Buy Local Seeds for Better Results
Seek Out Local Seeds, Yields Better Results.
The current mantra is shop local, and seed shopping should not be an exception. Local seeds have a definite advantage over the big store and online competition; they are time-tested for your growing season, soil type, rainfall, and pest problems. I’ve bought seeds from a variety of sources, including many heirloom and organic seeds. Some do well, others do not. It’s very hard to tell the success you will have with a new variety based on the little sun and rain symbols on the back of the packet.
The solution is to seek out established feed and seed stores and independent greenhouses. I will admit that some feed and seed stores usually come with a glut of farm trucks that make my Volkswagen look out of place, and some of the little roadside greenhouses appear half abandoned and certainly lack the shiny luster of the Garden shops. But finding plant varieties that have been grown in your area for decades or centuries is worth the shopping around.
In addition, you might find that these people love to garden and love to talk about gardening. Have a problem? They’ll probably have a solution. More than likely, there will be too many suggestions, and you’ll have to narrow them down on your own. In contrast, I tried to ask some questions of the people staffing one of the Big Stores, and the only answer they had was “Try aisle six.”
Small stores will often be more aware of their products, including seeds, pest control products, soil amendments, and have used them personally. One of our favorite places carries some spray to keep Japanese beetles at bay, but claims that it’s worthless unless you add some Joy detergent to keep it on the leaves. Small hints, big difference in results.
While there is no guarantee that you can find local organic seeds, I’ll take the risk for a plant that will need less nurturing and amendments. The local plants that I have tried so far have required almost no maintenance once getting past the seedling stage, are hardy against pests, and are vigorous growers.
-editor
www.HowToGardenBetter.com
Photo Credit: Jason Antony
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