Vegetable's, Harvesting & Gardening

[Logicalpath]

There was a few of us discussing gardening with the intention of being self-sufficient. In an effort to not hijack the thread where this discussion was taking place I decided to try and kick start it's own thread. There was discussion about GMO & making a decision on which route to go with the garden. As well as some suggested reading material, which I have ordered and am waiting on.

In the meantime, an acquaintance suggested THIS site to purchase my initial seeds from. She discusses GMO and only sells "Heirloom" seeds. I was curious if anyone here has purchased seeds from her and/or if there are any suggestions regarding the offering on the site.

[NC_DAVE]

I am not sure what site you are reffering to. But most stores do carry heirloom seeds. They do not have to be hierloom to be non GMO. If you have questions call the seed company most will telll if they are GMO or not.

[Just a Jarhead]

If you are not already familiar with the following, you may find this info helpful.

Biointensive farming http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biointensive, expanded on by John Jeavons http://www.johnjeavons.info/ and Ecology Action http://www.growbiointensive.org/ and Polyculture farming methods http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyculture to produce maximum yields from even relatively small garden plots.

[Logicalpath]

I am not sure what site you are reffering to. But most stores do carry heirloom seeds. They do not have to be hierloom to be non GMO. If you have questions call the seed company most will telll if they are GMO or not.

I linked the site within the word THIS from my last post. But here's the link uncoded: http://marysheirloomseeds.com/

[Logicalpath]

If you are not already familiar with the following, you may find this info helpful.

Biointensive farming http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biointensive, expanded on by John Jeavons http://www.johnjeavons.info/ and Ecology Action http://www.growbiointensive.org/ and Polyculture farming methods http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyculture to produce maximum yields from even relatively small garden plots.

Thanks for the info, time to start learning! Seriously, I was telling Dave I just hope I don't make too many mistakes along the way. This is all completely new to me but I think it's important.

[bignc]

I am on year 2 of my heirloom mostly organic garden. MiracleGro doesn't scare me so I use it on my tomato plants if necessary. Otherwise, LOTS of compost.

I get my seeds from Baker Creek when I want to try something new. Otherwise, I grew this years' from last years seeds...

rareseeds.com

[NC_DAVE]

I am on year 2 of my heirloom mostly organic garden. MiracleGro doesn't scare me so I use it on my tomato plants if necessary. Otherwise, LOTS of compost.

I get my seeds from Baker Creek when I want to try something new. Otherwise, I grew this years' from last years seeds...

rareseeds.com

This is my first year attempting to go completely organic, and it has been ruff. My biggest problem was trying the box garden method. I bought soil from a local mulch company. They stated that the soil already had organic compost mixed in and was ready to. That turned out to be complete bullshit. Once i got the soil amended I was a couple weeks behind. And missed a important time period of growth. In a couple of weeks my plants only grew a few inches. I called the mulch company and they said OH YEAH that soil needs to be amended before use. But their prior statement was the soil was GTG. Next year I will be amending what I already have.

[Moose-Knuckle]

This is where I get my hierloom seeds from. . .

http://www.essentialseeds.us/

Great guy's to deal with, I met them a local gun show. They also sell cans of seeds for long term storage.

[hatidua]

-not sure if this is off-topic but if anyone cares to turbo-fertilize their garden, consider alpaca manure (that has been composted for a few years - there's no odor at all). I bought 1,500#s this Spring and although I was warned it would cause growth like I have not previously seen, I was unprepared for how incredible the growth rate has been as a result. Just a thought.

[NC_DAVE]

Does anyone have plans for a fall and winter garden yet. I have had summer garden for a few years, but want to try a fall garden this year. Winter squash, pumpkins, collards, kale, etc....

I am still trying to decide if I want to wait till the end of summer refresh the soil and use the raised bed I already have, make new raised bed, or just plant in a spot in the back yard.