Embracing
the Early Bird Approach
January might seem like an unlikely time for garden
planning, but for avid gardeners, it's the golden month for seed ordering. This
might raise eyebrows among the uninitiated, but there's a wealth of reasons why
this frosty month is ideal for such an important task.
Beat the
Rush for the Best Selection
Firstly, ordering seeds in January ensures you get
the best selection. Popular varieties sell out quickly, and by shopping early,
you have access to a broader range of options. This is crucial, especially for
those looking for specific, rare, endangered, or heirloom varieties. Many people are starting to garden and this is showing as many seed companies sell out of popular varieties.
Time for
Proper Planning
Gardening is an art that requires planning. By
ordering seeds in January, you have ample time to strategize your garden
layout, considering factors like sunlight, companion planting, and crop
rotation. It is a time to plan what seeds you will save and what isolation distances they need.
Seed
Germination and Stratification Needs
Some seeds, particularly perennials, require a cold
stratification period to germinate effectively. Ordering early allows you to
give these seeds the cold treatment they need, ensuring a robust start to your
garden. Don't forget about starting your onions and leeks in January!
The
Importance of Seed Diversity and Preservation
Gardening isn't just about growing plants; it's
about preserving biodiversity. This is where organizations like The Seeds of Diversity and Seed Savers
Exchange come into play. They focus on saving and sharing heirloom seeds, which
are crucial for maintaining genetic diversity in our food crops. In over 120 years, we have lost 93% of our plant biodiversity, sadly, extinction is forever.
Seed Savers
Exchange: A Gardener's Ally
Both exchanges are non-profit organizations dedicated to saving and sharing heirloom seeds. By preserving these seeds, they maintain a living history of garden diversity, protecting plant varieties that are rare, endangered or have been passed down through generations.
Why
Heirloom Seeds Matter
Heirloom seeds are more than just plants; they are
stories and history encapsulated in tiny, potent packages. These seeds are
often unique to specific regions and climates, adapted over generations to
thrive in particular conditions. They offer flavors, colors, and textures that
you won't find in commercial seed varieties.
The Plight
of Rare and Endangered Seeds
Many rare heirloom varieties are at risk of disappearing
forever. Industrial agriculture favors a narrow selection of crops, leading to
a loss of genetic diversity. Older seed savers are unable to continue the work in the garden and varieties are lost when they are not passed on. By choosing to plant heirloom and rare seeds,
gardeners play a crucial role in preserving these unique varieties.
How
Ordering Early Helps
Ordering seeds in January, especially from organizations like The Seeds of Diversity, supports the preservation efforts for these rare and endangered seeds. It's not just about getting a head start on your garden; it's about participating in a larger movement to protect our agricultural heritage.
As gardeners, we're not just growing plants; we're
stewards of the earth's biodiversity. By ordering seeds in January, hopefully, heirloom and rare varieties, we contribute to a greener, more diverse world.
So, let's embrace the chill of January to prepare for a lush, diverse garden
that tells a story as old as time itself.
