We are hooked. And yet surely this is a healthy addiction. We long, quite naturally but perhaps more tangibly than most non-gardeners, for rites of spring. We desire green in winter. So we treasure these winter temptations, lay them out on the floor in front of the fire and shop, comparing new offerings and old, packet sizes, prices. We - and I doubt there's a serious gardener out there who would deny this - wildly overestimate our talents, time, and square footage as we dream away many a winter afternoon plotting next summer's harvest. Sometimes our budgets - or non-gardening spouses - rein us in. Sometimes they do not.
For all these reasons, my annual summary of seed sources is one of my favorite things to write, and thus I unapologetically bring you this information. I hope it helps you both pass and appreciate many winter days.
Fedco Seeds I was so excited to stumble onto this seed cooperative through my local store, the Willimantic Food Co-op. Their downloadable catalog is the antithesis of glossy and pretty, but it is encyclopedic and quirky, with descriptions that more than make up for the lack of pictures. Their prices are unbelievably cheap. They carry a huge selection of heirloom varieties, as well as some hybrids. They are also an excellent reference - both practical and political - for anyone interested in organic gardening. Fedco also carries potatoes (under the moniker "Moose Tubers"), fruit trees, and a comprehensive line of organic gardening supplies. My Picks: Above all, the Golden Gopher heirloom muskmelon. Also Golden Midget watermelon (which turns yellow when ripe), True Red Cranberry pole bean, Jimmy Nardello's and Feherezon sweet peppers, Principe Borghese, Polish Linguisa, and Orange Banana tomatoes. Elka white breadseed poppy.
Johnny's Selected Seeds Based in Maine, Johnny's carries a full line of seeds (including heirlooms), tools, books, and garden accessories. They do extensive breeding work, and were responsible for the introduction of Diva cucumber and Baby Bear pumpkins, among others. My Picks: Baby Bear pumpkin - semi-hulless seeds, cute orange pumpkin; Diva cucumber, which is one of only two hybrids I'll grow this summer (the other one is an eggplant from Fedco).
