Seed trays
Its all stations go on the seed sowing front now, for the last week or so I have been washing out seed trays and propagator covers ready for the first proper batch of seeds of 2012. I have not had to pay any money out this year for seed trays due to collecting, saving, and liberating empty plastic mushroom cartons from plastic recycling bins, anyone who has ever used these ex-mushroom plastic cartons will know how strong they are, I am still using some that are well over five years old which still have life left in them.
Selecting your seeds
Selecting your seed stock is a very important job indeed, around 20% of my seeds are saved, with more being saves with each passing year. It is a good idea to buy Heirloom, or Heritage seeds if you are planning on saving seed from the plants that you grow this season. Heirloom seeds, along with perennial seeds make sound ecological sense, and are tied in with permaculture as they are an onsite self maintaining and providing input.
Perennials will give you crops of a particular type on a yearly basis, so there is no case for being reliant of seed companies, similarly, one you have purchased Heirloom seeds you have the ability to maintain a supply of seeds on a seasonal basis, based on what you have saved by letting some of your crops go to seed.
What are you sowing and growing this year?
As we are still in February everything that I have sown with the exception of broad beans have been sown indoors and are currently sitting on windows sills in a South facing kitchen. Up to now, I have sown three perennial varieties, Shropshire spinach, which is a bushy English variety of spinach, globe artichokes, and Japanese Parsley.
The none perennial heirloom seeds that I have sown are up to now are – Cayenne peppers, black krim tomatoes, roma tomatoes, and chocolate Habenaro peppers. If anyone is growing any interesting varieties this year plus let us know, or if you just want to comment or ask any questions about seeds please feel free to do so, we always value your opinions and look forward to hearing about your experiences