Seed Sourcing in '21

Seeds! Oh, my goodness. We’ve spent a lot more time – months thinking about this year’s seeds! This year, farms of all types are dealing with a different type of supply problem: Seeds. Specifically, vegetable and flower seeds are at an all-time, never seen before demand.

Many of you know how much time we normally spend pouring over seed catalogues referencing notes from the season and talking to other farmers about varieties that have performed well for them. Our goal is always to start the season with the best varieties of vegetables so that they can handle the variables of the growing season.

For example, the red onion called “Monestrell” doesn’t look very different from another red onion called “Cabernet.” But, we found previously that Cabernet doesn’t store well for us, but the Monestrell is a work horse, size, storage, and taste are terrific. Varieties matter, even if it’s not easily perceptible when you’re eating them.

Well this year, the pandemic continued to throw a curve ball. Interest in growing your own food has peaked at levels most seed companies didn’t or couldn’t prepare for. The seed companies that we’ve been working with for years are being over whelmed. Covid-19 precautions make shipping more complicated and slower, all while receiving huge volume of orders. We suddenly found ourselves not just having to make financial decisions about when we could afford to buy, but also competing with home gardeners for seed stock.

 So, we continue to have to pivot and adjust. Smaller seed companies that we’ve worked with in the past have become primary suppliers because they were able to supply what we needed. Seed varieties that we had been planning on doing small trials of, are now being grown as the main type because of shortages in other types. It’s both stressful and exciting – we’re still waiting on back ordered lettuces and melons to arrive, but I’m excited to see the fruits of new bell peppers.

New & returning members, we appreciate your support – navigating this early spring seed drama has been made easier knowing we have your backing!