St. Clare Heirloom Seeds - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

Posted on November 15, 2024November 28, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Choosing the Right Seeds: How Open-Pollinated, Heirloom, Hybrid, and GMO Seeds Differ

Listen to this article with our Text-to-Speech feature for a seamless, hands free experience. Whether you’re multi-tasking, visually impaired, or just prefer to listen, articles are brought to life with clear, engaging narration, improving your gardening skills wherever you are. Download MP3 file here.

Question: I am looking at starting my garden and collection of Heirloom Non-GMO Seeds but want to ensure they are Non-GMO and Heirloom. In looking through your seeds for sale, some specifically say that and others do not. Are ALL of the seeds Heirloom Non-GMO seeds or only the seeds labeled that way in the description?

Choosing the Right Seeds: What You Need to Know

When choosing the right seeds for your garden, the terms “Heirloom” and “Non-GMO” often come up. Understanding these terms is essential for gardeners who want to ensure they’re using natural, high-quality seeds that can be saved for future plantings. At St. Clare Heirloom Seeds, all of our seeds are Non-GMO and open-pollinated, making them a reliable choice for home gardeners who care about the origins and purity of their plants.

Posted on November 1, 2024November 13, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Heirloom Seed Storage: 10 Tips for Longevity and Success

If you have leftover vegetable seeds or want to save seeds from your heirloom open-pollinated plants in your garden this year, proper heirloom seed storage is essential to ensure good germination.

Posted on October 24, 2024November 13, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Composting in Fall: How to Make the Most of Fallen Leaves and Garden Waste

As the vibrant colors of autumn start to fade and the temperature drops, homeowners and gardeners are left with an abundance of fallen leaves, garden trimmings, and end-of-season plant debris.

Instead of viewing this seasonal accumulation as waste, fall presents an excellent opportunity to enrich your soil through composting! By turning fallen leaves and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost, you can create a valuable resource for your garden that will help benefit your garden in future seasons. In this guide, we will explore the benefits of composting in fall, discuss effective composting techniques, and provide tips to optimize your composting process during the autumn months. If you’ve ever wanted to learn composting in the fall, but felt daunted by the learning curve, this article may be just what you need to get started!

Posted on October 24, 2024November 13, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — 2 Comments

Organic Gardening 101: Master the Basics of Growing a Chemical Free Garden

The Basic “Why’s” and “How’s” of Growing Organic

Organic Gardening can yield a lot of produce plus the peace of mind of being chemical free. - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Organic Gardening can yield a lot of produce plus the peace of mind of being chemical free. – St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

Organic gardening was for a while seen as something only the super health-nuts or hippies did. But, not so anymore, we are all becoming aware that the methods of gardening with chemicals that have become popular in recent generations are no healthier than the awful stuff called margarine.

The more research that has come out showing the terrible side effects of synthetic fertilizers and the chemicals in commercial pesticides and herbicides, the more we realize, the hippies had something there! Funny thing, though, organic gardening is really not so recent as all that. Thousands of years of gardeners before us grew only with organic methods. Here we’ll delve a bit into the whys of going organic, and a couple starting points to begin with if you aren’t already on the bandwagon.

Posted on October 22, 2024November 13, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Juice and Salsa Tomatoes: Top Picks for Flavorful Canning

Q. Hi, I am wondering which tomatoes you would recommend for canning, mainly juice and salsa tomatoes. I usually grow Amish Paste or Roma’s. I want to stay away from GMO’s.

Juice and Salsa Tomatoes

A. For our recommendations it will depend upon the flavor you are looking for. If you are looking for a more traditional flavor from your juice and salsa tomatoes, like that in commercial varieties, we would say go with the Campbell 33 and/or the Heinz 2274. If you’d like to have a little more heirloom tomato flavor and variety to it, we’d recommend what others say and tell you to throw in a variety of tomatoes.

Posted on October 21, 2024November 13, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

The Power of Worm Castings: Nature’s Perfect Organic Fertilizer

Worm castings are the most nutrient rich fertilizer known to man. - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Worm castings are the most nutrient rich fertilizer known to man, stimulating plant growth more than any other natural product on the market. – St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

Worm castings are the most nutrient rich fertilizer known to man, stimulating plant growth more than any other natural product on the market. They are 99% pure, natural, and organic, making earthworm castings one of the most highly sought after organic fertilizers today, as more people seek to grow organic and healthy plants in their gardens. Worm castings are the original natural fertilizer put in place by the Creator since the beginning of time, discovered by man to be extremely beneficial in the plant and gardening world.

Posted on October 12, 2024November 13, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Harvesting Fall Vegetables and Tips for Storing Your Bounty Through the Winter

Harvesting Fall Vegetables - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

As the warm days of summer give way to the crispness of fall, heirloom gardens become a haven of vibrant colors and bountiful harvests. Harvesting fall vegetables at their peak ensures that you enjoy their flavors and nutritional benefits well into the colder months. However, knowing the best techniques for harvesting and storing fall vegetables is crucial to keeping them fresh and maintaining their quality through winter. Whether you’ve grown root vegetables, leafy greens, hardy squash, or other cool-weather crops, this guide will help you store your harvest efficiently and prolong its shelf life.

Posted on September 12, 2024November 15, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

What To Do in the Heirloom Vegetable Garden in September

This article is geared to those in more Northern areas of the U.S., for those in the South or hotter areas of the U.S., more helpful tips can be found here: 9 Important things to do in the heirloom vegetable garden in September in southern states or hot climates geared towards what you have going on in the garden this month.

The heirloom vegetable garden in September enters a transitional phase between the end of summer and the onset of cooler fall temperatures. It’s a critical time for both harvesting summer crops and preparing for autumn planting. Here’s what to do in your heirloom vegetable garden in September:

Posted on September 12, 2024November 18, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

9 Important Things to Do in the Heirloom Vegetable Garden in the Fall in Southern States or Hot Climates:

What to Do in the Heirloom Vegetable Garden in September in Southern States or Hot Climates?

Ever wonder what you should be doing in the heirloom vegetable garden in the fall? In the Southern states or hot climates, the early fall marks a time of transition in the heirloom vegetable garden. As summer crops wind down, it’s time to prepare for fall planting. Despite the warm temperatures, there are still plenty of gardening tasks to be done. This guide provides insights on preparing beds for winter crops, what can be planted in the fall, and essential maintenance to keep your garden thriving.

Posted on September 12, 2024November 13, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

8 Easiest Heirloom Seeds to Save

Beans are some of the Easiest Heirloom Seeds to Save.

Some heirloom seeds are easier to save than others due to their simplicity in handling, minimal cross-pollination issues, and easy-to-process seeds. If you’re new to seed saving, and want to get your feet wet, or try your hand at it and get some practice in, here are some of the easiest heirloom seeds to save:

Posted on July 10, 2024November 16, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Planning Your Fall Vegetable Garden: Best Crops and Planting Times

Are you wondering what vegetables or fruits you can plant in a fall vegetable garden? Many gardeners have the same questions: What can I grow in the fall? When should I plant? How do I avoid planting too late? If you’re new to the idea of growing an heirloom fall vegetable garden, you might think it’s more challenging than spring planting. But the truth is, it’s just as simple! With the right tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a productive garden full of heirloom vegetables right up until the first frost of fall.

Posted on May 13, 2024September 26, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — 2 Comments

Do you have a list of seeds that do well in containers / grow bags?

Some Heirloom Plants do well in containers / grow bags.

What you can grow in containers or grow bags depends upon what size containers / grow bags you use, but, here is a list of what can grow well in grow bags / containers.

Posted on April 23, 2021November 13, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — 15 Comments

Heirloom Seed Varieties for Extreme Heat Conditions

Malabar Spinach survives well in extreme heat conditions.

Q. I’m in Southern California, and it is HOT here, I’m looking for some leafy greens that can stand extreme heat conditions. I saw you have the Malabar Spinach and that’s supposed to be pretty good for zone 9/10… Do you have any recommendations of heat tolerant varieties lettuce, spinach, cucumbers etc. Anything else you can recommend based on what you’ve seen growing in your garden?

A. Thank you for your patience in awaiting the list. 🙂 We took your requested varieties and expanded our search, deciding to make it a topic to share with all customers who live in extreme heat areas. Thank you for sparking this research! Below the lists, we also have added some links to articles you may find helpful for extreme heat conditions, and some tips that are helpful when gardening in high heat. We hope you find this helpful. May God bless your gardening efforts!

Posted on November 16, 2018November 18, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — 4 Comments

Step by Step Guide to Growing Fabulous Microgreens

Collard Champion Microgreen Seeds - Growing Fabulous Microgreens - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced gardener, growing fabulous microgreens indoors is a snap with the following easy step-by-step instructions. All you will need are a few empty containers, (deli or lunch meat containers work great, save money, and are a way to recycle what you have on hand), soil, water, and light, and you can grow microgreens all year round.

Microgreens are super nutritious, grow quickly, require very little space, and are one of the easiest things to grow. They can be expensive to purchase, but you can easily grow your own, and add these super nutritious and flavorful veggies to your diet. If you have kids, this is a gardening project they can easily join in with, too. Our kids love helping grow(and eat!) our microgreens. Let’s dive right in and show how easy it is to grow them!

Posted on October 17, 2018November 13, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — 11 Comments

Gardening for Beginners: Learn the Basics of Growing an Awesome Garden

Gardening For Beginners Introduction

If you’ve never experienced the joy of gardening, now is the perfect time to start. Gardening for beginners is not only a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it also offers gentle exercise and a rewarding sense of accomplishment.

There’s nothing quite like strolling through your heirloom garden, picking fresh, juicy tomatoes or cucumbers to craft the ultimate crisp salad. Plus, when you plant heirloom non-GMO seeds, you’re choosing crops that are naturally flavorful and true to their original genetics—perfect for cultivating the rich tastes and quality our ancestors enjoyed. Heirloom seeds deliver produce that’s not only vibrant and robust but also free from genetic modification, making them the best choice for natural, flavorful crops straight from your heirloom garden.

Posted on September 20, 2018November 15, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — 1 Comment

Microgreens: Their Surprising Health Benefits and Importance in Your Life

Parsley Microgreens - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

Microgreens are relatively new and were first introduced in the 1980’s in upscale California restaurants to add fresh taste and stunning beauty to traditional cuisine. Once a novelty, they have steadily been growing in popularity. Even though small in size, they are chock full of nutrients, often containing more density of vitamins and minerals than larger and more mature vegetable greens. These aromatic greens are actually baby plants that have been harvested 7-21 days after sprouting, when they reach 1-3 inches tall.

Posted on November 4, 2017November 13, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — 2 Comments

6 Steps for Getting Your Garden Ready for Winter

Getting your Garden Ready for Winter - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — When the dreary days of Winter start to get to you, don’t forget you can start planning for next year to help look forward to warmer weather, fresh air, and the joys of gardening. – St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

Now is the time when heirloom gardeners start getting their vegetable garden ready for winter. This is not just the end of this season, it is a time to lay the ground work for a good start to next year’s successful heirloom garden! New gardeners among us will wonder what they need to do to finish things off when their harvest is complete for the season.

Once you have picked all the heirloom produce that’s left in your garden, get things wound down for the year by cleaning up the beds. Taking time in the Fall to clean up a bit, makes getting the garden ready in the Spring a whole lot easier, and kicks things off to a good start next year.

Posted on January 31, 2017October 19, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — 10 Comments

Survive an Economic Collapse with Heirloom Seeds

This article explores how heirloom seeds can be a lifeline for you and your community during an economic collapse.

Ensuring your own food supply.
Camouflage Gardening
Bartering with Heirloom Seeds.
Bartering with the vegetables produced in your own garden.

Heirloom Vegetables in times of economic collapse.

Many people are concerned about the possibility of collapse of the economy or the U.S. Dollar, and rightly so. With all the triggers in the world and the 40 trillion in US debt, the odds are in the favor of a collapse. Many experts have been warning of the likelihood of a collapse in recent times, and things only seem to get closer and closer. After a collapse of the dollar, its value would soon be worthless.

In a very short time, we would see the price of everyday things go up dramatically, and this would eventually lead to a subsistence crises which is a lack of food, and essential resources. There would be empty store shelves because it would be too expensive to buy or transport food into the stores, the whole economy would come to a grinding halt. This scenario we have seen played out throughout past months in present day Venezuela.

Posted on March 1, 2016November 13, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Preventing Plant Disease: Simple Steps for a Healthy Heirloom Garden

Preventing Disease is Much Easier than Treatment

Preventing plant disease in your healthy heirloom garden is much easier than treatment. Isn’t this the truth in so many things? The old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” rings true in the garden, too. Treating a problem with plant disease is much harder than taking some precautionary steps ahead of time. And, if you wait until it’s too late, you may lose the battle and all your hard work will be lost.

Posted on February 23, 2016November 13, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Why Choose Heirloom Seeds? Unlocking the Benefits of Flavor, Nutrition, and Seed Saving

What advantages do they have over hybrids?

Heirloom Squash varieties in fall setting. - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Heirloom Squash come in hundreds of varieties; big, small, long, skinny, blue, yellow, tan, peach, black, brown. Try a new variety of heirloom squash this year. – St. Clare Heirloom Seeds.

Flavor, flavor, flavor! One of the first reasons people grow open-pollinated or heirloom seeds is the flavor. Hybrids are bred for many characteristics such as uniformity (in shape or harvest time), high yields, withstanding rigors of transport, etc. But, sadly in the breeding process the desirable characteristics like flavor and nutritional value suffer. There’s truly nothing as delicious as a sun-ripened home-grown heirloom tomato. You tomato lovers out there know just what I mean when I say we suffer each winter, waiting for the first delicious tomatoes of the next garden season. 🙂

Posted on February 18, 2016November 18, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — 2 Comments

Space Requirements for a Large Family Heirloom Seed Collection

Large Family Heirloom Garden Seeds Collection - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

Q. How large of an area will it take to plant your Large Family Heirloom Seed Collection? Please give me an idea as to how much space is needed, tight and not so tight.

A. For the Large Family Heirloom Seed Collection, we would probably recommend a garden of around 6,000-8,000 square feet. If you must have the plot smaller than that, one way to help maximize your space would be to plant vining plants around the edges, and train them outward as the vines grew. And you could “block” plant things like beans and peas. Looking into “Square Foot Gardening” may be a big help in fitting in as much vegetable and fruit varieties in as little space as possible, and you may be able to get by with a little less space than what we recommend.

Posted on February 3, 2016November 18, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Easy Peel Tomatoes: The Gas Flame Peeling Method for Faster Canning

Discovering a New Easy Peel Tomato Method: Gas Flame Peeling

Easy Peel Heirloom Tomatoes - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Nothing tastes quite as good as you own homemade spaghetti sauce, made from your own heirloom tomatoes, in the middle of winter.

The canning season may be over for most of us gardeners but we are excited about this tip that we discovered through a customer inquiry. We have always gone with the “blanch and peel” method of peeling tomatoes for canning, a messy and at times difficult method, but it works. However, when a customer asked us if we had a better method we thought we’d go looking and see what we could find. Our new favorite method for easy peel tomatoes: Gas Flame Peeling! For more info on Easy Peel Tomatoes and other methods of peeling your favorite heirloom tomatoes click on over to http://www.wikihow.com/Peel-Tomatoes.

Posted on February 3, 2016October 25, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — 2 Comments

Gardening in Northern Wisconsin: Tips for Success in a Short Growing Season

Question

I have a question about gardening in northern Wisconsin. I’ve never lived remotely near this far north and am rather nervous about what I’ll truly be able to grow.

Posted on January 19, 2016October 25, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Companion Planting Options for your Heirloom / Open Pollinated Vegetable Garden

Companion planting in your Heirloom / Open Pollinated vegetable garden can be a great asset when it comes to gardening. Whether the pairing has been confirmed by research studies or is simply part of companion planting tradition we’re not sure, but this list is some of what we could find. Here are some companion plantings you may want to try, with information on the type of interaction.

Continue reading Companion Planting Options for your Heirloom / Open Pollinated Vegetable Garden

Posted on January 19, 2016November 18, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Vegetable Seed Germination: How Soil Temperature Affects Success

Soil Temperature Conditions for Vegetable Seed Germination - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

Understanding soil temperature conditions is critical for successful vegetable seed germination. Each vegetable crop has specific soil temperature requirements that influence its ability to sprout and thrive. This guide explores the minimum, optimum, and maximum soil temperatures necessary for the germination of various vegetable seeds, offering insights for gardeners and growers to maximize their planting efforts.

By maintaining the ideal soil temperature for each crop, growers can ensure healthy germination rates and strong initial growth, laying the foundation for a productive harvest. This resource is based on temperature guidelines for crops like asparagus, beans, carrots, lettuce, and tomatoes, providing a detailed reference to support effective planting strategies.

Posted on January 19, 2016October 25, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Plant Food Elements for Heirloom Vegetables: Ensuring Healthy Growth and High Yields

The strength and productivity of any heirloom vegetable garden depend on more than just sunlight and water; they hinge on the specific nutrients each plant receives from the soil. In heirloom and open-pollinated gardens, nurturing plants with the essential nutrients they need is especially crucial for strong yields and sustaining their unique qualities. Just as we need balanced nutrition to stay healthy, plants rely on particular elements to grow well and produce abundantly.

Posted on January 19, 2016October 25, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Build a Snow Fence Windbreak: Protect Your Heirloom Vegetable Garden from Harsh Winds

A windbreak can be used to conserve soil moisture in your Open Pollinated / Heirloom vegetable garden or to keep the wind from blowing the vine plants around. Use a material that casts low shade while filtering wind is ideal. This simple version uses wood snow fencing, which is inexpensive, easy to install and remove, and may be attractive enough to leave up year-round.

Posted on January 19, 2016October 25, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Seasonal Planting Guide: Temperature Requirements for Heirloom Vegetables

A seasonal planting guide is essential for understanding the specific temperature requirements for heirloom vegetables, allowing you to make the most of your garden throughout the growing season. Heirloom vegetable varieties vary significantly in their temperature preferences, so planting them is a season-long effort rather than a one-day task. To achieve a productive and resilient garden, it’s vital to plant each heirloom crop according to its unique temperature needs.

From the cool conditions of early spring to the warmth just after the last frost, and finally to the heat of midsummer, following this seasonal planting guide will ensure that each vegetable is placed in its ideal environment. By aligning planting times with the temperature requirements of your heirloom vegetables, you’ll be able to stagger crops effectively, matching each one to the climate it prefers, which will ultimately lead to a healthier, more abundant harvest.

Posted on January 19, 2016November 1, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

Crafting a Broom Corn Broom: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Make a Broom Corn Broom

Making a Broom Corn broom is a time-honored craft that requires patience and a little practice, but it’s a skill anyone can learn with some guidance. Broom corn, which isn’t actually a type of corn, is a species of sorghum whose long, durable seed heads make ideal bristles for brooms. By following these steps and tips, you can create your own sturdy, eco-friendly broom that works well for cleaning both indoors and outdoors.

Posted on January 19, 2016October 25, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

DIY Scarecrow: Protect Your Heirloom Garden with This Fun Project

A scarecrow in the farmers field. - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

Scarecrows have been scaring birds away, or, in some cases amusing them, for as long as man has grown crops. Some say these whimsical creatures were first used by tribes in central or northern Europe; others claim that Indians were the first to employ them. Wherever the origin, the scarecrow has been used on farms and in Open Pollinated / Heirloom vegetable gardens across the country for many years.

Posted on January 19, 2016November 16, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Top 10 Ways Organic Mulch Can Improve Your Heirloom Garden

Adding organic mulch to your heirloom vegetable garden is one of the most effective ways to improve plant health while minimizing maintenance. Organic mulch, made from natural materials like wood chips, grass clippings, shredded bark, sawdust, or pine needles, can significantly reduce your time spent weeding, watering, and tending to your garden. Here’s a deeper look at why organic mulch is an essential part of any heirloom vegetable garden.

Posted on January 11, 2016November 16, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

From Soil to Plant: The Incredible Benefits of Worm Castings

The Benefits of Worm Castings - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

Worm castings, often called vermicompost or worm manure, are a natural powerhouse for enhancing plant growth and soil health. Packed with essential nutrients, trace minerals, and growth enhancers, worm castings improve soil structure, boost microbial activity, and promote long lasting plant vitality. Their unique composition not only nurtures plants but also protects against root diseases and harmful toxins. Safe and gentle for even the most delicate plants, worm castings offer slow release nutrition that sustains growth over time while being eco-friendly and free of harmful chemicals. With their ability to enrich soil and support robust, healthy plants, worm castings are a must have for any gardener seeking superior results.

Posted on January 8, 2016November 16, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

How to Use Worm Castings: Organic Fertilizer Tips for Beginners

How to use Worm Castings - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — How to use worm castings is a popular question. New uses for worm castings are being discovered everyday.

Worm castings, often referred to as “black gold,” are a versatile and nutrient rich organic fertilizer that can enhance plant growth in a variety of ways. From boosting the health of houseplants to enriching garden soil, these natural amendments provide a gentle yet effective source of nutrients. They can be mixed into potting soil, applied as a top dressing, or brewed into a nutrient rich tea to support vibrant growth. With applications ranging from seed starting to lawn care, worm castings are an excellent choice for beginners looking to naturally nourish their plants and promote healthy, thriving gardens.

Posted on January 6, 2016November 16, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Selecting a Garden Site for Heirloom Vegetables: 6 Tips for Success

Choosing the Ideal Heirloom Vegetable Garden Site

Selecting a garden site - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

Choosing the right location is one of the most critical steps to ensure a productive heirloom vegetable garden site. Factors like sunlight, soil quality, drainage, and proximity to your home can significantly impact how well your heirloom garden grows. While a spot close to your house is convenient, sometimes poor drainage, shallow soil, or shade from nearby structures may mean that your heirloom vegetable garden site needs to be placed a bit further from home. Let’s explore the essential elements of selecting a garden site that fosters healthy, high yield heirloom plants.

Posted on January 5, 2016November 16, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Essential Plant Requirements for a Thriving Heirloom Vegetable Garden

Key Factors for Growing Heirloom Plants Successfully

Anyone interested in Open Pollinated / Heirloom Vegetable gardening has one question in mind when choosing a new plant: Will it thrive in my heirloom vegetable garden? Many factors come into play to determine whether or not a garden plant will perform well for you. Each kind of garden plant has its own needs and plant requirements. Some plants, like the dandelion, are tolerant of a wide variety of conditions, while others, such as the pink lady slipper orchid, have very exacting requirements.

Posted on January 1, 2016November 19, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

How to Choose Seeds That Will Thrive: A Gardener’s Essential Guide

Can you give me some ideas on how to best choose seeds for my needs? I’m having trouble choosing from all the variety that’s out there.

Choosing Seeds That Thrive in Your Climate and Season

Besides which varieties have the prettiest picture, what factors should weigh in on your list for what to plant this year? First up, should be what will grow in your region/climate. If you have a shorter season, look carefully at the “days to maturity”, if a plant will take too long to grow, your work will be in vain, and your setting yourself up for disappointment. So, plant things with the shortest “days to maturity” listed.

Posted on August 19, 2015November 16, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

5 August Garden Tips: Making the Most of the Summer Heat

August is one of the best months for gardeners, as it’s the time when many fruits of your labor are ready for harvest. The excitement of reaping what you’ve sown is undeniable, but it’s important not to let your guard down when it comes to garden maintenance. There are still essential tasks to be done to ensure your plants stay healthy and your yields remain high. In many places, August is the hottest month of the year, which means paying close attention to watering, weeding, and overall plant care. Let’s dive into the top August garden tips to keep your garden thriving during the peak of summer.

Posted on August 12, 2014October 23, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

Grinding Corn and Making Memories: Black Aztec Corn at Girls’ Camp

Black Aztec Corn - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

This month we thought we’d highlight one of our neatest seeds, Black Aztec Corn (really, who can pick? there is so much awesome variety to God’s creation in the garden!). Recently we had the opportunity to share Black Aztec Corn with the young ladies at the Girls’ Camp at our church, which was a blast. The girls had the chance to tryout grinding their own corn with a grain mill, and then made the fun and delicious purplish-grayish-blueish cornbread that results from Black Aztec Corn. We heard many comments that this was the best cornbread they’d ever had.

Posted on June 26, 2014November 16, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

6 Essential Composting Tips for Beginners

Composting Tips for Beginners - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

Q. I want to try out composting, but I find it daunting and am uncertain where to start, any composting tips?

A. Sure thing! Compost is great for your heirloom vegetable, fruit, or flower garden, and essential to organic heirloom gardening, as it is natural, nutrient-rich fertilizer right from materials you most likely have on hand, or can get easily. Not only is compost great fertilizer, it improves the structure of your soil, and it’s water retaining capabilities(less work to water your garden!). All of the above reasons will help produce healthier plants in your heirloom garden, what’s not to like about compost?!?

Posted on May 3, 2014November 16, 2024 by St. Clare Heirloom Seeds — Leave a comment

The Secret to Less Weeding: Pre-Planting Tilling for Weed Control

At St. Clare Heirloom Seeds, we manage large test gardens every year, growing a wide variety of vegetables. One of the most time-consuming tasks in gardening is controlling weeds, but we’ve discovered a method that drastically reduces the amount of time spent weeding: pre-planting tilling for weed control. This approach allows us to get a head start on weeds before they become a problem, making garden maintenance much easier throughout the growing season.

Choosing the Right Seeds: What You Need to Know

The Basic “Why’s” and “How’s” of Growing Organic

Juice and Salsa Tomatoes

Gardening For Beginners Introduction

This article explores how heirloom seeds can be a lifeline for you and your community during an economic collapse.

Preventing Disease is Much Easier than Treatment

What advantages do they have over hybrids?

Discovering a New Easy Peel Tomato Method: Gas Flame Peeling

How to Make a Broom Corn Broom

Choosing the Ideal Heirloom Vegetable Garden Site

Key Factors for Growing Heirloom Plants Successfully

Choosing Seeds That Thrive in Your Climate and Season

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Great Company

Margaret

Great seeds, great service

Jo Hooton

Love this company