It's seed ordering time, and no catalog feels quite as enticing as this season's new offerings by Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. In fact, I heard their latest edition referred to as "tomato porn" for the edible gardener. And if the pictures of Tomato Orange Fleshed Purple Smudge or Tomato Gypsy don't pull you in, then the names like the Bohemian Cowpea, the Dragon's Egg Cucumber, Bull's Blood Beet, or a Mongogo Du Guatemala Squash are sure to intrigue you.
You no longer have to browse through their 1400 heirloom varieties online. Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company has opened a "Seed Bank" in a beautiful corner store in downtown Petaluma in 2009. Though be warned, this is not for the gardener with little self-discipline. You will walk out with seeds for varieties of fruits and vegetables you've never heard of before. But of course, that's part of the fun.
This Missouri based seed company chose this location because almost half of all their online seed purchases come from five counties surrounding Petaluma. And they have found a welcoming community in Petaluma for their organic, non hybrid, non GMO (genetically modified organisms), non treated, and non patented seeds. According to the store manager, Paul Wallace, the response to the store has been "incredible."
As he explains, growing heirlooms have many benefits: "Heirlooms are varieties which have been in existence for 50+ years. Many of our seeds date back to the 1800's. The flavors are 'old fashioned' and what's more, if you wish you can save the seeds from your bounty to use the following year."
Along with racks of seeds and gardening supplies, the store supports local businesses and so carries locally made products like honey, jams, jellies as well as dried herbs and spices. And they have made seed donations to support local school gardens, youth organizations, church gardens (where they grow for the 'hungry'), Daily Acts , Petaluma Bounty and a host of other local non-profit organizations. As well they hold classes to teach how to grow your own food and on February 3rd, they are collaborating with Copperfield's Books to host Michael Pollan for a talk and book signing.
Starting Seeds Indoors from A Little Piece of Earth, How To Grow Your Own Food in Small Spaces by Maria Finn
Most people had those little egg carton planter projects in grade school. That's really how simple it is. Add dirt, press a seed in, and remember to water. Garden supply stores and many hardware stores sell seed starter kits with little pellets of humus and clear plastic trays to cover them with, creating a greenhouse effect and keeping them warm and moist.
If you live in a small space and the seedlings are visible, grow them in something that looks nice. When cultivating small amounts of salad greens indoors use Edwardian terrariums made of glass and metal or a large cloche with saucer. They have the same greenhouse effect as the plastic kits, yet look nice in your living space.
Mist them on occasion to keep them moist, and when they start to sprout, crack the lid slightly so air can circulate.