All Garden Seeds Are Not Created Equal

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A Seed is a Seed is a Seed…Right? This post if from 2013 and we received a great deal of positive feedback from it. We’re rapidly approaching the end of the year. In just a few short weeks, all of our thoughts will turn to the spring garden (Yippee!). I wanted to reshare this post with you in preparation for this sensational season of sowing! I thought those of you who are new to The Farmer’s Lamp and even those who have been with us for a while, might enjoy the read.

A Seed is a Seed is a Seed…Right?  Wrong!  All garden seeds are not created equal. I know there are so many people who are unaware of the GMO issue.  Many people choose not to listen, not to ask questions, not to put in the time for research. It even seems there are those who choose to accept the propaganda and like the ostrich, bury their head in the proverbial sand.

You on the other hand are not doing that since you’re reading this. You’re one of those who educate themselves about the GMO issue, organic gardening, and providing some, if not most everything your family eats.  In the beginning, all the possibilities and information may be scary, but as you grow in your knowledge and experience, you will find more and more open up to you and it will not be as overwhelming as it seems.

Remember to look at the task you have at hand today, one step at a time. Keep your goals in mind. Stay flexible and willing to adjust your dreams and your plans to achieve the goal. The larger picture will come into being a little at a time.  When my boys were young we had a saying: “By the yard it’s hard, by the inch it’s a cinch!”

Now, seeds…Years ago it didn’t matter so much where you bought your seeds.  A seed was a seed. Most of the old-timers saved their own garden seeds or bartered their seeds with neighbors. They purchased very little. Today, garden seeds is one of, if not the most important decision a gardener makes.  

Since the Garden of Eden, we’ve known fruits and veggies are good for us.  We’ve never been told, “Don’t eat too many tomatoes,” or  “Don’t have more than one apple a day”. Now we have big government and companies like Monsanto (which is the largest of the companies responsible for GMO’s; owning 90% of the seeds) “improving” on the heirloom seeds. 

There is not really enough time and space to discuss this issue in full. You can check out my YouTube GMO Playlist for some videos to help get you started.  You will see several from Dr. Jeffrey Smith.  I would DEFINITELY suggest ordering his movie Genetic Roulette.  We did and have invited our friends and family to watch it with us.  You may also want to check out our other articles on organic, non-gmo living.

I wanted to share with you some reliable places to order your garden seeds and supplies.  Sifting through all the blah, blah, blah…yada, yada, yada…can be overwhelming, I remember. Here are some that we consider to be the best of the best.

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange

Seeds of Change

Wood Prairie Farm

Now I am by no means saying these are all there is, nor am I saying these are the only good ones, these are the ones who shined after my hours of research.  When we have to order garden seeds, we order from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and Wood Prairie Farms. We identified with their principles of business, concerns, and goals. As always, I am careful about what and who I recommend to you because any good relationship is based on trust. Do you know of some other company you like to order your garden seeds from?  Please share it with us.

For more information on seed saving see our post Seed Saving Savvy.  Remember, you can always get in touch with me by using the comments below or the Contact Me page. I always enjoy hearing your ideas, questions, and suggestions.

 This post is shared on Simple Life Sunday