Seed Starting Workshop

It's still winter; snow is falling as I write. But, just last Friday, the sun was shining and temperatures were advancing to almost 70 degrees! While there is time to garden in earnest, this is our opportunity to plan our summer vegetable and flower gardens.

If you choose to start from seed, Valley View Farms has the most extensive selection in our area, with varieties from 10 different seed companies. Local favorite Meyer Seed, Burpee, Ferry-Morse, Renee's Garden, Botanical Interest, Lake Valley, Livingston, Sandia, Hudson Valley, and Baker Creek feature hundreds of seed varieties. They are all non-GMO.

10 companies featuring vegetable seds

We carry organic and non-organic seeds vegetable seeds, sprouting seeds, herb seeds galore, and seed tapes for ease in planting the smaller seeds (radishes, lettuce, and beets).

Got herbs?

 Some rare vegetable seeds came to us from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, such as a 1500-year-old Cave Bean. For the hot pepper aficionado, Sandia Seed has provided us with the Hot Peppers of the World, including Carolina Reapers, Scotch Bonnet, and Trinidad Scorpion--Hot!

World's Hottest Peppers

Valley View Farm's flower seed selection is equally extensive! Perennials and annuals, including more than 30 varieties of easy-to-grow zinnias and sunflowers, fill up a full aisle of racks. Flowering climbers for your lightpost and trellis are offered. Create a natural meadow of wildflowers with mixes named Save the Bees, Bring Home the Butterflies, Hummingbird Haven, Fairy Meadow, and Songbird Delight; these are just a few of the choices. Supporting our pollinators is again a priority throughout the store. The seed aisle has plenty of milkweeds, borage, and Mexican sunflower seeds, to name a few.

Butterflies love Milkweed

Seed starting indoors requires a few necessary supplies. The proper growing medium, trays for planting, grow lights, seed markers and heating mats can be a huge help.

Windowsill plantings

Lights, seeds. action!

 Our store has it all to help you achieve success, including a Seed Starting Seminar on Saturday, February 16 at 9 am.  At that time, I will explain the steps to successfully grow from seed, show several time-honored tips, as well as provide examples of the numerous supplies that Valley View Farms offers to support success. I hope to see you there!

Guest blogger and seed expert Donna Steele