Seeds and Varieties, my top picks for you

[@timflatus]

Frankly Charles, I've had a dreadful day so far, so half an hour of you talking about seeds is just perfect tbh. I've already bought my seed for the year and have a certain amount of saved seed, but new ideas always welcome. Real Seeds are great! I avoid F1 hybrids as much as possible, but with Brussels and kale sprouts as you say, it's kind of necessary. I grew some beautiful deep purple carrots last year, which were unfortunately more or less tasteless. I've been growing black Russian tomatoes, which work really well out of doors. Thank you, that's put my day back on an even keel. 🙂

[@ElderandOakFarm]

I'm sorry you're having a bad day. I hope it gets better!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Happy to restore your sanity Tim! Interesting about the carrots!

[@davidmurray6562]

A bad day calls for a really good cup of tea. Sincerely wish your day gets better.

[@peterroberts999]

I hope your day continues to improve. Charles' videos are the best medicine for sure

[@timflatus]

Thank you all for your kind words. That's given me a real and very welcome boost!

[@Mahia965]

Please tell me I'm not the only one to 'thumbs up' half a second into the video, and then I'm looking for another button to push to like, 'thumbs up' again? Thank you, Charles. Another awesome installment.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Lovely comment thanks, 👍👍!!

[@sofielys5452]

I moved from the city to the countryside. My vegetable garden is now in its second year. You inspired me and made it look doable. Thank you very very much.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

This is great to hear Sofie, so pleased to hear of your success

[@tedbastwock3810]

Charles, you should be commended for your forethought, planning and execution. IK this video took quite a bit of time to conceive, plan, execute, and produce, yet you publish it here right on time when we need it most. Thank you and your crew 🙏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Ted. Yes the editing was a big job!

[@Chet_Thornbushel]

I have found oxheart tomatoes to be the best sauce variety for me. No matter how well all the other tomatoes in my garden are doing(I grow 20-30 plants each year), the classic paste/sauce varieties always end up with blossom end rot for me. I started growing a couple oxheart varieties a few years ago and I found they were perfect for sauce, stayed healthy, and were very prolific! So if anyone is having similar issues with San marzano, Amish paste, romas, etc- give a nice red oxheart variety a try.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Lovely to hear chef, thanks for sharing

[@ohkaymo]

Thank you for the suggestion, going to give those a try!

[@tedbastwock3810]

Third time watching in 1.5 weeks since its release, really love this video.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear you have enjoyed it Ted

[@tiarianamanna973]

However long you d like to talk about these subjects.. im sure we ll love to listen to! 🥰 Thanks for all the wisdom shared +your lovely personality 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

🤗 nice thanks

[@seanjamescameron]

Finally made the move and am now living on the mountainside in Wales. I have a small garden which will be no dig and name is down for an allotment. So good to see video of summery weather. This year I've got some seeds from the Wales Seed Hub, never heard of them before. Off to get a pencil and take notes. Happy New Year Charles.

[@nortenativo]

Hi visit me 🤠🌿🇨🇱

[@D71219ONE]

Sounds like a dream! My ancestors immigrated to the US from Wales in the late 1800s. I was privileged to visit a decade ago. It’s a stunningly beautiful country.

[@jukeseyable]

whta part of wales you in chap, the side of a mountain doesnt really narrow it down that much

[@seanjamescameron]

Rhondda Fawr. @@jukeseyable

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Best of luck Sean, I reckon you will grow well there

[@lemonielala3080]

You know, some people listen to guided meditations but my brain just can't with those. I listen to this and actually feel relaxed. ❤️

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@Im-just-Stardust]

Thank you Charles for the video. Missed you very much! Spring is very slowly coming and so I'm watching your channel a lot lately, just to make sure i'm up-to-date :). Your channel is very very important for no dig gardeners. Have a nice day!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice of you to say and yes, the energy is starting to rise, a little!

[@trockodile]

Thank you for this, fantastic advice as always! Massive Real Seeds UK fan, never had a bad experience with them ever, and I love their ethical stance with their low earner packs to get people growing irrespective of their income. 👍

[@DaraRich]

That really sounds well!

[@sarahtrew9331]

Me too, always get a lot of seed from them and highly recommend their primabella and galina cherry tomato seeds, very tasty and super productive and do really well outdoors not succumbing to blight, which is great as I don’t have a poly tunnel. Tamar organics are also very good.

[@danielleroseclark]

Agreed. Everything I've grown from them has had brilliant germination, and excellent results. They're also big advocates of saving your own seed and give lots of helpful information about how to do so.

[@shineyrocks390]

Nobody here who knows you ever gets tired of listening to you. You're the most delightful person I've ever seen in my life.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

How lovely thanks 💚

[@lorainemcguire5795]

Honestly charles your a walking encyclopaedia on gardening, the seed information particularly useful ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you for your kind words, I am glad that you find it useful 🙂

[@tallyenjoyerhall]

I'm growing broccoli this year and I'm excited

[@jeshurunfarm]

Charles, we enjoy every minute with you, so when we get a longer than usual video, we are happy. Respect from Africa.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@lauranyc4966]

You said it “ BEAUTIFUL INFORMATION “ !!!!!!!! Never too much info coming from you !!!! 🙏🏻💕

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Love that!

[@joydavis4087]

I so much appreciate this information. A solid reference to be sure. ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So glad!

[@Concojone5]

Gold from Charles!! Thank you so much for sharing all that precious knowledge with us, Sir!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are very welcome

[@robertling9872]

Beautiful video, full with very good seed information. Thanks for sharing Charles. Good luck with the new NoDig gardening season. 🍀

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, you too Robert

[@clarereynolds9607]

I love listening to you..whatever you're saying ! :-) I think I link your voice with the hope that comes at the start of the growing season.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Love that! Thanks. Yes the hope.

[@clarereynolds9607]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig This year more so, lost mum last August, you are a large part of a lot of people's lives, very glad we have you.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I am sorry to hear this Clare, thank you for your kind words they are appreciated

[@karentaylor699]

Excellent video, especially with information abut the subtle nuances of the varieties, which you don't necessarily get from other seed suggestion videos. Thank you Charles for imparting your wisdom form years of growing so that we can also benefit.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it Karen

[@sonyahogan5673]

I could listen to you for hours!😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

aw Thanks!

[@GheorgheIon-kt4vr]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad it was helpful 🌱

[@XxBloggs]

Really enjoyed this discussion, wish I could spend all day in the garden.

[@riverstun]

Tomatoes: Try Prairie Fire - high yield extremely sweet, and Ananas Noire -lovely complex flavor.

[@jennyjohnson9012]

Thoroughly enjoyed this Charles, all the new varieties to try. Let's hope for a good growing year. I'm not starting until the end of Feb beginning of March as it's still quite cold here. Thanks for all the ideas!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Fingers crossed for spring warmth and thanks Jenny

[@delsiwinn]

I’ve recently found your KZbin after having been gifted your No Dig book for Christmas. First of all, beautiful book lovely pictures lovely information! I’m excited to try no dig for the first time. Second, I’ve been watching a lot of your videos to learn more visually and just wanted to say the information has always seemed good regardless of how old the video is, but the production value the past couple years has really improved. While watching this vid I thought the quality is nearer to a professional tv show rather than a KZbin video. Thank you for all the helpful information you give, truly appreciated!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks so much and I think you're right! Edward, my son does the filming and editing and he's getting pretty good, he could put this comment on his CV!

[@Concojone5]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Oh yeah with the drone and other footage of the garden, it's pure art. Your son has it!

[@Anna-RF]

Thank you Charles! I'll be definitely coming back to this video, full of important and valuable information! Much appreciated 💚🌱

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear Anna

[@nickhammersonrocks]

WE’RE CURRENTLY IN A TEMPORARY SNOWCEANIC CLIMATE SO FORTUNATELY WE HAVE NOTHING TO DO BUT WATCH A HALF HOUR VIDEO ON SEEDS AND VARIOUS SEED VARIETIES !!!!! PERFECT TIMING !!!!!

[@DaraRich]

😂

[@amandar7719]

😂

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cool comment!

[@lisacontestabile44]

I've given up with Boltardy Beetroot. I've never been able to get them to bulb up. Have sown Detroit varieties for the past two years and have had great harvests which store really well.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, helpful feedback

[@my-selfsufficientlife3876]

I order from real seeds they are absolutely amazing! They are my first choice always. I love the packaging and that they are a small business....and also offer a deal for low waged familys ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I totally agree!

[@renatamcstay]

Thank you again! Very valuable information to remember!

[@EatingPlantsinFrance]

Always such valuable advice 🌱

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So glad!

[@Anoukski]

Thank you so much Charles, whoehoe feel totally inspired! 🌱❤️

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

My pleasure and I am glad you are inspired

[@bernadette6211]

Thank you Charles for a lovely video. I'm checking all my seed packages for germination at the moment. I'll look forward to trying some of the varieties you mentioned.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear!

[@smas3256]

Thanks Charles. Getting an early start deciding and reading the packets at home rather than at store. Less stress. More varieties.

[@camicri4263]

Thank you Charles! Great video! Blessings!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are welcome and thank you

[@kela2210]

Thanks for everything Charles...!!! Cheers from Chile🙌🇨🇱

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are welcome Kela

[@TonysSunnyGarden]

Thank you so much Charles! Just finished your No Dig Book with all those specific plant informations and with your variety recommendations. I'm grateful that we have someone like you, who is sharing his experiences and so many amazing informations. 🙏 Also think that your vibe is awesome! You are such a chill dude 😁 Could listen to you all day. Have a great day! Greetings from Cyprus ☀️🙏

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are very welcome and thank you for your kind words Tony

[@gailthornbury291]

Gosh. You have almost as many seeds as I do. Almost. Seed hoarder and proud of it.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

‼️ wow

[@GARDENER42]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have some of them & will try others this year. I'm on my fourth year of saving my own Charlotte potatoes & think it's the best all round variety there is. I average 3.5-4kg from four seed potatoes in a 30litre tub & they follow on nicely from my second favourite - Swift. I don't bother with maincrop, as I cut the tops off the tubs of Charlotte once they show signs of dying back & stack them in the garage, where they keep through to at least the end of February before starting to sprout. I then mash & freeze them, which pretty much sees me through to late May & the first of my Swift. I'm trying four garlic varieties this year, as well as my home saved variety, 'Aldi' which is in its fourth year. Thanks once again for imparting your knowledge & advice.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Fine ways to have year-round potatoes!

[@lindadaniel9494]

Thanks, as always, for all the tips, Charles! I’m pouring through the seed catalogs now and am excited to actually be able to find a few of your top picks here in the states! How lucky we all are to benefit from your years of experience! Walter and I wish you a happy spring from Maryland! Linda D

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are very welcome Linda

[@NatachaKemp]

Thank you, Charles, for the great advice. You gave me a lot to consider as I purchase seeds and prepare for the 2024 growing season.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are very welcome Natacha

[@RawLondonGardener]

Excellent information, great advice on seeds 👍

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you I am glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@cedriccbass-jp8ky]

As usual another great video. Especially in these times of super "charged" energies around the world. Your enthusiasm is contagious. Sorry to ask here Charles. Im just starting a market garden. Which of your books talks more about the actual vegetables, their spacing, companions, succession etc as opposed to farm setup, soil etc. There seems 2 or 3 that seem quite similar. Im leaning to the No dig, mustard covered one. thanks :) PS if anyones in Portugal pls check out Benji seed. Top guy, top seeds and someone that really cares.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Cedric and my No Dig book is full of info about the growing of each vegetable

[@cedriccbass-jp8ky]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig then its ordered and thanks for taking the time to answer, much appreciated.

[@TheCrackentone]

Charles it's amazing how you take time to reply to so many people. I've learned so much from your channel.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are very welcome and I am glad

[@irenesmith5676]

Hi Charles got them all written down in my seed book can’t wait for sowing ! Just been washing my greenhouse on the outside for more sunlight? That’s a joke 😂😂 lv Irene 😘 xx

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Irene. The sunlight so precious!

[@ajb.822]

Thanks, Charles ! I love all your videos but it's really nice to hear about your own experiences with various varieties. I'm in the US so some of these either aren't here or are under a dif. name but many ARE available here, too. I also just like to hear anyway. On seed organization, (I don't think I have as many as Charles, but I do have quite a bit) so far I have separated them by type ( Tomato, carrots) but in that, I usually have some grouped together, as brassicas, or summer squash and winter squash/pumpkins. Onions and Leeks. Herbs. These groups I place in Ziploc bags, labeled, then the bags in a plastic storage tote that's not very deep, so, they can be stacked in there like files in a filing cabinet. I got to where I needed another tote, so, separated them into cool-weather and warm-weather crops. I have some home saved seed in empty pill bottles too tho, and they get tucked in the edges, so, It's not perfect. I do have some of those in baggies which I'm able to stuff into the main bag of like seeds. I have only saved my own tomato, pepper, squash and melon so far. I used to keep my seeds in the fridge or freezer, as they're sposed to keep longer that way, and any that need to have a cold period, get it, but haven't had room for that these past couple yrs. so they stay near the floor, in a cool room. So far the mice have stayed out of the totes even tho they're not 100% super tightly lidded, but I'd advise having a very secure container against mice, esp. if you have corn, squashes or sunflower seeds in there ( prob. legumes as well). These tips aren't meant for Charles, I'm sure he knows way more than I, but for whomever out there they may help/give ideas to !

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you so much for this helpful advice, and congratulations on being nicely organised!

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

I completly agree. I had that issue with banana peppers. I know it’s not what I did as I germinate many other types of peppers no issues! And these I sowed about 50 and got a germination of 2! I think it’s the seed

[@irenesmith5676]

Hi Charles forgot to say thank you 🙏 thank you lv Irene 😘 xx

[@aname5267]

I’m pretty loyal to a carrot seed called Adelaide. I like the column shape for chopping when I’m cooking. I don’t like awkward pointed roots. I tried Fly Away last year with disappointing results.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Love that! And yes Flyaway was not good for me

[@estelasantillan787]

Hola maestro Charles Dowding un placer aprender con ustedes , trato de mejorar día a día para mejorar mí Huerta , hasta ahora con la cantidad de semillas que he comprado no he tenido suerte espero que mí suerte cambie , abrazo grande desde Argentina 🇦🇷 muchas bendiciones , gracias gracias por compartir tanta experiencia.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

¡Que bueno escuchar eso! Espero que puedas resolver las cosas más ahora, y todavía tienes medio año antes del invierno para lograr mucho, incluso podrías siembras hasta mediados de febrero, creo, dependiendo de exactamente dónde estás. Acabo de pasar dos días maravillosos en Buenos Aires, qué hermosa ciudad. ¡Fuimos a un espectáculo de tango también! Abrazos

[@estelasantillan787]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig oohh maestro buenísimo me alegro mucho 👏👏🇦🇷

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Gracias Estela

[@mickaltham8202]

I will be going through my seeds a d buying new ones, I'll be concentrating on growing for winter harvests, I only ended up with parsnips this year "white Gem" they went down well at Christmas 😀👍

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice!

[@jennifergertler2377]

I started growing onion from seed a couple of years ago and will never go back to sets. Patterson, Walla Walla and Ailsa Craig are my favorites. Trying a different red onion this year, as I have not found one I like yet. Excellent information! Thank you!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks for sharing your success

[@Constantinului]

Thank you, brother Charles !

[@juliehartley3652]

Thank you for this video - it's quite amazing how many varieties of seeds there are.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are very welcome

[@jayshomegrownveg8185]

Thanks for the advice Charles 😊

[@KOLLEKZIYA_FASOLI]

💚💚💚Dear Charles, I find it very helpful to watch your videos. I have been saving seeds for over 20 years. I have loved it since I was a child.Several years ago I became interested in collecting bean seeds. I look forward to your new videos. All the best.💚💚💚

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful to hear, you are a natural! Thanks for loving the videos

[@roser9480]

A good, very enjoyable and instructive video. Thank you so much from Barcelona.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are welcome

[@maryboehme420]

Thank you Charles for sharing your wealth of information, and free at that! Please instruct us how to save our own seeds for the trickier plants. Free information, free seeds!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Mary, and in the description are links to my videos about seed saving.

[@laurainesmartinezvonscheidt]

Hi! I’ve heard you’ve been in Patagonia in South America! So, hello from down here Buenos Aires, Argentina. Do not miss our northern provinces such as Salta, Tucumán and Catamarca among others. You should come back either in Spring or Autumn to enjoy most of these areas. Hope you had a good time! 💚🌻

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Next time I hope and thanks. We had two wonderful days in Buenos Aires, after an extraordinary and magical time in Patagonia.

[@yvonnejackson1696]

I wonder if your summers are warm enough to grow what we call “field peas” (blackeyed peas, crowders, purple hulls, etc. ). They are a staple of our diet here-nutritious, easy to grow in a climate with warm summers and easy to dry for winter use. No garden of more than a few square meters here is complete without a row or two of a favorite variety.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Yvonne, they sound productive, probably could grow them here although I have loads of dry borlotti beans.

[@riverstun]

Ultomately, when you crop your own seed, they evolve to acclimatise to your own environment. Anything that grows well with you, save seed, end every year, save from your best plants, That way, you develop the best of the best, In your conditions.

[@dale3696]

Great video Charles, thank you. 100% agree on some bought seeds. I'm in Australia and purchased some seeds online (local supplier) and germination rate was like 10%. I went back to the supplier, and she mentioned she had purchased the business 6mths earlier and wasn't sure how old the seeds were. So yes, if you can save your own and know their age, so much better. Thanks again, love your work and thank you so much for sharing your knowledge & wisdom. You da Man !!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Helpful and good you checked but after losing so much time! Many thanks

[@glassbackdiy3949]

Good show, cheers Charles. Impressive video catalogging/archiving skills, it makes all the difference seeing the varieties as you reel off your deep knowlegde

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it. Edward manages his archives really well!

[@sualleron3001]

Thank you for the wonderful video....a brilliant way to end my day. 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it Su 🙂

[@shannarijke8840]

Love your tip, about it sometimes because of the seed not always due to the gardener!

[@stevendowden2579]

always enjoyable videos charles

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you Steven

[@kyriacoscrassides2553]

I can’t thank you enough for all the wonderful information you gave us. I really appreciate that and I’m sure it will be very helpful for me. Again thank you so much!!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are so welcome 💚

[@leslielanglois7774]

Excellent video again. I particularly liked the insight into varieties not being well maintained by the seed companies, as well as the fact that the seeds might not be as fresh as you would like. Recently planted 3 packets of onion seeds in a greenhouse, from a major supplier, same compost, covered the same way, one excellent germination, one fairly good one dreadful. Best one was a stalwart of onion varieties so I am guessing faster turnover of seed stock leading to fresher seeds. Only think I didn't hear, but i might of missed it was if you keep seeds from F1's they won't come true to variety. You have remotivated me to grow vegetables !!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I'm happy to have motivated, you, Leslie! And those are very interesting observations. Yes, if you keep seed from F1 varieties, they very rarely grow the same as their parents.

[@raspberryleaf3741]

Hooray...saved to watch later. Thanks!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Enjoy 🙂

[@raspberryleaf3741]

@CharlesDowding1nodig I did thank you! I've completely changed round my allotment this year and was looking for ideas to put in a bed that appears to kill everything off! I removed the raised bed today. I think there were creatures hiding under it. I suspect they've moved to the potato patch!😆 I firmly believe they know I have no idea what I'm doing. Squirrels have tea parties in my fruit patch and often invite their deer friends, and I swear rabbits can fly! It's a jungle out there. I love it though. 😀

[@MarvinNL]

Thank you so much for sharing, a true humanitarian!

[@izzywizzy2361]

I saved some sweet pepper seeds from an organically grown red pepper last year and have sown them next to some bought seeds that I bought the year before, the bought seeds are struggling rather but my saved seeds have sprung up in abundance, so I have many more seedlings than I can use! I agree that saved seeds are great and of course free🎉

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is awesome and best of luck, hope it was not a hybrid variety though, fun to try

[@stlmama7643]

After watching this video I searched out the Rose Berne tomato and ordered some seed. Always looking for great tomatoes! Here in the US I use Baker Creek, Johnny’s, Scheeper’s and Territorial, primarily, in addition to saving seed. Baker Creek is just so comprehensive in OP varieties, and they are in southwest Missouri. So, when they say something grows great in our brutal Missouri summers, I can have a little better chance of success. I really appreciate Johnny’s and Territorial for all of the information they provide. Their catalogues are like gardening handbooks. I use Scheeper’s more for bulbs, but also for herbs and flowers. I’ve probably used their seed longer than any other company, and the quality is consistently good. Hopefully this is a help to some newer gardeners in the US.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you so much for sharing this, I'm sure it's helpful for money.

[@tedbastwock3810]

Of these 4 you mention I only knew of Johnnys, which I believe had some kind of association with Eliot Coleman. Thank you for mentioning these 4, I will have to give them a try. Have you tried Urban Farmer? Thats the only place ik of to get peanuts. I have had good experience with UF and Johnnys, and Johnnys is as you say, full of useful info, I like that they put the dates and germination test rates on their packets. Idk how many seed co do this, but I know most of the ones you find in stores dont.

[@marcidevries5515]

Thank you for the tips and for sharing your knowledge and beautiful gardens.

[@LaVikinga108]

Thanks for these recommendations!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are very welcome

[@DrNickBailey]

As always a beautiful video. I've been enjoying saving seed - my lettuce last year was a triumph and I now have a huge heap of seeds so I've been trying to give them away on my local Facebook swap site.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear of your success 🙂

[@dafyddrhobert2414]

As an experiment, I planted some long white potato chits I had taken off potatoes. They did nothing for quite some time but eventually leaves emerged. When they finished, I emptied the pot to find a few very small potatoes the size of baked beans. These have been put in cold storage and will be planted again this year hoping for larger potatoes. It may take a few years before they are a useful size but it will be interesting to follow what happens.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hey Dafydd you are showing wonderful diligence and patience! Good luck with achieving a harvest, when the potatoes will taste extra special!

[@kathypope3010]

Thank you Charles for another great, informative video. I have learned so much from your videos. Appreciate it.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is great to hear Kathy, thank you

[@milipwn]

alot of very good information in this video as per usuall i have to add, i been growing different things for a small decade now, and by far the bigest difference for me are the cabbages and colliflouwrs etc that are bred to fight off clubroot parasite, some plants to me seem to be affected still but can produce a regular crop, some plants just show no signs of clubroot

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear. It can also be that your soil is improving, I have heard of clubroot - infected soil, coming clear of clubroot in no dig allotments

[@Familygarden88]

Thank you for sharing

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

My pleasure

[@nikolajholst]

So great Charles, thank you very much! You’re doing such a fantastic work😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoy it Nikolaj!

[@turtle2212]

Hello Sir Charles and thanks for this timely video. I cannot get hold of Sungold F1 tomato, but an offspring is circulating for years that is very close called Big sungold select and open pollinated... I love brussels sprouts but even with F1 Hybrid and nice looking plants I always fail to get the sprouts swelling, very sad. The one potatoe that came up fantastic regards taste and yield was Nemo, beautiful red with white spots, good for mash potatoes and gnocchi. As I could not find seeds for Rose de roscoff, I have bought a bunch to plant for my own seeds this year, fingers crossed. Last years seed saving project was very successful with beetroot, hopefully they will germinate😊. Have a nice day, you made mine today.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice of you thanks. Sorry about your Brussels!

[@waynesell3681]

Thank you Charles. Haven't tried onions from seeds, going to do this year. Been bruising couple seed catalogs...

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear Wayne

[@waynesell3681]

​@@CharlesDowding1nodigthe onions are popping up! Took a few more notes this viewing. Thank you

[@dianeladico1769]

I'm in the US and my favorite is Baker Creek. Free shipping to the US and $12 flat rate to the UK. They carry 1000 heirloom varieties, encourage seed saving and sharing and they donate to schools and clubs and worthy causes. I'm not endorsed in any way, I've just come to love them. If I could recommend two varieties the first would be Sunsugar cherry tomato. It's sweeter than Sungold and is more crack-resistant especially when rainfall is inconsistent. The skin is slightly thicker but not unpleasantly so. They're prolific which is a good thing because so many of them don't make it into the house. Next is Honey Nut winter squash. It's a baby type of butternut, it fits in your hand. Very sweet, easy to trellis if need be and absolutely adorable.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you, Diane, these are great tips and I wish I had mentioned Baker Creek, but I was not sure of the shipping position to the UK. In terms of legalities, many people say it's not allowed and I should have checked! Thanks for those variety tips.

[@gardentothekitchenwithtracy]

Thank you really clear advice on the seeds and encouragement for saving them 😊

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@lb1701d]

Thank you, Charles. You continue to be the antidote to a challenging day. I really enjoyed this summary and thanks for the tips on where to go. Tamar Organics sells Oxhella! What a relief since Brexit killed off my favourite German supplier's UK delivery!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Happy to help, yes Tamar are doing a nice job

[@gailshields9135]

Hi Charles, I have been following @redwood organic seeds. They are out of northern CA.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear, thanks Gail

[@Dindoes]

Brilliant as usual Sir Charles. Why did no one tell me before that peas do not cross pollinate 😅…. I thought my peas might have cross pollinated so I’ve been using them for micro pea shoots 😂 I must add, I have failed to grow beetroots for 3 years for some reason. Even though the seeds have germinated they just not forming a large root in the ground. I’m going to buy from another supplier this year

[@elizabethflynn8455]

Thanks for this, Charles. For folks in Ireland, check out Brown Envelope Seeds in Co. Cork.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

My pleasure Elizabeth

[@neilanscombe7348]

Thank you Charles for another superb video... did we hear you mention about a thought of selling some seeds, now there's an idea to look into..... Have a great week!!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Watch this space Neil

[@trevorwills3356]

Please don't sell hundreds of seeds in one packet and charge heavily. Something on the same line of Bargain Seeds I reckon would be more successful.

[@z1360g]

Muchísimas gracias Charles, excelente explicación, ejemplos, sugerencias, consejos. Maravilloso ❤abrazos desde Jujuy Argentina

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hola Jujuy, gracias

[@lindabuchan5855]

I too grow keravel roscoff onions, think I will try & save seeds this year, a very knowledgeable video, thanks

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are most welcome Linda, I wish you success

[@jurgendorr6282]

I am glad you mention Bingenheimer. My brother in law lived in the home for handcapped, which runs the seed company and laid out seeds of every batch they packed on a tray to test their germination rate. I am not sure, if that is common practice. And mentioning limitations down to brexit: I visited a 90 year old friend, who has managed a garden centre and went to one of the biggest in the UK but could not bring back to Germany any seeds or plants due to the custom regulations.😢

[@anjaalt2682]

They all have to check thee germination rate of the seeds.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Jurgen, and yes it's less easy now :(

[@squeezyjohn1]

Absolutely agree about keeping your own seed potatoes ... I've kept Harlequin since 2016 despite the 2017 seed crops failing and nobody reintroducing them. Such a shame that this beautiful long smooth skinned waxy Charlotte x Pink Fir Apple cross has seemingly been abandoned.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh wow! I grew it once and liked it. You are now carrying the flag so to speak!

[@emmakavanagh3485]

Brilliant video!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you Emma, gad you enjoyed it.

[@franksinatra1070]

Thanks Charles good to hear your favorite varieties. I purchased some winter Density lettuce for this year to plant in autumn to hopefully stand up to my cold winters a little longer. I like Belstar broccoli. It is a hybrid but it produces large primary heads and good size side shoots.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds great Frank

[@jennieshrew]

I carefully saved my leek seeds after growing a few on, caring for the plants for months. My kids found them in a bucket and soul destroyingly scattered them all over my garden, mostly on the path. We shall see if any pop up in random places.

[@DaraRich]

Oh no, that sounds really hard😓. I‘m so sorry….but it‘s children🤷🏻‍♀️…never boring🙈

[@DonnaAnderson-h9p]

I feel your pain. After leaving plenty of peas on the plant to dry, they were all picked by guests at my son’s birthday party. They were then discarded because they obviously didn’t taste nice but they were not nearly dry enough to save as seed 🥹 I recommend ‘Real Seeds’ for heritage peas that can grow to 6 to 10 feet depending on the variety - great for smaller spaces and they taste great.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oooh I am sorry to see these two comments, hope those people come to appreciate your gardening more

[@davidwootton5830]

Another great video with lots of information and advice. Thank you!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

My pleasure David

[@hannahbest2274]

Love the flowering sprout plants, they are delicious and so prolific. Should I be getting rid of old seed, I always feel it’s a waste to throw it away.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I would. Sometimes I sow old seed, the germination is not strong, and I end up wasting time and space trying to grow them. That is more of a waste!