Top 5 Seed Companies

 

 

It's Spring, Now What?

Well spring actually kicks off in 10 days (but who’s counting), spring is definitely in the air here in Didsbury. The snow is almost all gone, weather has been above 5 degrees for almost 2 weeks, the gophers are out scampering across the road, bears are coming out of hibernation in Banff National Park, and I have busted out my Birkenstocks. So I would say spring is here!

This year we have spent 25+ hours planning our gardens, and then scrapping the first round and re-planning it all over again. So now with our minds set of what we want to grow. We are on the big kick of we want to know what we eat and grow what we love. I have found a few pre planning websites if you need them www.almanac.com/vegetable-garden-planning-for-beginners, and of course the lady who knows everything (or so it seems) http://www.marthastewart.com/275017/planning-your-vegetable-garden. If you are a go big or go home kinda person (we won’t judge) here’s a great resource which is the one we are using this year. Be prepared to lose days or weeks to planning the massive amount you want to grow (you’ll thank us come fall and you’ve harvested the last of your 900 bed feet of squash, pumpkins and root veggies) http://cog-shop.myshopify.com/products/crop-planning-for-vegetable-growers.

So with your info in hand here’s our TOP 5 Seed Companies to get you GROWING. I’ll do a count down to leave you in suspense: 




5. Osborne Seed- Our only Non Canadian company of the list. Well that’s kind of true there is a Canadian supplier in Vancouver (whom we met at the Organic Alberta Conference). He’s really excited to be supplying Canada with seeds and they have a large Organic and Heritage seed collection and they have lots of info. The website is easy to use and their catalogue is HUGE! So many options! http://www.osborneseed.com/

4. William Dam Seeds- While we haven’t used them I have heard many wonderful things about them. They have certifications out the wazoo (both Canadian and US) and they have a vast array of seeds. The website is easy to use and they don’t just carry veggies, flowers, roots and bulbs, garden supplies. It definitely seems like a one stop shop. http://www.damseeds.ca/productcart/pc/home.asp

3. West Coast Seeds- Well, not only do they have a massive amount of resources on their website we know SO MANY large producers, CSA and Market Garden peeps who use them. So with the ‘Untreated, non GMO Seeds for Organic Growing’, as well as the ease of ordering larger quantities, cover crops (so your garden rotation isn’t losing nutrients sitting bare. The website is seamless and easy to use, the Order Desk people are wonderful to talk to and it seems like they actually love their jobs, and they are CANADIAN! Which in this economy with our dollar in the proverbial toilet it’s a good thing to support our own! https://www.westcoastseeds.com/

2. Veseys Seeds- Always more than happy to support us (Jamie Oliver Food Revolution Day 2014 They provided us seeds for the WHOLE class of kids we went in to see). They have everything and we mean EVERYTHING! Organic (our fav of course), heritage seeds (love), other seed, hand tools, and MACHINES (my hubby’s favourite part about them). With everything all in one place it’s like going to the local greenhouse without the aisle of random stuff you don’t actually need but buy because it’s cheap and nifty (oh, is that just me?). You actually order exactly what you want and need and it’s shipped right to you. What’s not to love? Also, if you are a fundraising coordinator for your kids something-er-other (sports, school, dance you get my drift) they have a FABULOUS fundraising program. I am always amazing by Veseys and the outpouring of support they have to the entire community, all across our fine land! https://www.veseys.com/ca/en/

1. Hope Seeds- They are right on board with what we are doing and supported us last year with a whole smattering of seeds. So last year I ordered a whole bunch of seeds through them and they were AMAZINGLY wonderful with answering my questions. They had prompt service and fast shipping. This is their claim to fame on their website (which is easy to see why we love them so much) ‘We offer certified organic and sustainably-grown, heritage and open-pollinated garden seed.  We're committed to high quality, organic growing, and local food.’
http://www.hopeseed.com/home

So there you have it! Our short list. Order from one or all the choice is all up to you. We would love to hear your feed back who is your favourite?

Other things to look for in your community: SEED SWAPS! Yeah, you show up and trade seeds with other people! Connect, connect and GROW. Talk to your family, friends, local farmers (Yes they exist), the old lady who stalks the garden centre. Anyone. They will have ways, ideas and methods you won’t know.

Get growing all you beautiful people!