Our Favorite Heirloom Seed Sources
Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 6:31AM So you’ve read up on why you would want to choose an open pollinated, or heirloom seed variety over a bioengineered one, but where to obtain these much discussed seeds? The selection of seed packets at the local big box store isn’t very encouraging, and heirloom seed stores aren’t exactly on every corner like that big coffee shop chain from Seattle. Yet.
Good thing for discerning gardeners that there are some well established and reliable organizations dedicated to preserving, and selling open pollinated seed varieties. Most have lots of useful information too, like planting guides and a history of each seed variety. And talk about selection! Chances are, as you peruse the catalogs, you will see a few things you’ve never even heard of. While there are more than a handful of quality heirloom seed companies and non-profit groups around the country, here are a few of our favorites…
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company
One of the largest heirloom seed outfits, with locations in California, Missouri, and Connecticut. In addition to over 1400 open pollinated, non GMO vegetable, flower and herb seeds, Baker Creek also publishes a vegan cookbook, and Heirloom Gardener Magazine. They have a HUGE selection of tomato varieties. Request a free catalog at rareseeds.com
Sow True Seed
Sow True has a nice catalog of open pollinated, non-hybrid, and non-GMO seeds, and they’re based in Asheville, so many of their heirloom varieties have a history from Appalachia or other areas in the Southeast. Consequently, these ‘local’ heirloom varieties are often better adapted to grow in our region. In addition to a nice selection of heirloom vegetables, herbs and flowers, they’ve also got garlic, potatoes, grains and cover crops. They’ve also got a series of great seed collections including one for medicinal herbs, a children’s garden, and a Fall-Winter vegetable collection. Request a fee catalog at sowtrueseed.com
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
More than just a place to buy non-GMO heirloom seeds, SESE is an active organization that’s won all kinds of industry and community awards. They’re based in Virginia, and most of their seed varieties are especially suited for the mid Atlantic region. In addition to an ample selection of vegetable, flower and herb seeds, they’ve also got cover crops, potatoes, garlic, and even cotton and peanut varieties. SESE has a huge library of books and DVD’s, and also sells seed saving and other heirloom gardening supplies. If you’d like to see firsthand what Southern Exposure Seed Exchange is all about, ride up to Thomas Jefferson’s place for the 6th annual Heritage Harvest Festival at Monticello. The event happens on Sept. 14-15, 2012, and features tastings tents, workshops, the Young Farmers Zone, and an old timey seed swap.
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