Why Buy Organic Seeds?
Seeds are very important. Non-GMO seeds have not had genetically modified traits, most often to resist pesticides like Roundup. Organic takes this a step further and sets up rules for how things must be grown, including not using pesticides. Hence, the lack of need for GMO seeds in the first place, whose long term health effects have not been widely studied. Other labels to keep an eye out for are the Safe Seed Pledge, sustainably produced, heirloom and open pollinated.
Grown Without Synthetic Pesticides
Conventional seeds are usually genetically modified to be resistant to certain diseases or pests. These seeds are often treated with chemicals to make them grow faster. Organic seeds are grown without using any chemicals.
How do seed companies get to be certified organic?
All garden companies must go through a five step process to earn the USDA organic certification. Small companies may still use organic methods even if they aren’t certified by the USDA. But when you see the USDA organic seal on a label or package you know they’ve gone through the steps necessary to get the stamp.
Are organic seeds harder to grow?
Organic seeds are hardier than non-organic seeds. Most gardeners agree that organic seeds aren’t easier to grow or germinate than non-organic seeds, but some do say that organic seeds are better for the environment.
Are organic seeds more expensive?
Organic farming is a great way to grow crops. You can get higher quality products if you buy them from companies that use organic methods. However, you may need to spend more money than usual to purchase these items.
Places to Buy Organic Seeds
Seed Savers Exchange is an excellent company for people interested in growing organic plants. Their catalogs contain a large selection of organic seeds. Members receive a yearly membership card, which gives them access to the members’ directory and yearbook. This directory contains over 1,000 varieties of seeds.
Heirloom and Organic Seed Companies all have online catalogs offering a wide variety of seeds, plants, and gardening supplies.
Burpee Organics
Burpee Seeds is an American company that sells both organic and non-organic seeds. Their headquarters are in Pennsylvania.
Seeds of Change
Seeds of Change offers 100% organically grown vegetables, herbs and flowers. Their website also provides information about how to grow your own organic garden.
Seeds of Change is a non-profit organization that provides seeds to people who need them. Their website is www.seedsofchange.org.
Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit organization made up of a group of farmers who want to preserve rare and heirloom varieties of plants. Their website offers information about how to grow these types of plants.
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. sells open pollinated seeds. They don’t buy seeds from Monsanto or other companies that sell genetically modified seeds. They offer over 1200 varieties of vegetables, herbs and flowers. Their website claims to be the largest selection in the US.
Uprising Seeds
Uprising Seeds is Washington state’s first 100% certified organic seed company. Their products are grown by family farmers who care about quality and sustainability.
Hudson Valley Seed Library
The Hudson Valley Seed Library offers heirloom and Open Pollinated Vegetable, Flower and Herb Seeds. They also offer Tools, Supplies and Garden themed Contemporary Art. Their seeds are grown on their small Organic Farm, and they preserve old varieties and Develop new ones by Traditional Methods of Seed Selection, or by Local Farmers. None are sourced from Multinational Biotech Companies.
To order, go to their website, hudsonvalleyseedlibrary.com, or call 845-204-8697.
Sustainable Seed Company
Sustainable Seed Company is a family-owned seed business that offers gardeners more than 800 varieties of organic and heredity seeds. They say that they want to preserve this part of our history by fighting against the continued encroachment from large producers who sell hybrid and genetically modified seeds.
High Mowing Organic Seeds
High Mowing Organic Seeds in VT sells organic seeds. Their products include vegetables, herbs, flowers, and cover crops. They also sell wholesale and retail packets.
Their vegetable planting guide offers gardening advice. They offer free shipping on orders over $25. You can call them at (802) 472-6174 or write to them at High Mowing Organic Seeds.
Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Organic seed is a great choice if you want to grow your own vegetables or flowers. You’ll save money, and you won’t have to worry about pesticides or chemicals being sprayed on your plants.
Burpees are a mainstay in the garden world. Their full-color photos are helpful, and their prices tend to be mid range. They don’t offer a huge variety of organic seeds, but they do publish a list of all of the organic vegetables and herbs. It’s easy to tell what items are organic because Burpee publishes a list of all of them.
Territorial Seed
Territorial offers an extensive selection of organic vegetables. Their selection includes green beans, radishes, lettuce, spinach, broccoli, and more.
Main Street Seed and Supply
Small companies that sell organic seeds should be more affordable than large companies that sell non-organic seeds. Their products should be more reasonably priced. They should also offer smaller quantities of seeds.
Prices are quite reasonable (especially organic seed) with some packages costing less than two dollars!
Natural Gardening Company
Natural gardening is another company that does its business on the web, offering a decent variety of organics. Their products are clearly marked as such. Their prices are reasonable.
Dirt Works
Dirt Works offers organic vegetables and other products. Their website is informative and easy to navigate. There is a lot of useful information about gardening and farming.
Organic gardens are always better than conventional ones because they use natural fertilizers and pesticides. You should start your garden by choosing the right plants for your climate. Then you’ll be ready to enjoy the harvest.