Heirloom Garden Seeds

When in doubt, always use heirloom garden seeds to plant in your backyard. David's Garden Seeds has over 1,000 heirloom varieties. Have you ever wondered about diving deep into the world of gardening, especially with heirloom seeds? As a beginner gardener, exploring heirloom seeds is like unlocking a treasure chest of flavors, colors, and stories that modern vegetables often lack.

Heirloom garden seeds are essentially the gems of the gardening world that have been handed down from generation to generation. They encapsulate a rich history and offer a variety of tastes and textures that you might never find in your typical grocery store produce.

So, why exactly should you opt for heirloom seeds in your garden? Well, not only do they yield some of the best-tasting veggies, but they also increase the biodiversity of your garden. This makes your garden not only a place of beauty but a cornerstone of ecological conservation.

In this seven-part guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about heirloom garden seeds—from where to find them to the best practices in planting and nurturing them. So, let's step into the vibrant world of heirloom seeds and transform your backyard into a bountiful garden!

Packs of old heirloom garden seeds, browned with age. An heirloom has been around for at least 50 to 75 years and is tried and true.

Heirloom Garden Seeds - 5/6-5/12/2024

Monday, May 6, 2024

One of our apricot trees finally has apricots on it!

Good Monday morning! If you need heirloom garden seeds for your backyard garden, we own David's Garden Seeds® and we have over 1,000 varieties of heirloom garden seeds.

I went outside early and picked the rest of the ripened peaches off of six different trees spread throughout the six rows of trees in our orchard. There were also some ripe apricots to pick--our very first apricots! They taste pretty good. I carried a big hod filled with peaches and apricots into the kitchen. I will be sending most of them to freezer camp later on today.

The sky is gloomy and overcast with zero chance of rain. This is the beginning of our fourth week of gray skies. We are getting a bit sick of the grayness. It is miserably humid out and is currently 77° at 10am. It will get up to 91°, way too early for this horrible heat in my humble opinion. Got to get busy, pay bills, write payroll, and get some orders out!

I sold 10 dozen eggs today to three different people. There are plenty more to go around.

It is now 4:30pm. I am still working on orders but Mondays are always like that. We had four separate customers today and between them, I sold ten dozen eggs so I am happy. We still have another 20 dozen with more coming in every single day from the chickens. If you need eggs, please come by in the morning.

Matt is holding baby Ralph, only 5 days old.

Matt is holding baby Norton, only 5 days old.

Heirloom Garden Seeds - Why Plant Heirloom Garden Seeds?

A home grown tomato fresh from our garden is so flavorful that you just know it is from heirloom garden seeds.

Imagine tasting a tomato so juicy and flavorful that it reminds you of sun-drenched summer days at your grandmother's house. That’s the magic of heirloom vegetables—they’re a blast from the past and utterly delicious.

One main reason to choose these seeds is for their superior flavor. Heirloom vegetables are often more flavorful than their hybrid counterparts because they've been selected over generations for taste rather than durability in shipping or uniform appearance.

Besides the incredible tastes, planting heirloom seeds supports genetic diversity. Many heirloom varieties are unique to specific regions and adapted to local growing conditions, offering a sustainable approach to gardening by reinforcing the local ecosystem.

Moreover, engaging with heirloom seeds connects you with gardening traditions and histories. Each seed carries a story, linking you to generations of gardeners who have cherished and nurtured these plants. By planting heirlooms, you become part of this lineage.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Hello! It is 90° at 4pm and the humidity is unreal! The sky is still overcast and it feels just horrible outside!

Parker's Building Supply delivered some building materials for the goat house. I was with a customer and never saw or heard the truck. We had just two customers today and I sold zero eggs.

The humidity was so thick and awful today. Tomorrow it should be worse with a high of 99°. I was hoping the awful heat would hold off until August this year as the last two summers were brutal. It is just too early in the season for all of this.

Michelle came out to clean today. She cleaned some of the furniture and it is drying now.

I've decided to go with The Honeymooners. Left to right: Trixie, Ralph, and Alice.

I've decided to go with The Honeymooners. Left to right: Trixie, Norton, and Alice.

Heirloom Garden Seeds - Where to Find Heirloom Garden Seeds?

European heirloom garden seeds packs browned with age.

Now that you’re hooked on the idea of planting heirloom seeds, where can you find them? Fortunately, as the popularity of heirloom gardening grows, so do your sources for these seeds. Of course, we suggest our own company for the best heirloom seeds, David's Garden Seeds!

Local nurseries often carry a range of heirloom seed varieties. These establishments are precious because they usually stock seeds that are well-suited to your local climate and soil conditions.

Online specialty stores are a boon for beginner gardeners, offering not only a wide array of heirloom seeds but also detailed descriptions and planting guides. These stores are often run by seasoned gardeners who can provide valuable advice tailored to your specific needs.

Don’t overlook seed exchange forums and fairs. These events are fantastic places to meet fellow gardening enthusiasts and exchange not just seeds but also tips and experiences. You might come away with rare seeds that aren’t available in commercial catalogs.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Good hot and humid morning. It will be a scorcher for sure. I need to go pick a few more apricots this morning and see if I can find more ripe peaches but I dread going out there in the thick humidity. I just hate it.

We started a 5% off sale this morning when you spend at least $10. Also, we are almost at order 25200 and the winner who places this order will receive a copy of The Old Farmer's Almanac Garden Guide 2024.

It is now 1pm. We have not had any customers. It is 85° and overcast. It is not as humid as it was yesterday. Matt and Sam got some stuff down outdoors today. We had one of our part time teens come in and help us but she is gone now for the afternoon.

Matt told me that one of the new baby bunnies from the latest litter somehow got out of her cage and was walking around on the floor. She still doesn't have her eyes open. The cage was not open so how? Last night when I went in, one of them was exploring the cage with her eyes closed. The other two babies were still in the nest. The older babies are all over their cage having a good old time hopping on Mom and each other.

Heirloom Garden Seeds - How to Plant Heirloom Seeds

Looking back at old heirloom garden seeds packs is so interesting.

Planting heirloom seeds isn’t much different from planting standard seeds, but they require a little extra TLC considering their unique needs. Let’s break down the steps:

First, ensure your soil is well-amended. Heirloom plants benefit from nutrient-rich, well-draining soil, as many are more susceptible to diseases compared to hybrid plants. How to amend it? Compost and fertilizer as well as mulch. Learn to make your own compost here.

Next, consider the spacing recommendations on the seed packet. Overcrowding can stress plants and lead to poor yields, so give your heirloom plants plenty of room to flourish.

Watering is crucial, especially in the germination phase. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Using a fine mist can prevent the seeds from being washed away or buried too deep in the soil.

For those who prefer indoor starts, some heirloom seeds, particularly tomatoes and peppers, flourish when started in controlled indoor environments. This protects them from the elements and gives them a head start on the growing season. Make sure you use a grow light and never top water the seeds. Pour water into the bottom tray so you don't wash seeds away.

Harden off your seedlings by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions. This important step reduces shock, allowing the plants to acclimate to their new outdoor home.

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Good morning! The air is all hazy looking outside again today and you can feel the humidity this early in the morning. It is currently 78° Fahrenheit with 98% humidity. The high will be 95°. It is just too early to be bringing on this awful heat and humidity.

We have a winner of the 25,200th order. Michael from Lakeland, FL, you have won The Old Farmer's Almanac Garden Guide 2024! I will send that out to you with your order this morning! The winner of the 25,300th order will also win one as I have one more left. It is a wonderful current magazine put out by our friends at Farmer's Almanac. So get your orders in to win it this coming week!

This morning, I finally got around to planting the plants that I rooted several weeks ago including three African Blue Basil plants and ten sweet potato vines.

I spent the rest of the day filling both website and Amazon orders and I did not finish. Our other full time person counted and packed seeds all day long as she will not be here tomorrow. Zero customers came by.

Heirloom Garden Seeds - When to Plant Heirloom Garden Seeds

Look at these beautiful heirloom garden seeds from someone's home collection. Save the seeds from your veggies.

Timing your planting right is essential for heirloom seeds. Since they are often more climate-sensitive, planting at the correct time can make or break your gardening success.

Generally, you’ll want to start your seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost date if you live in a cooler climate. Direct sowing into the garden is best done after the danger of frost has passed, ensuring that your tender seedlings aren’t nipped by a late cold snap.

For warmer climates, timing might vary based on humidity and the intensity of heat during mid-summer or mid-spring if you live in Texas like we do. It’s often advisable to start your garden either early before the high heat or later, aiming for a fall harvest.

Always check the seed packets for specific planting guides since each heirloom variety might have unique requirements based on its genetic heritage and adaptability.

Friday, May 10, 2024

Good morning. I cannot believe it is already the tenth of the month. Today will be another full day of filling orders. The humidity is much less today. We started at 75° with 56% humidity and a whole lot of breeze. Now it is 1pm and 84°. We have had one customer and got just one piece of mail, an ad.

Sam and Matt are building a goat shelter. I spent the morning getting out all of the orders. We are having a Mother's Day Sale starting at 5pm. See below:

Mother's Day Sale

Starting today at 5pm (CST) through Monday, May 13 at noon, save 20% when you spend $20. Happy Mother's Day!

Go to https://davidsgardenseeds.com for seeds.

Heirloom Garden Seeds - Caring for Your Heirloom Plants

Each seed type is meticulously packed in paper sachets bearing the retro print of their respective plants.

The packets include a variety of garden favorites, like sunflowers, tomatoes, peas, and radishes. Within each packet, seeds of varying shapes and sizes represent the genetic diversity of these ancient plant species, passed down through generations. The overall scene has a vintage feel, reminiscent of a 19th-century botanical illustration; elements of pencil sketch and watercolor make the scene feel nostalgic and enduring.

As your heirloom plants grow, they’ll need more than just water and sunshine. Here are a few tips on keeping your heirloom garden healthy and productive:

Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Heirloom varieties sometimes lack the disease resistance that hybrids possess, so proactive monitoring and natural preventive measures like proper spacing and crop rotation can help keep your garden healthy.

Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds, and can also help regulate soil temperature—a definite plus for delicate heirloom varieties.

Sustainable practices such as using organic fertilizers and compost enhance the health of your soil and, consecutively, your plants. Healthier plants can more easily resist pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

Saturday, May 11, 2024

This silly baby bunny fell out of the cage. There were some holes covered by the hay holder and she fell through. She is fine and we moved her and her family to a new cage.

Hello! Happy Saturday! Today was fairly cool and breezy with low humidity. I went out early to take care of the animals. The chickens are all fine. Then I went into the rabbits. There on the ground for the second day in a row was one of the newest baby rabbits. Matt thought he had patched up the hole in the cage but she still got through. I tried to get her but she ran and I fell down. I called David for back up. While I was waiting for him to come help me, I got the net and captured the runaway bunny. I placed her in the empty cage and began moving things over to it.

David came out and moved the mama bunny and the nest over. I think we need some new cages. Then David went to mow the property. I went to feed the goats.

Now you know the goats still are not friendly. I opened the gate with the hay and feed in my hands, got inside and then tried to go back out to get another container for minerals. I forget as usual that I have to step over the bottom and tripped and fell, leaving the gate wide open. Mama goat, aka Alice, seized that moment to run out of the gate. She started bleating for the others to join her. I got up, grabbed the food dish out of the gate and started dishing out the feed. Then I tried to retrieve Alice but she went the other way. Trixie and Norton stayed put. I stepped outside, trying to coax Alice back in. No.

David came up with the lawn mower, got off and went the other way. I stood behind the gate. Alice finally jumped back inside. What an ordeal.

David has not mowed in a long time but I think he enjoyed being out in the cool breeze this morning.

I went inside and got dressed and ready for the day. I opened the store and then worked on mailing out orders until 2:30pm. During that time, we had just three customers. So tell me again why I have to be out there six days a week when we get zero to three customers a day now? It makes no sense.

David finished mowing about four acres out of the eight. He did a great job. It looks good. I think he did a better job than when we pay to have it done. Plus Matt has been using the push mower and the weed eater earlier in the week.

This evening, I made a peach pie. Then I made DIY Shake N Bake chicken thighs and potato and sweet potato slices. I air fried it all. It was delicious. Unfortunately, Svengoolie was a replay so we watched Gotham. The peach pie was very good.

Heirloom Garden Seeds - Harvesting Your Produce

An assortment of old-fashioned heirloom garden seeds.

Some are nestled in rich, textured brown paper envelopes, the kind that crinkle when touched. Others are in delicate glass vials, each corked and labeled intricately in handwritten script. Each label states the type of seed within - ranging from tomato and carrot to sweet basil and lavender. Scattered between the containers are loose seeds of varying sizes, shapes, and colors, embodying the diversity and vibrancy of an heirloom garden. Meanwhile, the background is a rustic wooden table that enhances the antiquated aesthetic.

The moment you’ve been waiting for—harvest time! Heirloom vegetables do not ripen all at once but over a period, offering a staggered supply of fresh produce straight from your garden.

Each type of vegetable has its sign that it’s ready to be picked. Tomatoes might need to be deep red and slightly soft, peppers firm and fully colored. Regularly checking and testing a few samples will help you know when it’s prime time for harvesting.

Remember, the prime time to pick your veggies is early morning when they are most hydrated. This little tip can make a surprising difference in the flavor and longevity of your produce.

Gently handling your vegetables during harvest can prevent bruising and damage, keeping your fruits and vegetables fresh long after they’ve been picked.

Sunday, May 12, 2024

This is our latest carrot haul from two days ago.

Good Sunday morning and Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms out there. David made me eggs and sausage for breakfast. I got a journaling Bible, markers, and pens, fancy L'Oreal shampoo and conditioner, a salted caramel chocolate bar, two new tops, and a set of candles, a very nice haul.

We picked up Taco Bell for lunch. It was okay but they have gone way down in good service. I don't think we will be wasting money on them anymore. We watched Gotham this afternoon.

Heirloom Garden Seeds - Saving Seeds for Next Season

A panoramic view of an assortment of heirloom garden seeds spread across an old-fashioned wooden table.

The seeds vary ranging from small, round ones to elongated, larger ones. Their hues are of a multitude, reflecting the produce they would eventually bring forth – bright orange pumpkins, deep green cucumbers, earthy red tomatoes, and mellow yellow squash. Scattered around these seeds are vintage garden tools with weathered handles and rusty metal parts adding a nostalgic charm to the scene. A faded parchment nearby contains hand-written labels for each seed type with swirling old-world penmanship. The sunlight seeping through a nearby window sheds a diffused glow across the table painting an idyllic picture of a bygone era.

One of the joys of heirloom gardening is saving your seeds for next planting season, a practice that not only saves money but also helps you develop strains ideally suited to your micro-environment.

Select the best specimens from your harvest to save seeds from—plants that are robust, disease-free, and bountiful. This ensures that you’re perpetuating the best genetic traits in your next crop.

Different plants require different methods for seed saving. Tomatoes, for instance, require fermenting the seeds before drying them, whereas beans can be dried directly on the plant or shortly after harvesting.

Once collected and processed, store your seeds in a cool, dry place inside airtight containers to maintain their viability until the next planting season.

Remember, the beauty of using heirloom seeds is that each season’s plants adapt more and more to your garden’s specific conditions, becoming stronger and more productive.

So, dear budding gardener, as you embark on your journey with heirloom garden seeds, remember that you’re not just growing plants; you’re cultivating a heritage and nurturing a legacy. By choosing heirloom seeds, you’re making a choice for diversity, flavor, and sustainability—an undoubtedly noble and fulfilling endeavor in the realm of gardening.

Remember, the best choice for gardening is to buy quality heirloom garden seeds, ensuring your garden not only thrives with life and color but also perpetuates the enduring legacy of heirloom varieties.

Happy gardening, and may your garden be a lush, bountiful sanctuary that brings joy and peace, not to mention delicious food to your family for generations. Here's to growing memories—one heirloom plant at a time!

Return from Heirloom Garden Seeds to Year Five On The Farm

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