heirloom seeds

[kwlabear]

I want to start heirloom seeds, but I'm not sure where to start. I got a seed catalog in the mail, Bountiful Gardens, but I am on a very very tight budget. Any suggestions?

[Chef1MOM~Connie]

kwlabear wrote:
I want to start heirloom seeds, but I'm not sure where to start. I got a seed catalog in the mail, Bountiful Gardens, but I am on a very very tight budget. Any suggestions?

Not too sure maybe tomatoes and beans. I received some heirloom seeds from a neighbor and those are the seeds I was able to save in a simple manner This season I will replant what I harvested from last season and fingers are crossed..
I will be watching this thread as well. Great question!

[KeyWee]

I only grow heirloom tomatoes. The others have no taste. Here is how I get seeds:

1) I get them from a neighbor or friend.
2) I order them from www.rareseeds.com (Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds).
3) I buy heirloom plants from a local grower and then save the seeds for the following season.

I seem to recall that there are some heirloom seed sites, but can't think of the names. Surely a google search would turn up something. However, most of these swap sites require seeds in trade so you would have to have something to offer, Otherwise, pop into some gardening websites and throw yourself at the mercy of the group, saying you are in need of seeds as a newbie (I have seen this request many times and usually MOST gardeners are very generous). Look for seed swap forums at www.gardenguides.com or at www.helpfulgardener.com.

Sorry, my tomato seeds are already planted indoors.

[kwlabear]

Wal Mart has some Burpee seed that they say is brandywine. How reliable is their seed? I agree, the hybrids have no taste.

My wonderful mother is buying me some heirloom seed for yellow mangels and january king winter cabbage. Has anyone tried these?

[Paka]

I know I'm a bit late on this post but I just wanted to agree with the suggestion for Baker Creek seeds. I've been a member of "Idig" (free) for years and have learned so much from the forums. They also have a geat seed trade/free forum, they are very willing to share. I've had a 99% germination rate from the seeds I've ordered from Baker Creek. I know that I probably sound like a paid commercial but I have been very happy in the forums and happy with any seeds I have ordered. It's a nice place and their catalog is stunning. I want to frame the photos! The catalogs are free!

[kwlabear]

I live in Missouri, and I want to go to the Ozarks and go to the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead and visit Baker Creek seeds. Maybe when I have more money...

[KeyWee]

@Paka ~ wow, I did not know that Baker had a forum. Can not wait to go check it out. Thanks so much for the tip! And you are right ~ excellent results with their seeds and their catalog is a total work of art!

@bear ~ yes, I would love to go to Baker too. If you order their free catalog, you can see that they have several yearly festivals that look really cool.

[Chef #2786965]

Based on a recent report by National Geographic, there has been a 93% decline in the varieties of heirloom seeds. The Chart below demonstrates the importance of having a seed bank full of heirlooms varieties. Our seeds are sealed in Mylar, and packaged for long term storage. We offer everything you need to ensure you will have a large variety and quantity of non-hybrid seeds at an affordable price for up to 10 years!

[kwlabear]

I was very happy to find cherokee purple tomatoes at Westlakes Ace hardware. I bought 2 plants so I could try them out. If I like them, I can save seeds.

[kwlabear]

I found a bunch of heirloom varieties at Wal Mart, including Di Cicco Broccoli. I do have a question, though. Is clemson spineless 80 okra a heirloom variety or a hybrid version?

I also ordered Miners Lettuce from Bakers and King of the Garden butter beans from Bountiful Gardens. I like that Bakers sends a free packet of seeds with every order.