This has definitely been the winter that won’t end. I can’t remember ever having a winter with so many snow storms. I’ve been dying to plant our peas, but with freezing temps and snow in the forecast every week, I’ve been too scared to put them in the ground. Fingers crossed I’ll get a chance this weekend!!
While we are on the subject of seeds, I’ll share my most favorite seed companies. In 2012 when I decided to try my hand at starting some seeds, I just grabbed some packets at Target and ordered a couple more from out of a seed catalog that happened to be delivered to my home. When I realized how great it was, starting from seed, and how many more varieties were available this way, I was hooked! I started doing some research because, A-I’m a science nerd and always research everything to death and B-I believe very strongly in supporting really good companies. Now there are tons of good ones out there, but I found two that I absolutely LOVE.
Botanical Interests is a family owned business that has signed the Safe Seed Pledge and are a perfect choice for the beginning garden. They have tons of heirloom and organic seeds and absolutely no GMOs. Their website and seed packets contain a wealth of information. When I am new at something I prefer to have everything spelled out for me so I’m not left doubting if I’ve done it correctly. These packets are just fabulous and so pretty too! (and we all know how important that is! 🙂 You can’t make a wrong choice when it comes to their seeds. For me, the worst thing about this company is having to choose what to order because I want them all! Their catalog is free, so pop on over to their website and request one.
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds is my other favorite seed company. Also family owned, this company sells only heirloom seeds and the owners are dedicated to preserving seed varieties and fighting against GMOs. I can not even begin to explain to you the awesomeness that is their seed catalog. I have spent more hours than I can count pouring through the pages, and my wishlist at Baker Creek is a mile long. I am continually amazed by how many varieties they sell and have found so many cool vegetables for my garden the past two years. They have a free catalog and the absolute king of all seed catalogs that you can purchase for a few bucks. I have both and they are getting worn out. 🙂
You honestly can’t go wrong purchasing from either company. Their customer service is top notch and I am always thrilled with the germination rate of their seeds. In fact, last year I started WAY too many seeds and was sad to have to thin so many because it seemed like such a waste! What a great problem to have! This year I knew pretty much all of the seeds would sprout, so I planted fewer and got the numbers I wanted, still having enough to share tomato seedlings with my family. Just look at these gorgeous tomatoes, peppers and friends!
And I’ll confess my nerdiness now and tell you that I get giddy looking at these little guys and think the smell of tomato plants is one of the best smells there is! 🙂 Come on spring! Be here for good this time!