, it does not need a pollinator. 4’ vines work well in small gardens and may also be grown in large containers. See instructions for making dill pickles inside the packet.

When to plant outside: Spring after average last frost date AND when soil temperatures are warm, at least 65 degrees.

When to start inside: 4-6 weeks before average last frost.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Plant in mounds or rows, as you prefer. If rows, pl,ant every 4”, thinning to 1 plant per foot. Mounds should be 2’ apart with 6 seedlings on each mound thinned to 3 per mound. Another HIGHLY recommended method is to plant with a trellis. Cucumbers grow straighter and are easier to see when harvesting with this method. Use recommended row spacing and tie the main stem to the trellis with string or twist ties.

 




 

 

Cucumber Lemon Organic Seed (Cucumis - sativus)

 

heriloomThese unique lemon yellow fruits are sweet and crisp with mild flavor that?s easy to digest. It looks like a lemon, but has white flesh and great cucumber taste. The 3.5" x 2.5" fruits are great for slicing and eating fresh or pickling. Lemon Cucumbers are hard to find in the grocery store, so this is a great one to try in your garden. The plants are somewhat drought tolerant, and the fruit stores well in the refrigerator.

When to plant outside: Spring, after the average last frost and when soil is warm, at least degrees.

When to start inside: 4-6 weeks before the average last frost.

Special Germination Instructions: Plant in mounds or rows as you prefer. If rows, plant every 4 inches, thinning to 1 plant per foot. Mounds should be 4 feet apart with 6 seedlings on each mound, thinned to 3 per mound. Another highly recommended method is to plant with a trellis. Cucumbers grow straighter and are easier to see when harvesting. Use the row spacing and tie each main stem to the trellis with string or twist tie.

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Cucumber Spacemaster Seed (Cucumis - sativus)

full sunThis very compact bushy plant won’t take over your garden. Spacemaster’s 2’-3’ vines make it an ideal choice for small growing areas. It can even be grown in a large container! The full-sized fruits are great for pickles when small and for slicing when mature. Regular picking will help the plant produce prolifically throughout the season. It is resistant to cucumber mosaic virus and scab and also somewhat resistant to downy and powdery mildew. This packet plants: 4 mounds of 3 plants per mound.

When to plant outside: Spring after average last frost date AND when soil temperatures are warm, at least 65 degrees.

When to start inside: 4-6 weeks before average last frost.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Plant in mounds or rows, as you prefer. If rows, plant every 4”, thinning to 1 plant per foot. Mounds should be 1’ to 2’ apart with 6 seedlings on each mound thinned to 3 per mound. Another HIGHLY recommended method is to plant with a trellis. Cucumbers grow straighter and are easier to see when harvesting with this method. Use recommended row spacing and tie the main stem to the trellis with string or twist ties. (If growing in a container, you can place the container next to a tall trellis, or insert a 2’-3’ trellis inside the container.)

 

 

 



 

 

Eggplant Long Purple Seed (Solanum - melongena)

heriloomThis Asian eggplant has some wonderful attributes over regular eggplant. It has few seeds and thin skin which makes it easy to slice and cook, and its flavor is milder and more delicate. It is a very international vegetable. Many unique and delicious recipes using it come from countries such as Japan, China, Italy, and Russia. Try dipping it in flour and sautéing in olive oil (Italian recipe), stir-frying it with bean sprouts, peppers, and tomatoes (Chinese recipe), or roasting it and combining with olive oil, chopped onions, and tomatoes (Russian relish recipe). The beautiful lavender flowers on the plants before developing into fruit are an added visual bonus in the vegetable garden. This packet plants 35 plants (after thinning).

When to plant outside: Spring, after average last frost and when soil temperatures are at least 55 degrees F. Outdoor temperatures should be at least 55 degrees at night. Some gardeners plant eggplant when “the oak leaves are fully developed”. The early season use of black plastic as mulch is highly recommended to increase the soil temperature, but make sure it is taken off later in the season.

When to start inside:
RECOMMENDED. 8-12 weeks before the average last frost. To germinate quickly, seed requires VERY warm soil temperatures, between 80 and 90 degrees F. Either use a heating cable or cover the seed tray with a plastic bag to contain warmth. Transplant seedlings outside 1 to 2 weeks after last frost. The National Garden Bureau announced that 2008 is the Year of Rudbeckia and Eggplant. To view a fact sheet about eggplants, click here.

 



 

 

Kale Italian Nero Toscana Seed (Brassica - oleracea)

heriloomThis Italian heirloom is also known as Dinosaur Kale, Black Tuscan Kale, Black Cabbage, and Black Palm. A hearty, nutritious kale with vigorous dark green to black leaves, it traditionally is used to add rustic flavor to soups, stews, but also blends wonderfully in grain dishes. Try sautéed in olive oil with garlic and tossed with pasta. Delizioso! If you plant it in the spring, you can harvest the first shoots as tender young salad greens and achieve full-sized plants in two months. But, you must also try growing it in fall, because a little kiss from a fall frost only makes it sweeter! Plants may over winter in mild climates. Rich in nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, K, calcium, folic acid, and powerful anti-oxidants. Intense nutrition to fuel the passionate gardener! See recipe inside packet for Tuscan Kale Pesto.

When to plant outside: Early spring when soil temperatures are at least 60 degrees for a late spring/summer crop, in late summer for a fall crop, or (in USDA zone 7 or warmer) you can sow in fall for a winter or very early spring crop. Seed can also be sown in successive plantings every 3 weeks starting in early spring.

When to start inside: 10 weeks before the average last spring frost and transplant outdoors 6-8 weeks later.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Easy to grow from seed. Thin seedlings by pinching off plant at soil surface, thus decreasing damage to other seedlings. Protect seedlings with caps in early spring if temperatures fall below 30 degrees. Rotate crops, so you don’t have any members of the mustard family in the same place more than once every three years. (Mustard family incudes: alyssum, iberis, nasturtium, arugula, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, kohlrabi, kale, and mustard).

Harvesting: Kale can be harvested two ways: 1) Cut the entire plant off at ground level 6-8 weeks after seeding or 2) strip the lower leaves off the plant periodically. Plants often over winter outside (even in the north). Mulch thickly when the ground freezes, and you can harvest again in early spring.

 



 

 

Leek American Flag Seed (Allium - ampeloprassum porrum)

heriloomEuropeans have savored the delicious, sweet, subtle onion flavor of leeks for centuries, but this heirloom vegetable is gaining popularity with gourmets and cooks in the U.S. Leeks are an onion relative with compact stems that thicken, but do not form bulbs like onions. The appealing white stems have a creamy yellow heart that can be eaten fresh, grilled, saut饤, and added to soups and stews. Leeks are cold tolerant and can be left in the garden into fall for an extended harvest. This packet plants: one 25-foot row.

When to plant outside: Like onions, leeks are a long season crop ? the earlier you can sow, the better! Sow in early spring, 3 to 4 weeks before the average last frost for late summer harvest, and sow in late spring for fall harvest. In mild winter climates, you can sow in late summer for spring harvest.

When to start inside: 8-10 weeks before the average last spring frost.

Special Germination Instructions: Sow seeds or transplant seedlings into 6? deep trenches. (Sowing depth for seeds is still ??.) As plants grow, pile an inch or two of soil around the lower portion to make it white and mild.

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Lettuce Butterhead Buttercrunch Organic Seed (Lactuca - sativa )

organicButtercrunch lettuce is a premium quality European Bibb lettuce with delicate flavor. The tender, compact 5”-6” heads have slightly crumpled green leaves with a creamy yellow core. Its buttery, tender texture makes it perfect for salads, giving them a gourmet touch. A vigorous grower, it loves moist but not soggy soil and is easy to grow, even in containers! Buttercrunch is also bolt resistant and will withstand a little more heat than many other lettuce varieties. This high performance variety has been a standard for Butterhead lettuces for many years. It was an All America Selections Winner in 1963.

When to plant outside: Early spring, 3 to 4 weeks before the average last frost, and successive plantings thereafter every 3 weeks until 2 weeks before the first fall frost. In USDA zone 8 or warmer, it can also be sown in fall for winter harvest.

When to start inside: 6 weeks before last spring frost and in summer when soil temperatures are too warm outside to germinate lettuce seed.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Most of the new lettuce varieties do not require light to germinate. However, Buttercrunch is an older variety and may need light to encourage germination. Sow seed on the soil surface and press in to make contact with soil or plant no deeper than 1/8”. If direct seeding outside in late summer for a fall crop, remember that lettuce seed does not come up well in heat. Cover the seeded area with 2” x 6” boards to keep the soil cool for a few days until seed comes up. For early spring planting, cover soil with clear plastic to warm the soil to 70 degrees (the optimum temperature for lettuce). When seedlings appear, immediately take off the plastic.

 



 

 

Lettuce Leaf Red Sails Seed (Lactuca - sativa)

Red Sails is a fancy buttery-tasting leaf lettuce with ruffled burgundy-tinged leaves. A salad lover’s dream, it was an All America Winner in 1985 and has a wonderfully long harvest period, growing mature leaves in just over six weeks! The very heat resistant, soft buttery leaves will grow for quite some time in warm weather without getting bitter or bolting. It is a good choice for a colorful salad if you can only plant one variety! Try growing its deep burgundy to bronze leaves in containers for a beautiful edible ornamental. This packet plants: Five 8-foot rows or five successive plantings of 8-foot rows.

When to start outside:
RECOMMENDED. Early spring, 3 to 4 weeks before average last frost, and successive plantings thereafter every 3 weeks until 2 weeks before the first fall frost. (Skip very hot summers.) USDA zone 8 or warmer: sow in fall for winter harvest.

When to start inside: 6 weeks before average last frost and in summer when soil temperatures are too warm outside to germinate lettuce seed."

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Barely cover seed with soil or plant no deeper than 1/8”. Light and cool temperatures increase germination. When thinning lettuce, use the thinnings in salads. It can be planted in rows, but group plantings take up less space and are attractive. Double or triple rows also work. If direct seeding outside in late summer for a fall crop, remember that lettuce seed does not come up well in heat. Cover the seeded area with 2” x 6” boards to keep the soil cool for a few days until seed comes up. For early spring planting, cover soil with clear plastic to warm the soil to 70 degrees (the optimum temperature for lettuce). When seedlings appear, immediately take off the plastic. 



 

 

Lettuce Leaf Salad Bowl Blend Organic Seed (Lactuca - sativa)

heriloomSalad Bowl Lettuce does not have an exotic name, but its name is very accurate for its performance. If you only plant one lettuce packet this season to keep your salad bowls filled with pretty and delicious leaves, this is the variety to choose. This packet contains a blend of Red Salad Bowl that has delicate, burgundy red, deeply lobed leaves and Green Salad Bowl that has long wavy green leaves. The two varieties mixed together make a beautiful presentation when served at the table! The red variety gets more intense color during cold weather, and both varieties stay tasty (and not bitter) when temperatures are warmer. Salad Bowl Lettuce is on of the most heat tolerant and bolt resistant varieties available. An old favorite as a standard for salad greens, it was an AAS winner in 1952. This packet plants: Five 10-foot rows or five successive plantings of 10-foot rows.

When to start outside:
RECOMMENDED. Early spring, 3 to 4 weeks before average last frost, and successive plantings thereafter every 3 weeks until 2 weeks before the first fall frost. (Skip very hot summers.) USDA zone 8 or warmer: sow in fall for winter harvest.

When to start inside: 6 weeks before average last frost and in summer when soil temperatures are too warm outside to germinate lettuce seed."

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Barely cover seed with soil or plant no deeper than 1/8?. Light and cool temperatures increase germination. When thinning lettuce, use the thinnings in salads. It can be planted in rows, but group plantings take up less space and are attractive. Double or triple rows also work. If direct seeding outside in late summer for a fall crop, remember that lettuce seed does not come up well in heat. Cover the seeded area with 2? x 6? boards to keep the soil cool for a few days until seed comes up. For early spring planting, cover soil with clear plastic to warm the soil to 70 degrees (the optimum temperature for lettuce). When seedlings appear, immediately take off the plastic.



 

 

Lettuce Mesclun Chef's Gourmet Spicy Mix Seed (Lactuca - sativa)

Why pay outrageous prices for gourmet mesclun salad greens at the grocery store when it’s so easy to grow your own? If you like a little ‘zing’ in your salad, this spicy-tasting blend includes Tango, Oak Leaf, Red Salad Bowl, Black Seeded Simpson, Grand Rapids, Red Sails, Mizuna (mustard), Green Endive, and Arugula. The nine varieties make a tantalizing, pretty mix that has varied textures, shapes, and colors. You can begin harvesting leaves in just 2 to 3 weeks after planting. If you cut back the plants 2” above the ground, they will grow back for a second harvest. This mixture will also tolerate a little shade and does well in containers.

When to start outside:
RECOMMENDED. Early spring, 3 to 4 weeks before average last frost, and successive plantings thereafter every 3 weeks until 2 weeks before the first fall frost. (Skip very hot summers.) USDA zone 8 or warmer: sow in fall for winter harvest.

When to start inside: Not recommended. (Since lettuce mixes are often grown for baby leaves, it’s easier to sow directly outdoors rather than trying to grow individual plants inside and transplanting.)

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Barely cover seed with soil or plant no deeper than 1/8”. Light and cool temperatures increase germination. When thinning lettuce, use the thinnings in salads. It can be planted in rows, but group plantings take up less space and are attractive. Double or triple rows also work. If direct seeding outside in late summer for a fall crop, remember that lettuce seed does not come up well in heat. Cover the seeded area with 2” x 6” boards to keep the soil cool for a few days until seed comes up. For early spring planting, cover soil with clear plastic to warm the soil to 70 degrees (the optimum temperature for lettuce). When seedlings appear, immediately take off the plastic. 

 



 

 

Lettuce Mesclun Farmer's Market Blend Seed (Lactuca - sativa)

Why pay outrageous prices for gourmet mesclun salad greens at the grocery store when it’s so easy to grow your own? This mild-tasting blend includes Tango, Oak Leaf, Red Salad Bowl, Black Seeded Simpson, Grand Rapids, and Red Sails. The six varieties make a tantalizing, pretty mix that has varied textures, shapes, and colors. You can begin harvesting leaves in just 2 to 3 weeks after planting. If you cut back the plants 2” above the ground, they will grow back for a second harvest. This mixture will also tolerate a little shade and does well in containers.

When to start outside:
RECOMMENDED. Early spring, 3 to 4 weeks before average last frost, and successive plantings thereafter every 3 weeks until 2 weeks before the first fall frost. (Skip very hot summers.) USDA zone 8 or warmer: sow in fall for winter harvest.

When to start inside: Not recommended. (Since lettuce mixes are often grown for baby leaves, it’s easier to sow directly outdoors rather than trying to grow individual plants inside and transplanting.)

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Barely cover seed with soil or plant no deeper than 1/8”. Light and cool temperatures increase germination. When thinning lettuce, use the thinnings in salads. It can be planted in rows, but group plantings take up less space and are attractive. Double or triple rows also work. If direct seeding outside in late summer for a fall crop, remember that lettuce seed does not come up well in heat. Cover the seeded area with 2” x 6” boards to keep the soil cool for a few days until seed comes up. For early spring planting, cover soil with clear plastic to warm the soil to 70 degrees (the optimum temperature for lettuce). When seedlings appear, immediately take off the plastic. 

 

 



 

 

Lettuce Romaine Parris Island (Lactuca - sativa)

heriloomNamed for Parris Island off the coast of South Carolina, this old favorite Romaine deserves a try by any lettuce lover. 'Crunchy leaves', 'creamy white heart', and 'vigorous' are just a few of the words that describe this variety. A mosaic virus tolerant heirloom, it grows with upright, dark green slightly savoyed (crinkled) leaves that reach 8"-12" tall.

When to start outside:
RECOMMENDED. Early spring, 3 to 4 weeks before average last frost, and successive plantings thereafter every 3 weeks until 2 weeks before the first fall frost. (Skip very hot summers.) USDA zone 8 or warmer: sow in fall for winter harvest.

When to start inside: Not recommended. (Since lettuce mixes are often grown for baby leaves, it's easier to sow directly outdoors rather than trying to grow individual plants inside and transplanting.)

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Barely cover seed with soil or plant no deeper than 1/8". Light and cool temperatures increase germination. When thinning lettuce, use the thinnings in salads. It can be planted in rows, but group plantings take up less space and are attractive. Double or triple rows also work. If direct seeding outside in late summer for a fall crop, remember that lettuce seed does not come up well in heat. Cover the seeded area with boards to keep the soil cool for a few days until seed comes up. For early spring planting, cover soil with clear plastic to warm the soil to 70 degrees (the optimum temperature for lettuce). When seedlings appear, immediately take off the plastic.

 

 



 

 

Micro Greens Mild Mix Seed

full sunThis mix of Micro Greens add crispy texture and mild flavor to just about any food that would benefit from the beauty and fresh flavor of a green accent. Use them as a garnish on soups, crackers, in sandwiches, in salads, or to top hors d’oeuvres. Micro Greens are the newest and greatest food in upscale gourmet restaurants – and for good reason! In addition to being tasty and very nutritious, they are very easy to grow and can be grown at any time of year – even inside during the winter! Harvest greens young when plants have at least two true leaves or when they are 1” to 2” tall. Cut plants just above the soil line, rinse, and use immediately. Frequent sowings will ensure that you have fresh greens on hand year round. This mix includes: Beet Bulls Blood – 20%, Pak Choy – 20%, Cabbage Red Ace – 20%, Kohlrabi – 20%, and Swiss Chard Lucullus – 20%.

When to plant outside:
When to start inside: Anytime under proper lighting (under fluorescent grow lights or in a sunny south-facing window)

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Muskmelon Hearts of Gold Organic Seed (Cucumis - melo)

organicOnce you have tasted this muskmelon, you will understand why it wins taste tests! It has dark orange, very aromatic flesh and ‘out of this world’ flavor. The round, 6” diameter fruits with heavily netted skins, begin to mature in just 75 days after planting, making it a great variety for short season climates. This packet plants, one 40-foot row. When to plant outside: Spring, 2 weeks after the average last frost and when soil temperatures warm up.

When to start inside:
Recommended for cold winter climates. 4-6 weeks before average last frost. Seedlings don’t transplant well – use paper or peat pots and transplant directly into soil.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Melons love heat and are very frost sensitive. Cover soil with black plastic before seeding outside and seed into a cross cut in the plastic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Onion Bunching/Scallion Seed (Allium - cepa)

Growing bunching onions (also known as scallions, spring onions, or green onions) from seed is amazingly easy. The entire plant is edible, and onion lovers can?t resist their juicy sweet green tops, delicate stems, and small globe-shaped white bulbs. White Lisbon has been a popular variety for decades, because it produces vigorously and reliably in widely varying conditions. It thrives in a wide range of soils, is heat and cold tolerant, and can be planted in spring, later summer or fall. For the finest quality, pencil-thin onions, sow seed thickly and do not thin. This packet plants: One 40-foot row.

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. Early spring, (as soon as the soil can be worked) for summer harvest, summer for fall use and fall for spring use (in mild climates).

When to start inside: Not recommended.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Onion (Long Day) Ringmaster (Allium - cepa)

full sunDo you love onion rings? Ringmaster has firm white rings with delicious, mild flavor. An improved variety of White Sweet Spanish, it has larger bulbs. It is perfect for cooking, and of course, making great deep-fried onion rings. It is ready to harvest about two weeks after 50% of the tops fall over and dry. Cure them in the sun for a couple of days, then cut foliage off 1' above bulb when ready to use. Bulbs keep in storage for up to 5 months. Resistant to pink root disease. This packet plants: one 40-foot row.

When to plant outside: As early in spring as soil can be worked. Note: Cold temperatures will cause some of the onions to bolt early.

When to start inside:
RECOMMENDED. 8-12 weeks before last frost. The earlier the start, the bigger the bulb.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Pea Shelling Wando Seed (Pisum - sativum)



This heirloom shelling pea keeps its cool, but can also take the heat! Wando is an excellent choice for warm climates or for late planting in any climate. It keeps producing better than other peas as days get warmer. Given a little shade and sufficient water, you may still be harvesting peas in July and August! Sow this variety just like you would any other pea. They are cold tolerant for early planting just like other pea varieties, but they are also more heat tolerant. Introduced in 1943, Wando Peas are a cross between Laxton�s Progress (an English heirloom pea) and Perfection (a New England heirloom). The 18�-30� plants have numerous 3 �� long pods with 7-8 medium sized peas in each. They are excellent for eating raw, steaming, or freezing. This packet plants: One 14-foot row.

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. Sow in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. Soil temperatures must be above 40 degrees. A second crop may be planted in mid-summer for fall harvest. In USDA zone 8 or warmer, plant in fall or winter for winter harvest. (In any climate, you can stagger 3 plantings one week apart to spread out the harvest period. You can also plant 2 or 3 varieties at the same time with different maturity dates.)

When to start inside: Not recommended.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Pre-soak seed for 24 hours before planting. Ideally, seedbeds should be prepared in fall; raised beds are recommended, because they will raise the early spring soil temperature and increase drainage. Treating seed with an inoculant (Rhizobia bacteria) may increase yields, since bacteria in the soil may not yet be active during the cool weather of early spring.

 



 

 

Pea Snap Cascadia Seed (Pisum - sativum)

Cascadia is the best snap pea since Sugar Ann! Though they are not heirlooms like many of the shelling peas (they came on the scene in the 1970’s), every pea lover should reserve garden space for these 3” deep green, thick, juicy pods. Snap peas are very flavorful, and the entire sweet pod is consumed. Serve them raw with dip, steam them, or stir-fry them. Of course, you may eat many of these crunchy snacks right in the garden! The short, 30” vines are self-supporting. Cascadia snap peas resist mildew and pea enation virus. This packet plants: One 15-foot row.

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. Sow in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. Soil temperatures must be above 40 degrees. A second crop may be planted in mid-summer for fall harvest. In USDA zone 8 or warmer, plant in fall or winter for winter harvest. (In any climate, you can stagger 3 plantings one week apart to spread out the harvest period. You can also plant 2 or 3 varieties at the same time with different maturity dates.)

When to start inside: Not recommended.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Pre-soak seed for 24 hours before planting. Ideally, seedbeds should be prepared in fall; raised beds are recommended, because they will raise the early spring soil temperature and increase drainage. Treating seed with an inoculant (Rhizobia bacteria) may increase yields, since bacteria in the soil may not yet be active during the cool weather of early spring. 

 

 

 



 

 

Pea Snap Super Sugar Snap (Pisum - sativum)

 

full sunSnap peas, a cross between English peas and snow peas, were grown in England and Holland in the late 17th century, but were not popular in other countries until the 1970's. After many years, many people still consider the Sugar Snap pea to be the best snap pea around. Super Sugar Snap is an improved version with a crop time that is a few days shorter. Its 3" plump, crunchy, edible pods have sweet flavor and grow on 5' tall vines that require a sturdy pole or trellis. It is a nice reward to snack on them while you are watering the rest of the vegetable garden. The plump crunchy pods make nice appetizers served with dip and can be used in salads or stir-fries. You will enjoy Super Sugar Snap's long harvest period, heat tolerance, and wilt resistance. This packet plants: One 10-foot row.

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. Sow in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. Soil temperatures must be above 40 degrees. A second crop may be planted in mid-summer for fall harvest. In USDA zone 8 or warmer, plant in fall or winter for winter harvest. (In any climate, you can stagger 3 plantings one week apart to spread out the harvest period. You can also plant 2 or 3 varieties at the same time with different maturity dates.)

When to start inside: Not recommended.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Pre-soak seed for 24 hours before planting. Ideally, seedbeds should be prepared in fall; raised beds are recommended, because they will raise the early spring soil temperature and increase drainage. Treating seed with an inoculant (Rhizobia bacteria) may increase yields, since bacteria in the soil may not yet be active during the cool weather of early spring.

 



 

 

Pea Snow Oregon Sugar Pod Seed (Pisum - sativum)

heriloomAn heirloom, flat-podded snow pea – Oregon Sugar Pod II has tasty, stringless pods for stir-fry and salads. The short 28” vines can be grown as mounds or trellised. They produce a huge number of 4” pods that should be harvested and eaten when the pods are flat, before the seeds form inside. Don’t worry about planting more than you can eat. Oregon Sugar Pod is an excellent freezer variety, so you can preserve your excess crop. This wonderful variety has disease resistance against mildew, pea virus, and common wilt. This packet plants: One 15-foot row.

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. Sow in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. Soil temperatures must be above 40 degrees. A second crop may be planted in mid-summer for fall harvest. In USDA zone 8 or warmer, plant in fall or winter for winter harvest. (In any climate, you can stagger 3 plantings one week apart to spread out the harvest period. You can also plant 2 or 3 varieties at the same time with different maturity dates.)

When to start inside: Not recommended.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Pre-soak seed for 24 hours before planting. Ideally, seedbeds should be prepared in fall; raised beds are recommended, because they will raise the early spring soil temperature and increase drainage. Treating seed with an inoculant (Rhizobia bacteria) may increase yields, since bacteria in the soil may not yet be active during the cool weather of early spring.

 

 

 



 

 

Pepper Chile Ancho/Poblano Seed (Capsicum - annuum)

heriloomThis heirloom chile pepper is called, "Poblano" in the fresh green form and "Ancho" when it is a dried pod. One of the most popular chiles in Mexico, the young green pepper is often stuffed with cheese or meat for chiles rellenos (recipe included inside packet), and the dark, reddish-brown dried pepper is used for the traditional "mole poblano" and chili powder. You will find many uses for this heart-shaped, 3.5" long and 2" wide, mildly spicy pepper. They are wonderful when roasted and peeled or sliced fresh for a spicy kick in many dishes. Fully ripe peppers are red and more sweet, but the fruit can be harvested at any stage.

When to plant outside: Spring, 3-4 weeks after the average last frost date and when soil temperatures are at least 65 degrees or outside temperatures are at least 70 degrees. In USDA zones 9 & 10, they may also be planted in summer for a winter crop.

When to start inside:
RECOMMENDED. 8-10 weeks before the average last frost.

Chile Rellenos Recipe

Scoville Pepper Heat Ratings Wilbur Scoville developed a heat rating chart for peppers in 1912. It is still the standard used today. Below is a list of approximate ratings for peppers offered by Botanical Interests. Different sources may list varied ranges. Pepper heat can be affected by growing conditions. Plants grown in dry, hot conditions will produce spicier peppers.

Mild 0 Bell Pepper, Sweet Italian (no heat) 100-500 Pepperoncini 1,000-1,500 Ancho/Poblano 2,500 Pasilla Bajio

Medium 2,500-8,000 Jalapeno 4,000 Hungarian Yellow Wax 4,500-5,000 New Mexico Joe E Parker

Hot 15,000-30,000 Serrano 30,000-50,000 Cayenne, Tabasco

Extremely Hot 50,000-100,000 Thai, Santaka 100,000-350,000 Habanero 1,040,000 Bhut Jolokia (The hottest pepper according to Guinness Book of World Records. Not offered by Botanical Interests.)

 



 

 

Pepper Sweet Yolo Wonder Seed (Capsicum - annuum)

 

heriloomYolo Wonder is a large, thick-skinned bell pepper that is high yielding, sweet, and delicious! They can be roasted, stuffed and baked, added to salads, or sliced into strips for a crisp low-cal snack. A nutritious vegetable, it has more vitamin C than an orange! It can be grown in a container and picked green or red for a confetti of color on your plate. This packet plants: approximately 92 plants started indoors or one 140-foot row.

When to plant outside: Spring, 3-4 weeks after the average last frost date and when soil temperatures are at least 65 degrees or outside temperatures are at least 70 degrees. In USDA zones 9 & 10, they may also be planted in summer for a winter crop.

When to start inside: RECOMMENDED. 8-10 weeks before the average last frost.

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Pumpkin Jack O'Lantern Seed (Cucurbita - pepo)

A great pumpkin for carving, Jack O’Lantern was actually bred to be “the size of a human head” – so it makes the perfect prop for carving scary faces for Halloween. It is also a wonderful cooking pumpkin for making soups, muffins, casseroles, pies, and many other nutritious dishes. The 10” tall and 10” wide, 10-18 pound pumpkins grow on 8’ sprawling vines, and the mature fruit can be stored for months when kept cool and dry. Recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds inside packet.

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. Spring, 2-4 weeks after the average last frost date and when soil temperatures have risen above degrees.

When to start inside: Not recommended except in very short season climates. 3-4 weeks before last frost. Sow in peat pots for direct planting.

Special Germination Instructions: Seeding into a black plastic mulch is HIGHLY recommended because it keeps down weeds, traps moisture, and warms the soil. Floating row covers are highly recommended for pumpkins during the early days of their lives. Not only do they warm up the soil, but they also protect the young plants from squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Plants will outgrow their vulnerability to these insects. When plants are young, keep area free of weeds. Plants will eventually shade out any weeds.

Harvesting: Harvest before the first light frost (temperatures dipping to 28-33 degrees F). Pumpkins should be harvested when the foliage has begun to dry out. Cut off the pumpkin with a knife, leaving a 3”-4” stem. Do not hold the pumpkin by the stem. If the stem attachment area or any part of the pumpkin bruises, the pumpkin will rot in a few weeks. Cure them in a sunny window or porch at 75-80 degrees for 1-2 weeks before eating or storing.  

Carving/Display Tips: To make sure that your pumpkins will last until Halloween, dip them in a 1:10 dilution of bleach and water. Dry thoroughly, then store at 50-60 degrees in a well ventilated spot. Keeping pumpkins outside when temperatures are over 70 degrees or below freezing will shorten their lifespan. (If you want to display them outside, bring them in on nights when frost is expected.) Carved pumpkins will only last about a week. To make sure you have a pretty pumpkin on Halloween night, do not carve them before October 24th and coat the cut areas with petroleum jelly to preserve moisture. 



 

 

Radish Cherry Belle Seed (Raphanus - sativus)

heriloomThis heirloom is a standard for gardeners who love to grow their own radishes. Mild flavored with solid white flesh, it is great eaten fresh, in salads, or for a crisp crunch in sandwiches. Ready to harvest in only 24 days, it is an easy and rewarding crop for both experienced gardeners and kids! Cherry Belle can be grown in the cool periods of spring and fall. This packet plants: One 20-foot row or seven successive plantings of 3-foot rows.

When to Plant Outside:
RECOMMENDED. Early spring as soon as soil temperature is above 40 degrees. Germinates fastest at 60 degrees. Successive plantings every 10 days until late spring. Sow again in late summer until the first day of frost.

When to start inside: Not recommended. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Spinach Lavewa Seed (Spinacia - oleracea)

 

full sunPopeye would have become even stronger if he had eaten fresh spinach from the garden instead of canned spinach! Like lettuce, spinach is an easy crop to grow, and it is very nutritious. Its leaves are high in vitamins A, C, and iron but low in calories. This open-pollinated variety has all the qualities of a hybrid. In our spinach trials, Lavewa had rich green color and slightly puckered tender leaves with excellent flavor. It was slow to bolt and produced consistent foliage. You will enjoy its cold and heat tolerance and mildew resistance as you grow lots and lots of leaves for fresh salads and cooked dishes. This spinach can be grown for most of the year in a range of climates, though as a cool season crop, it will do better in temperatures below 90 degrees (which can cause bolting). If mulched, it may over winter in climates with subzero temperatures. Successive plantings every three weeks will give you spinach for a very long period. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade.

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED: Early spring, 4-6 weeks before average last frost, or when soil temperatures reach 35 degrees or higher. Successive plantings can be done thereafter every 3 weeks until 4 weeks before the first fall frost (skip very hot summers). Mulched, spinach can overwinter in subzero temperatures.

When to start inside: Not recommended.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: When thinning spinach, use thinnings in salads. It can be planted in rows, but group plantings take less space. Plants should be thinned to 5-6 inches in each direction. Double or triple rows also work. If directly seeding outside in late summer for a fall crop, remember that spinach seeds does not come up well in heat. Cover the seeded area with boards to keep the soil cool for a few days until seed comes up or overseed (seed at a rate higher than the recommended 1 seed per inch).

Container Tips: Spinach can be grown in containers as small as 1 gallon, with just 1-3 plants in each. Spinach has shallow roots, so a wide shallow container works well as long as it is kept moist. Plants can be grown closer together for baby leaves, for the largest growth, space 4-5 inches apart. Harvesting Pick individual leaves from outer edges of the plants as they become big enough OR cut the whole plant 1 inch above the base, and new leaves will grow. Harvest all leaves before the plant sends up a seed stalk.

 



 

 

Squash Summer Blk Beauty Zucchini Seed (Cucurbita - pepo)

 

heriloomBlack Beauty Zucchini is an heirloom squash with very tender, creamy white, flavorful flesh. The prolific squash grow on compact bush type plants and can be harvested as 'baby vegetables' or allowed to grow as long as 6" before eating. They can be steamed, grilled, sauteed, eaten raw in salads, and made into relish or breads. If left on the vine too long, zucchinis can grow to the size of a small state (but are somewhat pithy to eat). We have found that baseball bat-sized zucchinis make wonderful doorstops during winter, but you can always resort to the old-fashioned method of dropping your excess crop on your neighbor's doorstep, ringing the doorbell, and then running before they grow that big! If you have a small garden and are worried about having too many zucchinis, try growing the plants in large containers. Production may be somewhat slower in that environment and allow you to pick and eat as the squash mature. This packet plants: 4 hills or 11 plants after thinning.

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. Spring, 2-4 weeks after the average last spring frost date and when soil temperatures have risen above 60 degrees.

When to start inside: Not recommended. In very short season climates, you can sow indoors 3-4 weeks before the average last spring frost date. Sow in individual pots for direct planting.

Zucchini Relish Recipe

 



 

 

Squash Summer Crookneck Seed (Cucurbita - pepo)

heriloomThis heirloom summer squash is often described as creamy, mild, sweet, and buttery. It can be picked as a ?baby? vegetable or grown to a mature size of 5-6? long. There are many uses for what will seem like hundreds of squash fruits produced per plant. You can steam them, grill them on the barbecue, sautee them, stuff them, add them to breads, or chop them fresh for salads. This packet plants: 6 hills or 18 plants after thinning.

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. Spring, 2-4 weeks after average last frost and when soil temperatures have risen above 60 degrees.

When to start inside:
Not recommended. In very short season climates, 3-4 weeks before average last frost. Sow in individual peat pots for direct planting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Squash Winter Table King Acorn Organic Seed (Cucurbita - pepo)

 

full sunIsn't acorn squash the epitome of a fall vegetable? These glossy ribbed beauties are so attractive, you may want to display them in a basket on your table for awhile before cutting them open for dinner! An All America Winner in 1974, 'Table King' is still very popular decades later for its fabulous traits. The orange flesh has marvelous, rich flavor, and the fruit grows on very compact 4' vines. (A bonus for gardeners with small plots!) You can expect 5-8 squash to grow on each plant, but its best to prune to 5 per plant. This variety is also great for short season climates, maturing in just 80 days when most other winter squash take up to 100 days. Don't worry about growing too much--mature harvested winter squash will store for months. This packet plants: 6 hills or 18 plants after thinning.

When to plant outside: Spring, 2-4 weeks after the average last frost date and when soil temperatures have risen above 60 degrees.

 

When to start inside:
Not recommended, unless you live in a very short short season climate. 3-4 weeks before the average last frost date. Sow in individual pots for direct planting.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Seeding into a black plastic mulch is highly recommended, because it keeps down weeds, traps moisture, and warms the soil. Harvesting: Harvest after first or second light frost (it actually improves flavor). Should be harvested when you can't dent the hard skin with your finger and the color of the vegetable has changed to a darker hue. If first frost is approaching and squash are not ripe, protect plants from frost. Winter squash cannot be overripe but can easily be under ripe.

To harvest, cut fruit off vine with a knife, leaving a 2" stem. Do not hold the fruit by the stem--if stem attachment area or any part of squash bruises, squash will rot in a few weeks. Cure in a sunny window or porch at 75-80 degrees for 1-2 weeks before eating or putting in storage.

Container Tips: Winter squash can be grown in a 5-gallon container (or larger). Whiskey barrels work well if kept adequately moist. One plant per container.

 



 

 

Swiss Chard Bright Lights Blend Seed (Beta - vulgaris)

Swiss Chard Bright Lights is one of those vegetable varieties that look so attractive, you may have trouble deciding whether to hide it back in the vegetable garden or to put it front and center with your flowers. The nutritious, glossy green leaves are born above brightly colored stems that include yellow, gold, orange, pink, crimson, lavender, or purple. The colors show up on seedlings, so you can start a flat and pick and choose which colors you want to plant in each area ? a fun chore when you are transplanting to containers for an edible ornamental display! Having an improved, lighter flavor than traditional Swiss chard types, you may enjoy chopping up these rainbow-colored greens raw in salads. Some chard aficionados believe that it is even tastier than spinach, and you can always use it as a substitute for spinach in just about any recipe. Unlike most vegetables, Swiss chard can tolerate a little shade and won?t get bitter in hot weather. Swiss Chard Bright Lights was an All America Selections winner in 1998. This packet plants: One 35-foot row.

When to plant outside:
RECOMMENDED. Early spring, 2-4 weeks before the average last frost date or when soil temperature reaches 50 degrees.

When to start inside: Not recommended.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. Chard seed is actually a dried fruit with 1-5 seeds in each fruit. Therefore, thinning instructions are very important. Plant seed ?? deep and 2? apart. If several seedlings emerge from 1 fruit in the same spot, immediately thin to 1 seedling per 2?. After 3-4 weeks, thin to 1 seedling per 8?. Thinned seedlings can be used in that evening?s salad. Do not allow a crust to build up on the soil surface which will cause seedlings to struggle to come up. Cultivate lightly and mulch soil surface when seedlings are 2? high.

Harvesting: The best quality leaves are 10? or shorter. Pick individual outer leaves as desired or harvest the entire plant by cutting it 2? above the base, and it will grow new leaves. A fairly cold tolerant annual, Swiss Chard can withstand light to moderate frost. In cold climates, mulching soil in early winter can allow harvest all the way up to late December. It can survive the winter in mild climates and will send up a seed stalk in the second year that should be removed. However, Swiss Chard tastes best in the first season, so should ideally be started fresh from seed each season.  

 



 

 

Tomato Bush Celebrity Seed (Lycopersicon - lycopersicum)

This 1984 All America Winner is still as famous as its name implies. The beautiful dark red globe-shaped fruits reach up to 8? in diameter. An excellent all-purpose tomato, it has great flavor, is very disease resistant, and grows well from Canada all the way to the southern U.S. No other variety does so well under as many different growing conditions as Celebrity! A bush-type, determinate tomato that ripens all at once, you will enjoy a bountiful harvest of many nearly perfect-looking fruits. If you only grow one tomato in your garden this year and want the best variety for reliable consistent production, this is the one to pick. Resistant to Verticillium Wilt, Fusarium Wilt (Race 1 & 2), and Nematodes. This packet plants: 15 plants (after thinning).

When to plant outside: Generally started indoors, tomatoes can also be directly seeded outside! Sow in spring, after the average last spring frost and when soil temperatures reach 60 degrees. In warm winter/hot summer areas of the south, southwest, and parts of California, they can also be planted in early fall for winter harvest.

When to start inside: 6-9 weeks before the average last spring frost.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: when planting seedlings outside, bury the roots and stem up to the first set of leaves horizontally. Curve the stem above the ground to a vertical position. The stem will sprout roots and develop a strong root system.

(To view a commonly asked question about growing tomatoes, click here.). (To view a fact sheet on tomatoes, click here.). 

 

 



 

 

Tomato Bush Italian Roma Organic Seed (Lycopersicon - lycopersicum)

heriloomItalian Roma is an heirloom paste and canning tomato from Italy. Growing up to 200 fruits per plant, you will have plenty of fruit to cook for sauces and to eat fresh in salads and sandwiches. The oblong-shaped Roma tomatoes are very firm and meaty without a lot of water or seeds which makes them so good for cooking. If you want paste tomatoes, you may have trouble deciding between the Roma and the San Marzano. If you have room, grow them both! The Roma is a more compact bush type that fruits all at once (good for making that big pot of sauce), and the San Marzano is a climbing pole type that must by caged or staked - it is indeterminate and will give you a more drawn-out longer harvest period. This packet plants: 20 plants (after thinning).

When to plant outside: Generally started indoors, tomatoes can also be directly seeded outside! Sow in spring, after the average last spring frost and when soil temperatures reach 60 degrees. In warm winter/hot summer areas of the south, southwest, and parts of California, they can also be planted in early fall for winter harvest.

When to start inside: 6-8 weeks before the average last spring frost.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: when planting seedlings outside, bury the roots and stem up to the first set of leaves horizontally. Curve the stem above the ground to a vertical position. The stem will sprout roots and develop a strong root system.

(To view a commonly asked question about growing tomatoes, click here.).

(To view a fact sheet on tomatoes, click here.).

 

 



 

 

Tomato Pole Brandywine Seed (Lycopersicon - lycopersicum)

heriloomMany gardeners believe that this heirloom is the best tasting tomato in the world! The old Amish variety dating back to 1885 was passed down from generation to generation, and it has won many taste tests over the years. This pink beefsteak type has rich flavor, thin skin, and can weigh up to 1 lb. An indeterminate type, the vine will grow until fall frost and must be staked or caged. Like most heirlooms, Brandywine has not been bred for disease resistance, though it definitely has a strong disposition to be so well loved for so long. It may require a little more pampering and attention than more modern hybrids, but its outstanding flavor is well worth the effort. This packet plants: 15 plants (after thinning).

When to plant outside: Generally started indoors, tomatoes can also be directly seeded outside! Sow in spring, after the average last spring frost and when soil temperatures reach 60 degrees. In warm winter/hot summer areas of the south, southwest, and parts of California, they can also be planted in early fall for winter harvest.

When to start inside: 6-8 weeks before the average last spring frost.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: when planting seedlings outside, bury the roots and stem up to the first set of leaves horizontally. Curve the stem above the ground to a vertical position. The stem will sprout roots and develop a strong root system.

Container Tips: Pole (indeterminate) tomatoes can be grown in five-gallon containers. Use a cage or stakes to support vines. One plant per container.

(To view a commonly asked question about growing tomatoes, click here.).

(To view a fact sheet on tomatoes, click here.).

 



 

 

Watermelon Ice Box Mickylee Seed (Citrullus - lanatus)

This small, 9"-10" globe-shaped, "Ice Box" watermelon has an amazing 12% sugar content and is small enough to easily fit in your refrigerator. Grow these petite watermelons to have the wonderful, sweet flavor of summer bundled in small, convenient 8-10 pound globes. The very productive vines produce lots of 7-10 pound fruits. But, like larger watermelons, they do need room to grow - vines spread 6'-10' long. With an 80-day crop time, this variety is an excellent choice for Northern gardeners. This packet plants: One 10-foot row (after thinning, 7 vining plants).

When to plant outside: Spring, 1-2 weeks after the average last frost date and when soil temperatures are warm.

When to start inside: 4-6 weeks before the average last frost. Recommended for northern climates.

Special Germination Instructions: Watermelon seedlings don't transplant well. When starting indoors, use individual pots such as peat or pulp pots that can be planted directly into the ground. Cover soil with black plastic before seeding outside and seed into a cross cut in the plastic. Harvesting: Several methods are recommended to determine when a watermelon is ripe. First, check the "ground spot", the part of the watermelon that is lying on the ground. For most of the season, it is white; when the fruit is ripe, it turns to a creamy or golden color. Second, the curly tendrils on the vine, closest to the watermelon become dried out and turn brown. Check tendrils daily; if brown too long, watermelon may become over ripe. Third, the skin should be resistant to puncturing with a thumbnail. Forth, you could cut a small plug to check the flesh (although, if it is not ripe, this will ruin the melon). Some gardeners believe in the 'thump test'. Though, when rapped with a knuckle, the hoped for dull thud may indicate over ripeness instead of perfect ripeness.

Container Tips: Not recommended for containers. 

 

 



 

 

Wheatgrass Organic Seed (Triticum - aestivum)

heriloomOften called, "Liquid Sunshine", wheatgrass juice is considered to be one of the most nutritious foods available to humans. Just six ounces of wheatgrass juice, an extract of wheatgrass seedlings, can supply the vitamin and mineral needs of an adult! Wheatgrass can also be sprouted to make raw wheat berry sprouts, and pots of fresh wheatgrass make beautiful centerpieces or decorations around the home. Best of all, wheatgrass can be grown at any time of year.

Growing for Juice: Simply sow the seeds into flats of soil and grow either under fluorescent lights (2"-3" away from the lights), in a very bright window, or outside. Shoots should be harvested when they are about 7 days old and can then be made into juice in a wheatgrass juicing machine. (Do not attempt to make juice in an ordinary juicer. The grass blades will burn out and clog these machines.)

Sprouting: Wheatgrass seeds (also called wheat berries) can also be eaten as young sprouts. Soak seeds in water for 6-12 hours in a seed sprouting jar, drain, and then rinse 2-3 times daily for 2-3 days. The sprouted seeds can then be used in salads, or ground into dough to use for dehydrated raw cookies and pastries.

Interior Decorating: Even if you aren't into the health benefits of wheatgrass, there are many ornamental uses for wheatgrass. The fresh, uniform green foliage of wheatgrass in beautiful pots is a unique, stunning addition to any table sitting or special occasion. For example, Easter Eggs nestled in the grass makes a wonderful Easter feast centerpiece. Fresh pots of wheatgrass around the house are almost as good as fresh pesto in the dead of winter to give you hope that spring will arrive! Many interior designers like to place fresh pots of wheatgrass (in lieu of cut flowers) on mantles, end tables, or shelves for a truly fresh and upscale look in any room.

(Although cats can eat Wheatgrass, we highly recommend choosing our Catgrass instead. It is a special kind of oats with a smooth blade that is easier for cats to keep down and digest.

For a small packet of Catgrass, click here.

Large packets of Catgrass also available, click here.