Selecting Seeds

In my last post, I showed you how to build a simple raised garden bed so you can begin growing some of your own food.  Once your garden is in place, it's time to plant.  But what should you put in there?  Some people purchase starts from a nursery or garden center.  There are two reasons why I don't do this: these usually are not organic (an important factor for me), and they are expensive when compared to the alternative.

What is the alternative?  Buy seeds and plant them directly into your own garden.  If you live in cooler climates, a small greenhouse might be a great way to get an early start on growing your seeds.

How do you choose seeds?  There are three things that I look for: organic, non-GMO and heirloom.  Organic is the most important factor for me in buying seeds, but I also look for heirloom... seeds that haven't been tampered with over time, and non-GMO (similar to heirloom in that they have not been genetically modified).

There are three terrific sources I like to recommend for obtaining seeds.  I purchase most of mine at Whole Foods.  They sell a brand of seeds called Botanical Interests.  Another fabulous seed company is Seeds of Change.  I love what this company is doing.  Another company that I like is called Baker Creek Seeds.  They really focus on preserving heirloom seeds as well as rare seeds.  All of these are great resources for the best seeds.

Seed catalogs or websites are great places to stir up some inspiration.  What do you want to grow?  Do you have enough garden space to grow all the things you want?  Draw a "map" of your garden.  This will help you to decide what to plant and how much.

Happy gardening!