Seed Shopping for your Food Garden (Where to buy, what to buy, and general seed-nerd chat)

Botanical Interests: shrsl.com/4dkvw
MIGardener: migardener.com/?ref=jess
Wild Boar Farm: www.wildboarfarms.com
Hudson Valley: hudsonvalleyseed.com
Seed Savers Website: seedsavers.org
My Gardening Book: amzn.to/3S0fljY
Hey ya'll, I'm Jess from Roots & Refuge Farm
Welcome to a place that feels like home. A small farm with a big family. We hope you'll pull up a chair, grab some coffee and visit awhile.
There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that is exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart - to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to our journey, friend. I am so glad you're here.
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Leesville SC 29070
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PRODUCTS WE LOVE - You've probably heard me talk about these things a million times, so here's where you can order them (and get a discount with my code!):
- Greenstalk Vertical Gardens (Use code "ROOTS10" for $10 off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-greenstalk
- Squizito Tasting Room (Use code "ROOTS" for 10% off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-squizito
- ButcherBox: rootsandrefuge.com/butcherbox
- Growers Solution: rootsandrefuge.com/growers-so...
- Neptune's Harvest Fertilizer: rootsandrefuge.com/neptunes-h...
#rootsandrefuge

[@MIgardener]

Migardener HQ is having a seed swap! We want as many people as possible to come out and get free seed and swap saved seeds, as well as meet like minded individuals ❤

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Fantastic! Are the details on the website?

[@Jules-pu8zd]

Some day I will visit your store. I love buying and growing your seeds. Also love your videos.

[@ElderandOakFarm]

I wish I lived close!

[@elainemarie1473]

Does Rachel at 1870s homestead know? 😅

[@AnneLeigh.]

Thank you so much for keeping your seeds cost-effective and not falling into our countries inflation affliction. The gardening community is truly grateful for you!

[@EmilyMottesheard]

Librarian here: Can confirm. If you come to us with a fun or useful activity open to the public and would like to use our space for it, we will jump at the chance to work with you! We are starting our own seed swap here at our library for our Spring programming and I’m planning on donating some of my seeds to help start things off.

[@sandrajordan6971]

My local library had a seed collection in a old card catalog stand where they can separate various seeds. They share seeds along with information on how to save their seeds once grown so you can bring back more seeds to share it's an awesome program.

[@EhGardenerGuy]

My local library hosts each spring Seedy Saturday; seed swap, plant advice from the Master Gardeners and gardening talks.

[@Gardencook5]

Such wonderful ideas & I didn’t know this was a “thing!” I must ask around at my library now!! ❤ Thanks for the idea!

[@katgmied3]

I have loved using my local library for this. It has been a blessing to start my gardening journey.

[@dawnhamilton197]

I have listened to your seed information for years and learn something new every years and love to be reminded of information I have forgotten. Thanks for sharing your passion and knowledge!

[@allaboutabasket]

Jess, you’ll like this…years ago I was on my knees planting hibiscus seeds . With seeds in hand, I suddenly understood “Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” a garden moment I’ll never forget…

[@margaretmininger9406]

"That's why your grocery store tomato tastes like disappointment"... 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 SO accurate! Really appreciate all of this information, Jess! Keep up the good work!

[@juliereis146]

If you or anyone you know orders pizza that have the little white pizza tables (lol) save those if you don’t have plastic domes/covers for your seedling trays . If you’re starting seeds in trays that don’t have covers you can use plastic wrap and the pizza tables will keep the plastic wrap from sticking to the soil or sprouting seed.

[@Thankful_.]

Smart idea! Thanks for sharing! 🌱

[@myurbangarden7695]

One cool story is the JIMMY NARDELLO. Angela Nardello was an Italian immigrant who had 11 children. The productive pepper 🌶️ helped her feed her family and was the secret to so much NEW YORK ITALIAN CLASSIC dishes. Her son Jimmy saved the seeds, but never gave out her secret sauce recipes.

[@CHICHISWEETS]

I’m in SC, & I grew Nardello last yr. in 4 gallon pots. Very prolific, produced into Dec. in my $100 greenhouse. Tasteless, but these add such color to my food. I have a freezer full of 🌶️!

[@ssnure111]

Our family’s ALL TIME FAVORITE pepper. So delicious!!!

[@schex9]

​@@resaunders26IKR? It's a sweet pepper flavor, just like a bellpepper but a little more intense. We grill them.

[@schex9]

That simple story keeps evolving as it is retold. Jimmy N noticed a new variety in his garden and he grew it over and over and went through the process to have it registered and named. That's all.

[@flowerpixel]

My favorite peppers. I eat them raw

[@WelcometomyCapeCodlife]

Some of our area libraries have started seed libraries. Gardeners have donated packets of seeds that anyone who needs seeds can just come in and help themselves. They are filed by varieties. Most people use it as an in house seed swap, they bring what they have extras of and see what’s available while they are there. It’s a great resource for new and seasoned gardeners!

[@seekerjordan680]

This is the most heartwarming and fantastic thing I have read all day ❤️ Will have to check my local library and see if they do something like this too! 😮

[@angeladepetris-phillippe4152]

My local libraries do this also, I love it!

[@katherinebelk8398]

I love Johnny's seeds. I love how they categorize by heat tolerance and disease resistance. It's definitely a plus for growing in Florida

[@priscillagipson-huntley1842]

Agree. I think people in FL struggle bc they assume you can grow everything during the ‘normal’ growing season. Then you find out how to garden here 😅. Johnny’s is so helpful finding heat tolerant varieties.

[@kikiinthegarden]

Agreed. Us FL gardeners definitely appreciate that! ♥️

[@mainenanabear9746]

they r local to us and this year we are going to their store and fedco store....its my dream to go to as many seed stores as I can. Im on a mission and have only been to Hudson Valley in NY. I live in Maine and my daughter lives 40 mins from Hudson Valley Seeds.

[@HarvestingFaithHomestead]

I love sharing seeds! I’m in multiple seed swaps and gave one lady seeds to start an entire salsa garden. She was tickled and I made a great friend!

[@Graceforeal]

I’m a beginner seed starter and this video has given me so much more confidence in terms of getting started and not feel so overwhelmed. Thank you:)

[@jerryabigailahrens8239]

I am in NE Wisconsin-I was gifted a plethora of seeds from our local grocery store last fall-very happy to share them to anyone who wants to cover shipping!

[@mlee7037]

I know I paid more for my broccoli than I could have paid at the store, but the joy of watching it grow and the taste makes it all worth while. It is amazing how different the same vegetable tastes when you grow it at home!

[@elainemarie1473]

This is how I feel about swiss Chard. I grew it, loved it, and then was very disappointed when I tried to buy some. If I hadn't grown it first, I probably wouldn't have ever thought I liked it.

[@lumpyslongshot2113]

Any seeds imported are usually nuked by x ray machines at customs. Stay local, love you all Jess and happy gardening this year. Thank you for all of your knowledge, you truly care about all of us and it’s appreciated.

[@ArtistCreek]

Exactly...anything grown outside the US and imported are irradiated to prevent diseases coming in. That is why most of your pepper seeds from your bell peppers won't grow. Same with avocado. Read the little sticker. Some store use more local farmers..like HEB in TX. We can grow most seeds that come from their produce because a lot of it is TX grown. I heard anything in or out of CA is also irradiated. Which kinda explains why most nurseries won't ship to CA.

[@myurbangarden7695]

To all my URBAN HOMESTEADERS/ SMALL SPACE GARDENERS. This is the time to refresh and sift the soil in your garden boxes and grow bags. Don't feel you have to confirm to CONTAINER VARIETIES if you are using 7-10 gallon grow bags in your yard or patio. If you want to grow on your COUNTER TOP container varieties are a good choice.

[@elainemarie1473]

Orange Hat tomatoes make a great countertop variety. They can live and produce in a 6-inch pot

[@malva4838]

Please don't think you need a ton of money to get your seeds started. Save food containers to plant in! You can use takeout containers, yogurt cups, milk cartons, juice boxes, soda/coffee cups, toilet paper/paper towel rolls, all sorts of vessels will hold soil and seeds to get them started and/or grow.

[@angelawilliams8401]

I started all my flowers, veggies and herbs from seeds last year, thanks to your pep talks Jess. It is sooo rewarding, intimidating a little, but anyone can do it!!!! Also Jess, thanks for introducing me to Sunflower Steve, I was able to grab some seeds the other day and can't wait to plant.

[@SiriusScientist]

Thank you for this comment! I’ve been trying to get seeds from Sunflower Steve and keep missing when they are available. I picked up a pack and I can’t wait!

[@seekerjordan680]

I am so excited to get my hands on some of the pink black oil sunflowers I saw on his Instagram a while back 😍 pastel goth flower!🌸 🖤 a whole row of those on a fence line would be heaven for the eye holes.

[@galeharris6696]

In my community, two great places to find free seeds are at either the local food bank, or the senior center. Every year there's a call out to people with extra seeds for donations at those places, and a few weeks later there's TONS of seeds being donated. I love my community!

[@Thankful_.]

Very nice!

[@MorePranaGardens]

You had me at "seed-nerd chat"! Haha

[@cultivating_home]

I need that 3 hour seed video 🤣 Love MIgardener, Baker Creek, and Botanical Interests. My husband was laughing at me because when you said to "go in on a seed order with friends" I yelled at my phone, "I have no friends!!" (No friends that garden 🤣 I have other friends)

[@ah3ll0]

Me too lol

[@CuteGothChick]

Best friends

[@rachelscrazyfarm3969]

Hahaha I had to turn a few good friends into gardeners so I had someone else to talk to and share with. I was giving them seeds and free containers to make it happen. I also have a seed addiction so if I share some I feel a bit better about getting so many.

[@Greenacres1958]

My sister and I are gardening friends. She sent me this video!!!! We compare a lot of she’s got some good ideas and I have good ideas! I have rabbits for fertilizer. Gonna donate her a couple rabbits for her fertilizer source.

[@reginaneufeld1092]

You are such a great teacher/communicater. Thank-you for sharing all your knowledge and experience. God bless you Jess...

[@lotus....]

I keep my seeds in Military Ammo Boxes. They come in diff sizes and you can paint them too lol. Nice dry & airtight. Rodents etc cant chew into them. I also put them in vaccuum sealed bags then throw them in the ammo box.

[@YehushaIsAdonai-wi5jv]

Needed this today! Thank you! -60 degrees and dealing with frostbite on chickens and ducks and a goat due to kid any minute has me wishing for gardening weather. 😊

[@emmz....]

I have 2 goats that are due anytime aswell and it's going to be so cold this weekend😮‍💨

[@jjo.jjournals]

Hold tight and stay warm when possible! -40 F wind chill here..we got this!!

[@Thankful_.]

Bless their hearys

[@Gardeningandstuffwithholly]

Thank you so much for introducing me to Botanical Interest. Not only are they quality seeds, but they make receiving your shipment special too.

[@michellehommes9773]

Every veggie that you grow will be the best tasting veggie you have ever eaten. Enjoy the process.

[@RespectMotherNature84]

Tomatoes seedlings done so easy…in the fall slice a tasty favorite tomato, and lay them in a container with moist soil. Put in a dark cool spot and forget until time to start tomatoes seedlings in spring. Just start watering in a sunny location. They pop like crazy. Thin and pot up. Amish trick I learned from Stacy (Off Grid with Doug and Stacy). My favorite tomato, Cherokee Purple and Sun Gold cherry.

[@kated3165]

I used to think I just didn't like vegetables very much, that it was just due to personal preference. Then I started gardening, and realized that I actually loved vegetables. The problem was never my taste buds or preference... its the bland, sad old stuff grocery stores sell us. Sadly Canada has a limited gardening period, but my partner and I now find ourselves gorging on fresh garden veggies and fruit, at every meal, all summer and fall long. Its a hobby that is def reducing our yearly grocery bill as well as improving our health!

[@teresamozingo6521]

For the last few years I have bought most of my seeds from Mary's Heirloom Seeds. I have always had 100% germination rate even on seeds I had for 3 or 4 years.

[@annavanderbom1583]

Funny story our pickling cucumbers never made it to a jar because the kids loved them! We will be planting 4 plants this year

[@gigglegore4761]

You've been such an inspiration to me over the years! I'm getting ready to teach an organic gardening program series this summer at the Nature Center I work at. I just wanted to say thank you for your warm, gentle way of teaching and all the effort you've put in. I've loved watching you and your family grow along this beautiful journey you've been on. Thank you for the inspiration and thank you for welcoming us into your home!

[@Ca11M3_Jess]

As someone who wayyyyyy over and under thinks things simultaneously (wrap your head around that 😂 ] I really appreciate this type of no-nonsense talk. Thank you for all the help you've given me through the years! My best advice is to just do the thing; anxiety will get you every time.

[@PopularRed]

I am legitimately the same! Major over and under thinker here too!!

[@lindap9079]

My Buy-Nothing group has a seed swap every spring. It's one of the many reasons I love the Buy-Nothing group. I have never understood the "open pollinated" definitions I have heard in the past. Thank you for making that concept graspable.

[@LizMac-mm9uj]

Some of the best cantaloupes and honeydew I’ve ever grown were saved from grocery store melons. They had wonderful flavor and were productive enough for us.

[@emilyswezey5001]

One of the biggest thing is learning about your climate, asking neighbors and looking up NOAA weather station data is definitely the best way to find that info. The closer to your house the better, here there are really big differences between places not very far apart because of rivers and mountains. I garden in Washington State in a mountain river valley, we are zone 6 and have about 120-150 frost free days. We have hot summers and cold winters, but we don't have much rain and we don't have much humidity usually and we can grow brassicas and root crops all season, I will always be confused and scared by Southern gardening 😂 you guys have it hard!

[@ChickadeeMountainHomestead]

Girllllll!! I got a whole wooden box of old seed catalogs that I didn't want to throw away. So I came up with some cool ideas for them. Thank you as always for your videos. ❤ I love seeds!!!!!

[@CarolNies]

What do you do with your catalogs?

[@kkeenan536]

Grateful for Luke’s (MI Gardener) $2.00 seeds being on fixed income. Hoss Tools is also a family owned business that sells everything!

[@gardeningwithhoss]

Thanks Keenan

[@perfectlyimperfect2023]

I walked into my local Walmart today, and my heart was so happy seeing all the seeds and seed starting stuff already being put out.

[@Motorstykel]

A seed company I love is 'Territorial Seed Company'. They are based out of Oregon and are a family run small business. My family has been buying seeds from them almost as soon as they became established back in the late 1980's. They are great! I highly recommend looking into them especially if you live in the PNW.

[@lisanowakow3688]

Yes, seeds from an enthusiast❣️

[@jujube2407]

Anyone who tells you don't buy dollar tree seeds doesn't know what they are talking about ❤ I love bakers creek...and mi gardener.... that's where I buy the specialty stuff!!!! The pretty stuff! But I routinely fill my garden bulk with dollar tree heritage seeds!!! They grow...and they grow well! They are 4 for $1.00 not 1.25! And if you buy the end of the season they are often 10 for 1.00!!!! If seed cost is a concern! Please go get some dollar tree seeds ❤️

[@theIAMofME]

Those seeds are amazing. The spinach grew like crazy and the ONE butternut squash plant grew me a whopping 12 squash. I was stunned. They were so pretty! I gave four of them away to friends. I wish my husband liked them.

[@jujube2407]

@theIAMofME exactly... they aren't fancy...but they are staple workhorses! I picked up some radishes to grow in the spring myself this week.! 👌 50 cents and in a months time we could have 100!

[@catracampolieto8989]

I plant radishes along side of my squash plants. I've found that it keeps the squash bugs away. I always plant marigolds in with my tomatoes to keep the hornworms away. I always try growing at least one new variety of anything that I'll eat.

[@schex9]

Squash vine borers are a worse problem than squash bugs

[@catracampolieto8989]

@@schex9 I meant squash vine borders. Sorry.

[@sandrajordan6971]

Jess😂 I know what you mean about being embarrassed about crywhen you met the tomatoes guy. 😂 I commented on one of your videos and you messaged me. I was so star struck 😂 I was lost for words. I've been watching you for year's and I've learned a lot. I love your devotional videos even more you have a way of explaining things with your heart your a blessing to your viewer's. Thank you ❤

[@petecilione4166]

Got our MI Gardner seeds. I also seeded a bunch of my peppers 🌶 from last year and tomato seeds from the year before. I think I will double or triple sow. We live in the northeast and I am winter sowing again this year. We had a large surplus to share with friends and encouraged them to save seeds. Love a seed vid! ~ Tammy

[@celestecherry6286]

I love your First Time Gardener book. I ordered it on Amazon last year to have something beautiful to both read and look at through the "off" season

[@feliciapace2331]

FYI winter squash is not grown in fall/winter. Lol. Found out the hard way 2 years ago - lost all my butternut squash the first frost. Learned my lesson and I currently have about 25 butternut squash on a sheet of cardboard under my bed! Lol. Thanks so much for all the knowledge you give - already getting excited for seed starting!

[@marilynclayton3430]

If you go to the farmers almanac and put in your zip code it will tell you when to starts seeds by date and when to start what indoors or outdoors as well. It’s been a good resource for me in Alaska because none of the gardening resources apply to my area. I just love learning so I apply what I can and get inspiration from where I can even if I can’t grow it all. 💚

[@SiriusScientist]

Do you watch Simple Living Alaska? They moved recently and didn’t start a garden last season, but said they will be starting seeds this winter. I found them through their garden content

[@marilynclayton3430]

@@SiriusScientist yes! I love their content. 💚

[@theIAMofME]

Gardenate is a great resource site.

[@teriparrish]

I’m starting from seed for the first time this year. My seed orders are in and my grow light shelves are set up. I’ve watched a years worth of gardening videos. I’m ready and I’ll try my best.

[@schex9]

Order seeds for next year at the end of this spring or summer. This is when you've thought about which ones you want for next year and if you order then, you have a better chance of then being in stock (or you will be first on the list when restocked).

[@jimshirey2293]

Beth here...I just ordered a butt load of seeds yesterday 😂🤣 Some new, some I've always grown. I enjoy growing from seed so that I can control everything from beginning to end...and the excitement of the whole process.

[@shockingdocumentaries4255]

You can also use peas and beans from the supermarket. They tend to have the lowest price for seeds. It usually has a code on the the packaging that you can use to identify the variety.

[@Thankful_.]

Wonderful info! Thx for sharing! 🌱

[@shockingdocumentaries4255]

@@Thankful_. ❤️

[@kellielarsen7756]

Hi Jess, I struggle so much with organising, routine and motivation. My daughter says that I may have ADHD which kind of makes sense to me. I appreciate the guidance and advice you offer. It truly helps and I just wanted to thank you for your efforts in your personal life and your efforts in educational content regarding gardening etc. Love always Kellie xx

[@craftypurlgurl226]

Hooray! Another seed video! I've been rewatching your older seed videos for inspiration and I'm happy for another one. I'll be starting my garden from seed this year and I'm so pumped!

[@Sproutupgardening]

Woo! MiGardener. I love Lukes content his channel is on heavy rotation on my KZbin. I also really like High Mowing seeds. I bought my first successful crop of carrots from them 😁.

[@priscillagipson-huntley1842]

I could listen to videos like this ALLL DAY

[@serobinson1]

Also, your book is amazing for everyone :)

[@Crazychickenlady448]

Time for honey ginger tea in my BibleThinker mug and getting cozy on this snowy afternoon to chat with my girl Jess! ❤

[@daniellerussomanno188]

I love Hudson Valley Seed Co! Can’t wait to try some seeds from other sellers that you’ve mentioned.

[@jeshurunfarm]

Respect from Africa 🇿🇦

[@kittiew260]

So glad you're supporting Kevin at Botanical & Epic. His last video was raw & real. Hopefully, you all can hook up because he could use your knowledge

[@nicolew8321]

He got me into gardening 🥲 I hope he is doing better and we eventually see more of him back.

[@hollymiller1253]

I started seeds via winter sowing last year for the first time purely out of desperation to be back in the garden ASAP. My starts weren't ready any earlier (and I'm going to tweak what I try to grow via which method) but once they got going, those plants really were the most hardy of all the ones I started!

[@realfreshfood4575]

I purchase seeds from EVERYWHERE! My local farm, Baker Creek, Morgan County, Johnny's, Dollar General/Tree, & every now and then, big box stores. I grow the DG/DT seeds EVERY year, because I teach gardening every spring and its the most cost effective way to introduce gardening to others. The food tastes great, and if a plant fails, it won't break the bank. I catch them at the end if the season for about.08/each, and vacuum seal them for future gardens.

[@kehaulanipuou3644]

I love starting from seed and watching them grow is just priceless to me:). I have two folders, one for flowers and the other for food and herbs❤

[@LVSpeedweLL]

Thank you Jess🤗💖 reading your catalog list I’d add Fedco seeds in Maine and TurtleTree seeds in NY as excellent catalogs When I managed a community garden theyre 2 places suggested to new gardeners. 👩🏻‍🌾tips: use actual “seed start mix” which doesn’t have high fertility/nutrients in it, which initially can cause poor germination; once seedlings are up you can start feeding🌱them. If you swap produce with neighbors, see what they’re growing and grow other crops or varieties to trade. Definitely get Jess’s book👍🏼 Happy New Year.

[@AmandainGeorgia]

Our favorite tomato is one we collected from fruit purchased at a roadside stand. It is a beautiful ox heart style light red tomato that is meaty, great as a slicer, awesome for preserving, low seed count. It produces a spindly seedling that always makes me fear I’m not going to get any tomatoes, but then somehow they always kick into gear and start pumping out fruit just when I’m ready to give up. I’ve saved seeds from this tomato for maybe 5 years now, and it is reliably producing the fruit I want. I tend to plant my tomatoes in sections, and then I save seeds from a plant in the middle of the section, lowering the risk of unwanted cross pollination. But sometimes I do get some cross pollinated ones that are different and fun, and I call them my surprise tomatoes. Every few years I go back and buy true seeds for varieties I love, like Cherokee Purple or some of the lovely anthocyanin dark beauties, and I still have a bunch of true seed in my seed storage box, but planting a seed from a fruit that you harvested just closes the circle and feels incredibly special to me. Also, lots of people are concerned about toxic squash from home collected seeds. I did get a very bitter zucchini one time, but it was inedible. It’s not like I could have eaten enough of it to make me sick. It just tasted awful. But that’s one time, one plant, many years of gardens. I’ve also had some really fun successes in cross pollinated squashes, like spaghetti and acorn cross that was delicious. So if you go to a seed swap, be prepared for a few possible surprises, but don’t fear them - it could be an improvement!

[@ElderandOakFarm]

I always do a big seed giveaway in December with seeds Ive saved and purchased! 🥰

[@ramonajolley1966]

Hi Jess! I read the Baker Creek seed catalog from cover to cover. I love that catalog. I learn so much from their catalog. I'm waiting on the Botanical Gardens catalog now. I do buy seeds from everywhere. I think I'm a seedaholic. I even have 4 of the plastic photo boxes. I have to get more. Calikim sells seeds and monthly boxes, which I love. You're the best, Jess!! It's raining here in NC, so i know it is there as well. Stay safe. Take care.

[@katiebrown2315]

"And that's why grocery store tomatoes taste like disappointment." 😂❤️

[@user-sd9ke4uy8y]

Thank you so much for sharing all of your wisdom! Love your channel

[@amberrogers4870]

LOVE those photo boxes. Those are what I use too.

[@haileybowman2958]

I found my MIGardener seeds to be far superior in germination and just how well the plants grew compared to Baker Creek seeds- which I bought from prior to MIGardener opening a few years ago. And that’s some of the same varieties…

[@SK-fq1by3977]

Same. I think Baker is becoming too big that things are not quality controlled properly. I do like their variety choices and catalog though :)

[@homesanctuaryliving]

Same

[@karenjackson6884]

100% agreed

[@laurarichwalker6216]

Truly enjoyed the visit with you and the info! Just ordered (first time) from Baker Creek. Can't wait until they arrive!

[@yeastybeastie]

This is the most informative yet understandable explanation of the hybrid/open pollinated situation (I would have previously called the hybrid vs open pollinated debate) I've encountered. Thank you!

[@tibbs4000]

Blue velvet chairs. The yellow chairs are nice, but they'd be phenomenal in dark blue velvet. Similar to the blue lamp in the background 💙💙💙💙

[@lanettelawrence6308]

Thank you for all the information Kim gardening..

[@livmegargle5420]

I like to let new gardeners know there are also many edible perennials we can plant in our gardens once instead of or in addition to seed starting and if we nurture them along with building the soil they can provide food for many years to come! The ones I love to grow are raspberries, strawberries, artichokes, sunchokes, asparagus, sorrel, blueberries, currents, figs, apples, cherries, grapes, chocolate vine to name a few. There are dwarf/container/espaliered/columnar varieties of many fruit trees that can be grown right in the garden or on the porch.

[@schex9]

I grow peppers as perennials in south Louisiana. I only have to cover or bring indoors a couple of times per year.

[@TNTINNC]

Amazing shout out to Sow True Seed! I live in Asheville and they are my go to along with botanical interests. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge.

[@ErinCrooks-vw3ig]

I would love a 3 hour seed video! Yes please!

[@SoilandMargaritas]

This year (2023) I saved a lot of seeds from my garden, still the desire of buying more and more does not go away! I even saved some seeds from Sunflower Steve's blooms BUT one of my in laws gave me 2 packets from him... so I feel like I al winning there with the sunflowers :)

[@cherylmcnaughton7287]

I love MIGardener, Baker Creek, Seed Savers Exchange and Botanical Interests. I would also highly recommend Fedco Seeds from Maine. Their catalogue is so unique with a great deal of information and the artwork is so fun! The catalogues are collectible here in Maine and they are known for their trees and shrubs.

[@Nicollettesparkov]

This is the best year yet of this annual seed talk! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Jules-pu8zd]

I have a photo box for my seeds as well. Also I do have a lot of photographs as a photographer. Boxes and boxes of photos.

[@dksgardenoasis]

Jess this video is awesome! I'm an experienced gardener (but I'm still learning of course) and order from most of the companies you mentioned. I even went to Baker Creek in Mansfield, MO last summer. The people there are so nice and I got to see where they take their photos from their catalog. They looked at me really strange, but said "SURE". I just had to see their setup because I love their catalog and photography! I also ordered from Hudson Valley and Wild Boar Farm for the 1st time! Now I need to watch your other channel to see how to make tomato sauce :) Thanks Jess and Happy Gardening ~!

[@lettyschlieper7410]

San Diego Seed Company is amazing for hot zones 9+. I've been shopping from San Diego Seed Co. because I'm an Arizona gardener. I'm pretty sure that so long as you live in southern states, you'd be able to grow from San Diego Seed Company. I also buy from Epic Garden and Kevin's Botanicals. 🌻🍅

[@shermdog6969]

Every year i save seeds. To check those seeds to make sure they are viable for next year i always test them. I dampen a paper towel and put 5 to 10 seeds on rhe paper towel and fold it over and put in a plastic bag. Do not completely close the bag. Leave it open to let some air out so it doesn't mold. Within 3 to 5 days you can check and see how many have sprouted. If i have a 75% germination rate i keep all the seeds for next year. I ross the germinated seeds in my compost.

[@EliVV]

When using old seeds, where there's a chance of fungal or other issues, I soak my seeds before hand in a hydrogen peroxide and water solution for few days. This helps with germination and prevents contamination. And also, this helps with selecting the viable seeds from the bad.

[@lindasuerussell4398]

I love starting from seeds, it's such a miracle to watch a tiny seed grow.

[@ramonasurprenant2122]

I adore HIGH MOWING ORGANIC SEEDS out of Wolcott, VT. Their free catalog is gorgeous! I’ve had excellent results with their products💕💕

[@user-js6fm9vj2s]

Thank you Jess!

[@seekerjordan680]

I saw that Lowes had dual berry plants on sale, one black and one red for $18. I didnt even try to resist 😂 I did not browse their seeds though because my darling boyfriend bought me a whole giant hierloom seed variety pack for christmas!! 🌱 so DANG excited to get my babies growing.

[@alorastewart7091]

I dont know if this is necessarily seed starting advice but the world does not end if everything you try to start dies just dont give up. Ive been starting things from seed for about 5 years now and i still run into tons of issues starting seeds. In 2021 i had a baby in june and almost everything i had started but hadnt gotten in the ground yet died because i didnt have it in me to deal with it. Last year every single squash seed i started died because i over watered and they went to mush so i had to start them all again. I consistently struggle to get herbs to grow basil in particular has always been unreasonably difficult last year was the first year i got any to stay alive long enough to transplant ( first time using plastic wrap on top of the container like a humidity dome will be trying that for all my herbs this year fingers crossed) and it still didnt do well in comparison to my store bought plants. Every year i learn more and get better at one thing or another and i know things are still going to die. Dont beat yourself up if your starts die just give it another try. I still use seeds i bought in 2018 they have pretty low germination at this point but i didnt start storing them properly till last year so thats pretty good. I can attest to gardeners loving to share seeds. I have a friend who just last year decided she wanted to start gardening and i brought her over to my house to shop my collection for anything she wanted and i gave her some strawberry starts....and everything she grew died so this year we will be doing it again lol. I grew calendula for the first time last year. Just 4 plants and all i didnt was save seed from it. I now have over a quart jar full of calendula seeds. I gave a full and i mean FULL packs of calendula seeds to all my relatives for christmas and still have more than i could ever possibly use. My nieces are all interested in gardening so this year ill be letting them pick from some low/no fuss options and helping their non gardening parents get them established for them.

[@drekfletch]

For folks in the northern US, Fruition Seeds in NY is a relatively small seed company focusing on growing locally adapted varieties.

[@KlausM4]

So... Today I was sowing egg plants, peppers and some flowers while listening your seed video and I was like gosh .... I need new one.. and then here you are... I am getting such a wisdom and different point of view on gardening it's insane!!! 😊 Also I like how honest you are with all non/gardening stuff. 🤘🤘🤘

[@deb3092]

Just got your book!! Love the way you make gardening seem possible for anyone. You are so easy to listen too and I have learned so much already. I love your enthusiasm and passion!!

[@dawndaniels1256]

Too funny. That 2018 expo where I met Brad Gates too but my mother, sister, and I fan girled over meeting you, Jess. We sat on a concrete floor to hear you speak, didn’t care to worry how we were going all get back up. I do remember we let that room clear out first. 🤣🤣. And I don’t know if you did but we saved seeds from the watermelon tasting at that expo. I’m still growing those free seeds. 😂

[@ramonasurprenant2122]

Your office is gorgeous!💕💕💕

[@marlaherrington5320]

I've grown up gardening and still love to. I am disabled and limited mobility but still plant as much as possible. My problem is finding good organic soil and compost, I do have a small compost pile but not near enough to fill my raised beds we're trying to get built. Blessing to all.

[@schex9]

Fill the bottom of your bed with a couple of layers of cardboard, then put some greenery that is growing in your yard like the leaves of a lily plant or a begonia, and then some sticks and shredded paper or newspaper, then more greenery, and then only put soil in the top 5 inches of the bed. I've done this several times and it works great.

[@susanmatthews5901]

We bought the photo boxes at Michael's, but we wait for their 50% off regular price coupon rather than a sale price and save even more money!

[@nancybrowne7452]

Superb video Jess....thank you!

[@BumblebeeAdventure]

🐝 Thanks for the great video 🌻

[@felicityruth1881]

I have used Dollar Tree seeds for over a decade. I shop other places now but there are still some I get from DT every year and buy extra for neighbors and friends. And I can attest that the DT seeds have hands down produced the most faithfully out of any seeds I have bought.

[@laurafrey5244]

Me also! I get my basic varieties from the dollar stores, and fill in with some additional fun varieties from online suppliers.

[@jennifermiller4819]

Johnnys hybrids are great when you are gardening in challenging environments. Hot peppers in interior AK in a non heated greenhouse, made possible by Johnny’s.

[@michellegordon1822]

I went on to the old farmers almanac and typed in my zip code and was able to print out a table which showed all the different vegetables and window of time for seed starting for both spring and fall. I want to start onions from seed instead of sets this year and I didn't realize that they need to be started mid February so ill need to get my supplies earlier than I thought. It's very convenient, rather than having to figure out each individual plant myself. I noticed there's also a garden planning tool that helps you lay out your beds with how many of each plant will fit and best companion plants etc...

[@joycekarschner6607]

Make sure you have a long enough grown season for starting onions from seed. I tried doing this 2 years ago and didn't have enough time in my area for the type of onion I picked to get to full size. I just did sets last year and they did well. Good luck!