Grow your own

[unswydd]

I am a Horticulturist and through the years have grown all my own veggies and some fruit. My sister-in-law does the canning so I don't have to. I help of course lol but she does the bulk of it. I love growing food and I think it will really help when it comes that time to stock up.
I was wondering if while people here are talking about stockpiling are you saving seeds? This would be very important for sure. I save seeds every year and start most of my plants from the seeds I've saved from the year before.
Just a thought.

[Brosia]

I'm just getting started in gardening, but I did pick up twice the amount of seeds than I know I'll use... just in case.

[Loshali]

Make sure you are saving heirloom seeds, as hybrid seeds wont germinate. Now, with Monsanto taking over the seed industry by buying out every small grower/distributor (so they can push their ultra-profitable chemicals on everything) You wont even find the words 'heirloom' or 'hybrid' on a seed package. No way to know. I posted a link for real heirloom seeds a while back, and I think Lazer and Rusty bought some. They are cheap too, much cheaper than at Lowes. Look for the post 'heirloom seeds $1/pack'.

[unswydd]

Make sure you are saving heirloom seeds, as hybrid seeds wont germinate. Now, with Monsanto taking over the seed industry by buying out every small grower/distributor (so they can push their ultra-profitable chemicals on everything) You wont even find the words 'heirloom' or 'hybrid' on a seed package. No way to know. I posted a link for real heirloom seeds a while back, and I think Lazer and Rusty bought some. They are cheap too, much cheaper than at Lowes. Look for the post 'heirloom seeds $1/pack'.

This is good information. I didn't think to talk about that. But you are right of course. Thanks for sharing. I'll look for the link. I do a lot with the Master Gardeners here in IL and get all the seeds I'll ever need.
People just need to store them properly so they don't lose their "power"!

[Lostinoz]

This is good information. I didn't think to talk about that. But you are right of course. Thanks for sharing. I'll look for the link. I do a lot with the Master Gardeners here in IL and get all the seeds I'll ever need.
People just need to store them properly so they don't lose their "power"!

Would you post instructions on proper storage? Thanks!! :)

[unswydd]

Would you post instructions on proper storage? Thanks!! :)

Absolutely!

It's really easy to store seeds. Once I have picked what ever vegetable or fruit (not store bought too many chemicals), I rinse them well and let them dry for a few days on a paper bag or newspaper. I then will use a ziplock baggie making sure I have squeezed all the air out and seal it tight. The seeds must be dry. If there is any moisture it will ruin them.

[unswydd]

I was reading the thread on bartering and got to thinking. There is a family run Garden Center here in town that I frequent and I think I'm going to offer my "back" for some small plants, veggies, flowers ect. I kind of like this idea. I think we could all benefit from this.

[VillagelooN]

My seeds just arrived today. I got them through the people Loshali is talking about. Best deal I can find anywhere.

I put away seeds from last yr. only step I missed was squeezing all the air out of the bag. They're still dry hopefully they'll germinate.

Here is their email again.
[email protected]

[unswydd]

My seeds just arrived today. I got them through the people Loshali is talking about. Best deal I can find anywhere.

I put away seeds from last yr. only step I missed was squeezing all the air out of the bag. They're still dry hopefully they'll germinate.

Here is their email again.
[email protected]

Great!!!! Thanks so much for the email! I'll sure check them out.

[Cowboyup65]

another good way we have found is getting grains from Omish in our area.
Usually they use their own grains to replant and have done so for many years so there isnt any tampering with them.
Local flea markets and animal auctions are a good place to find them as they sell there goods (which are really good)

[unswydd]

another good way we have found is getting grains from Omish in our area.
Usually they use their own grains to replant and have done so for many years so there isnt any tampering with them.
Local flea markets and animal auctions are a good place to find them as they sell there goods (which are really good)

These are really great tips Cowboy! There are plenty of amish here and lots of flea markets. I'm sure I could find what I need.
Thanks