Hi folks:

Would appreciate it if anyone could recommend a reliable source for obtaining non-hybrid vegetable seeds. I've visited the Ark Institute's site, as well as Back to Eden. I have a sneaking suspicion that they've y2k-priced their seeds, but at this point I'm willing to pay 100-150 for seeds that will definitely produce good food!

Thanks

Elena

-- Elena Mauceri (elena-mauceri@worldnet.att.net), January 16, 1999

Answers

We got the non-hybrid "survival seed package" from the Ark Institute. I think they are a good source, price OK, and Geri Guidetti seems expert in her knowledge. My one reservation is that the seeds you get don't specify what varieties they are. She explains that to print the variety on each of the seed packages would be an administrative nightmare. This is because of her method of putting the packages together. Because her objective is to get the best quality, she is sometimes dealing with changeable, unpredictable sources, and small quantities, which she goes to lengths to obtain. Plus, since she is tailoring the variety to the region, this is yet more variables to keep track of. Understand, she does keep careful track of the variety she is putting into your package, since the package is custom-tailored to your region. It's just that she doesn't actually print the variety on the package.

She explains this on her forum, better than I can. I can understand her point of view. But our point of view is that the variety is extremely useful information. Without knowing the variety, it makes make it way harder to plan out your garden. Don't you think so?

-- Debbie Spence (dbspence@usa.net), January 16, 1999.

Geri of the Ark has been doing this stuff for a long time, well before Y2K. I don't recollect any *special* Y2K pricing, though I could be wrong. We have their stuff.

I also recommend Johnnyseeds in Maine. They are a mixed conventional, open-pollinated supplier with a great reputation. We're used them too for gardening over the years.

-- BigDog (BigDog@duffer.com), January 16, 1999.

I second Johnny's in Maine. Also Vessey's. but for the company that offers the most seed at the least price, I use Willhite. Starks' is good too. I try to find companies that are doing business with the market or small farm, as those companies are more careful about seed storage, etc. Pinetree (www.superseeds.com) has interesting varieties, too. Shumway is good. Just be careful to read the fine print....you want words like open pollinated, heirloom, etc. I believe it has to say "hybrid" or "F-1" if it is a cross.\ HOWEVER....you do need a good seed saving book.....I use "Seed to Seed" try www. and the company name for any of those above.

Mary Phillips

-- Mary Phillips (blufrogg@garlic.com), January 16, 1999.

I like Pinetree Garden Seeds Box 300, 616a Lewiston Rd New Gloucester, ME 04260 (207)-926-3400 See posting above mine for email address. I would ask to have a catl. sent in the mail.

One thing-- you may also want some Year 2000 hybrids for the disease resistance. Especially for tomatoes, peppers, cukes, beans.

-- Sue (conibear@gateway.net), January 16, 1999.

Elena, Try this page,has excellent info and sources for non-hybird seeds, some very low cost. http://www.webslnger.comwethepeople/heirloom/heirloom.htm(in case my hot link does not work, my first try)

Heir loom Gardening Page

-- TJ (trickjames@hotmail.com), January 17, 1999.

Elena,

I have found many companies are indeed y2k-pricing their seeds.

I've used Pinetree Gardens for many, many years. Their prices are the best, they offer many non- hybrids, & service is excellent. Quite a selection of books, also.

I just received my first order from Heirloom Seeds Incredible turn around time. Prices are very good.

I strongly recommend the above two companies.

Johnny's Selected Seeds is a top-flight company, but their prices have risen substantially over the last few years.

If you are a novice gardener, I suggest you purchase some hybrid seed. Hybrids are usually bred with increased resistance to disease.

Best of luck

-- Bingo1 (howe9@pop.shentel.net), January 17, 1999.

I've already received my 1999 non-hybrid seeds from Pinetree. I've been pleased with them for years. Call them at 207/926-3400 or log on to their website: superseeds.com. You can order seeds from them over web but their site is too time-consuming for ordering a large number of seeds. You'll want to have your own catalog.

Burpee has a wonderful heirloom seed catalog. www.burpee.com. 1-800- 888-1447. It's fun just to read it.

-- Walt (longyear@shentel.net), January 18, 1999.