Bentley Seed Co. Blog

Victory Gardens of Today - Once a staple of American resilience & sustainability during wartime, the Victory Garden of the early & mid-20th century has evolved to meet a very current approach toward self-sufficiency & a healthier way of life. Learn more in our most recent blog about how you can grow good food in any whatever space you may have available.

When it comes to gardening, one of the critical factors for success is to consider your climate. Different plants have different temperature and weather preferences, and what will thrive in one region will struggle or die in another. To help gardeners understand the unique characteristics of their local climate, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed a system of gardening zones to differentiate the growing seasons in various regions across the country.

Three Sisters garden with corn, squash and beans The history around our small community of Cambridge in northern New York is rich with agricultural lore and legend dating back centuries. The area was originally home to the Iroquois Five Nations, who were a mix of farmers, gatherers, fishers and hunters.  The earliest and most important of Native American agricultural traditions was the custom of The Three Sisters. The Iroquois of the northeast, along with the southern Cherokee tribes, practiced companion planting of corn, beans and squash together in a sustainable and resourceful system that not only provided a healthy diet but also kept the soil rich and bountiful.  Called “The Three Sisters” because the three plants nurture each other symbiotically, this tradition played a critical role in the Native American garden. This trio of plants thrived especially well together and provided high-yield, highly nutritious staples of their diet, and most efficiently utilized the land. These early farmers saved the best seeds from each harvest for the following season, resulting in the development of strong seeds ideally suited for the environment in which they had adapted. By the time European settlers reached the area, the indigenous people had developed the growing of these three crops into a central food system that the new settlers quickly adopted.  Iroquois women traditionally tended the fields. In the late spring, they tilled the earth, planting corn in small, mounded hills first. A few weeks later, they planted beans in the same hills with squash circling the border of the mound. The cornstalks served as poles for the beans to grow upon, the beans stabilized the corn and supplied much-needed nitrogen to fertilize the soil for the corn and squash. The squash leaves provided ground cover for the corn and beans delivering shade and weed control. These three plants thrive better together than when planted alone.  Planting a Three Sisters plot is a delightful way to honor American history and create a healthy garden. You will need a fairly large garden plot as these plants need to spread out a bit to flourish. Mound the soil about a foot high at the center and 3-4 feet wide, flattening the top of each mound at the center. Space your mounds at least four feet apart. Pearls and Gold Corn Start with hearty sweet corn with robust stalks for the beans to twine around. Plant the corn after the last frost of the season. Dig a small hole in the center of your mound and add a couple of corn seeds to each mound.  Bean – Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean Seed When the corn seedlings are about 3-4” tall, plant your beans in the same mound. Select a pole bean, not a bush bean. Our heirloom variety Kentucky Wonder is a great choice—its tall, vigorous vines produce delicious beans that have been enjoyed for generations! Plant three or four bean seeds around each corn seedling. Early Summer Crookneck Squash A week later, plant your squash circling the outer edges of the mound. Choose a small-leaf variety such as our Black Zucchini or our Early Summer Crookneck. Space squash seeds evenly around the perimeter, creating six plantings (you might want to add a couple of squash seeds to each planting to ensure germination).  Adding sunflowers alongside your mounds will attract pollinators and distract birds from the Three Sisters seeds while making your garden especially pretty. Plant the sunflowers at cross-sections between your mound hills. Pick from our bright yellow Lemon Queen, our staff-favorite Mammoth Seed, colorful Autumn Beauty, or better yet, choose our Sunflower All Sorts Mix to fill your garden with a gorgeous mix of sunflowers of all sizes! Planting a classic Three Sisters Garden is a wonderful family project, rich in storytelling, American history and gardening lore, along with important environmental teachings on sustainability, biodiversity and lessons in keeping your garden soil healthy.

Great gifts for Mom- 5 great ideas for gardening gifts.

Most of us look forward to spring with good reason: longer days and warm temperatures mean finally being able to ditch onerous winter outerwear and enjoy the outdoors again. Year in year out, we get through winter patiently (some of us more than others), cheered by the fact that we know it will end. We know our patience will be rewarded by brighter days ahead. Unfortunately and tragically, spring 2020 has not unfolded as expected. When we were looking forward to spring just a few short months ago, who could have imagined that it would arrive concomitant with a global pandemic that would shut down much of the world as we know it? Social distancing mandates, supply chain disruptions, and justified germophobia have suddenly changed the way we live. An obvious example of this is how we approach ‘hunting and gathering’ food to feed our family. Running to the grocery store to pick up a few necessities is suddenly not so simple. As a result, many of us are turning to an alternate food supply: one we produce ourselves. Given the time of year, growing vegetables from seed, in particular, is an obvious way to begin. In fact, we have it on good authority that the crisis has generated legions of newly minted home vegetable gardeners. Armed with a little knowledge and a few tools, it’s not hard to grow your own family vegetable garden. Here’s what you need to know on how to grow vegetables. Garden Design & Location Sunlight You don’t need a huge amount of real estate in order to grow your own veggies but you do need to have a sunny spot. With few exceptions, vegetable plants require six to eight hours of sunlight each day. Without enough sunlight each day, your plants will struggle to grow and won’t yield fruit. Water Your garden must be proximate to a source of water if you live in a hot summer climate with periodic dry spells. For many people, that means a nearby spigot hooked up to a hose. But there are other ways to collect and deliver water to your plants, such as a rain barrel; details can be found online. Well Drained Soil Such as all plants, when growing veggies, you need to make sure they are watered correctly, as they won’t tolerate too much water. Plant roots need well-drained soil to grow and thrive; standing water will cause them to rot. That means you shouldn’t plant in low lying areas or in non-porous clay soil that holds water. If you do happen to live in an area with heavy, clay soil, don’t fret, as there are ways to amend it to make it amenable to vegetable growing, as we explain in our related article, ‘How to Make Well-Drained Soil for Growing Vegetables’. Raised Garden Beds Alternatively, you can create raised garden beds in which to grow your crops, and in this section, we’ll give you some tips on how to grow vegetables. Though this may sound like extra work up front, in the end you’ll likely find that the benefits are well worth it: Enables good soil drainage Facilitates a longer growing season: Garden soil heats up faster in the spring and stays warm longer in the fall More efficient weed control Deters pests Container Gardening If you don’t have a lot of space and/or don’t want to bother creating raised garden beds, you can simply grow your plants in containers. The larger the container, the better, and they must have drain holes in the bottom. But, how do you grow vegetables in containers? The same guidelines outlined above apply to container gardening: fill them with soil that drains well, place them in a sunny location, and make sure your plants get enough—but not too much—water. It’s especially important to enrich container soil with nutrients via compost and apply fertilizer throughout the growing season. Gardening Supplies Seeds To get started on how to grow vegetables that are high quality, high-yield plants, you need to start with high quality seeds. And not all seeds are created equal. For best results in growing veggies—and, yes, we are partial to the Bentley Seeds brand—we recommend our non-GMO, open pollinated seeds. We source our seeds from reliable, regional American farms. They’re fresh crop seeds which boast a higher-than-average germination rate, increasing your chance of success. What & How to Grow Guide We know from experience that many novice gardeners are like the proverbial ‘kid in the candy store’: they want to grow everything they can possibly think of, without really knowing what they’re getting into. We get it. We’ve been there. Also, we understand, during this trying time, the impetus to grow as much as possible. But we do advise a tiny bit of caution. Before you buy your vegetable seeds, we recommend doing a little homework to learn how to grow vegetables and what is likely to grow best in your area, what plants grow best together, and other important information. You start by consulting our Growing Guides Leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, and kale. Herbs, such as chives and basil, are easy, nutritious and pleasing to the palate. Root vegetables such as carrots, radishes, and beets. Or, if your kids like something simple, you can’t go wrong with fresh green beans. Don’t forget to plant some crowd pleasing fruit such as watermelon and tomatoes (yes, they’re a fruit.) Some flowers, such as french marigolds, make particularly good companions because they ward off pests. Or consider nasturtium which is both beautiful and edible. Enriched Soil and Compost Normally, it’s easiest for new gardeners to buy enriched garden or potting soil at your local nursery or garden supply store to mix into your garden bed or containers. Otherwise, you can use soil from your yard and homemade compost, though if you’re starting from scratch it will take some time to produce. If you don’t already have a compost pile, now is a good time to start one; it’s not difficult. Good, simple compost consists of a combination of green & brown food and yard waste that breaks down into rich organic material over time. You can find plenty of tips and instructions online. Fertilizer Once established, most vegetable plants need supplemental nutrients to help them grow. Under normal circumstances, we recommend buying timed-release organic fertilizer at your local store. However, if you are able to add enough rich compost to your soil, that may work as well. Mulch Mulch is an effective way to retain moisture as well as minimize seeds in your garden beds. Just about any kind of organic material, such as wood chips, straw or leaves will do the trick as will cardboard or newspaper which will break down over time. You can find additional information in our article, What is Mulch? Gardening Tools Veteran gardeners tend to collect a lot of gardening tools over time. If you’re just starting out, you’ll just need a few essential gardening tools: Shovel Trowel Gardening Gloves Pruners Ultimately, you’ll want to pick up additional tools—when shopping is not such a challenge—including a rake, a wheelbarrow and more. We also recommend finding a dedicated spot in your garage, shed or house to store the tools so you always know where to find them. Some Historical Context This moment in time, as it relates to people’s desire to be more self-sufficient by growing their own food, is not without precedent. It’s reminiscent of the Victory Garden initiative launched during World Wars I and II. The U.S. and allied governments encouraged citizens to plant vegetable gardens to supplement their food rations as well as to help their morale by staying busy during a very tumultuous and disturbing period. Veteran gardeners will tell you that gardening is a salve for troubling times. Not only is it productive and rewarding, spending time outdoors with your hands in the dirt, communing with nature just seems to make sense—even when nothing else does.

Admittedly, we write a lot about gardening, especially on how to grow vegetables in the northeast, which makes sense when you consider that we’re located in upstate New York (generally zone 4-5, depending on the elevation). However, we recognize that many of our customers are fortunate enough to live in climates mild enough for an extended gardening season, allowing you to grow vegetables throughout the winter. In nod to you lucky folks, following is a beginner’s guide to growing winter vegetable crops in zones 7-10. Choose Cold Weather Crops As a starting point, we’ll focus on growing vegetables—and herbs—that can tolerate cool winter temperatures. And, obviously, since there is great variability in fall temperatures between zones 7-10, you’ll have to use your best judgement to decide when, exactly, to plant your seeds. Changing weather patterns make traditional planting schedules unreliable; your local cooperative extension service might be able to help. The important point is that you want to give the seedlings time to establish themselves before the first hard frost, which is usually 8-10 weeks. On the other hand, you don’t want to plant cool weather crops too early because they won’t germinate effectively in the heat. Local Growing Conditions will Vary We provide a list of cold-hardy herbs and vegetables below, but keep in mind that local conditions (elevation, rainfall, wind, etc.) will affect your crops differently, as will the exposure where you’ve planted them in your yard. Ideally, you would plant a winter vegetables in the sunniest spot available. One of the biggest challenges of growing crops in winter is that daylight is in short supply, causing many plants to grow more slowly than they do in summer; maximum sunlight is important. Waning daylight is another reason to ensure your young plants are established before winter begins in earnest. Planting a Winter Vegetable Garden If you’re interested in how to grow vegetables effectively, experienced gardeners recommend planting vegetable crops—but particularly winter vegetable crops—in raised beds. This is especially important If you live in a rainy climate, as the raised beds allow for effective drainage. Plants hate having soggy roots!  Raised beds also make it easier to cover your crops to protect them during cold snaps—an important point for those of you in zone 7. On the flip side, plants in raised beds can dry out more quickly than those in the ground, which requires vigilance in watering during dry periods. Compost-rich soil is particularly important for winter vegetables, as is a healthy layer of mulch. Don’t add fertilizer when you plant your seeds; wait until the seedlings’ true leaves appear. Then apply a long-lasting organic formulation that’s not to heavy on nitrogen (which makes plants more susceptible to the cold). Any kind of mulch will do; many experienced gardeners swear by dead leaves gathered during fall clean up or straw. With edible crops, it’s always a good idea to plant in waves—particularly with green leafy vegetables—so you’re ensured an uninterrupted harvest throughout the winter. Tactics for Protecting Plants during Cold Snaps As mentioned above, those of you in zone 7 must have a contingency plan for protecting your crops during cold snaps. There are a variety of tactics you can employ including: Cover them with an extra layer of leaves or straw Use temporary row covers (these can be repurposed old sheets) Protective cloches to serve as mini–greenhouses. These can take many forms including glass domes, overturned baskets, used milk/soda jugs, etc.) Just be sure not to leave the protective covers on too long, once the freezing threat has passed, as plants need air circulation in addition to sunlight to grow! It may also be necessary to protect your young plants from intense rainstorms in certain regions of the country. Hardy Winter Herbs and Vegetables Herbs and vegetables that can tolerate the coldest temperatures (as low as 10°F) include the following: Chives Cilantro Collards Kale Leeks Onions Parsley Scallions The next-cold-hardy group (down to 20°F) includes: Arugula Broccoli Brussel sprouts Winter cabbage Winter cauliflower Chard Spinach Slightly less-cold-hardy (down to 25°F): Beets Carrots Fennel Lettuce Radishes Rosemary Thyme Of course, those of you in cooler USDA zones can try growing these winter vegetables as well—many gardeners do—but it requires much more effort and vigilance to keep the plants safe during the sustained cold periods common in northern winters. You would need to construct semi-permanent cold frames or hoop houses to protect your crops not only from the cold and wind, but from potentially heavy, damaging snow. Cold weather gardening in the northeast is definitely not for the faint of heart. The rest of us will get vicarious pleasure thinking about those zone 7-10 winter garden crops you “southern folk” are able to grow.

Newly minted (ha! Get it?) vegetable gardeners can be taken by surprise when their beautiful lettuce plants they’ve been enjoying since the beginning of the season start sending up flower stalks all of the sudden, and go to seed. When this happens, the heretofore sweet, tender lettuce leaves become tough and bitter, rendering them unpalatable. This is called bolting, which is very common for cool season leafy greens such as lettuce, arugula, cabbage, collard greens, kale, and spinach. Other plants prone to bolting include herbs such as basil, dill and cilantro, as well as broccoli and beets. Why do Plants Bolt? Normally, we regard plants’ flowering as a good thing, but not in the case of plants we enjoy for their nutritious green leaves. These plants flourish in the cool temperatures of late spring/early summer. But, the extended daylight hours and hot temperatures of mid-summer signal they’ve reached maturity and are nearing the end of their life, prompting them to reproduce by setting seed. What to do about Bolting? Bolting is a natural, inevitable process which can’t be prevented. However, there are ways to manage it, depending on the plant. For starters, you can plant seed varieties that are characterized as heat resistant or ‘slow bolt’; this may buy you some extra time. You can also grow lettuce in a partially shady area where it will stay relatively cool and delay bolting. Other plants demand different tactics. Basil, for example, loves sunny, hot and relatively dry conditions, which, of course, cause it to bolt, but you can deal with this by simply snipping off the flower buds as they appear. Regardless of flowering, tall, leggy basil plants are not desirable; keep them pinched back to keep them healthy. This is easy to do in the course of pinching/cutting off leaves for regular consumption in kitchen. Succession Planting to the Rescue In spite of your best efforts, don’t despair if all of your leafy greens end up setting seed. Just dig them up and plant new seeds for fall harvest. Given the speed with which lettuce and other leafy green seeds germinate, depending on where you live, you will be able to harvest a successive crop before the frost hits. Remember, these plants welcome cool early fall temperatures. One of the great things about gardening many people don’t appreciate until they start doing it is it’s an ongoing opportunity to learn about nature and the cycle of life. Similar to many gardening terms, “bolting” sounds vaguely daunting. As it turns out, it’s actually an apt word that describes a natural, logical process. For many of us, gardening is an infinitely more interesting way to learn than sitting in a classroom listening to a Biology lecture.

Grow your own eggplant from seed and create delicious culinary favorites such as Eggplant Parmigiana. Our featured eggplant variety: Black Beauty About About Eggplants The mention of the word, eggplant, often brings to mind another word: parmesan. While eggplant parmesan is a world famously delicious dish, some people may not appreciate how eggplant makes a savoury addition to a plethora of other culinary delights. Eggplant can be sauteed, simmered, fried, and baked along with any number of other ingredients to make a nutritious, hearty vegetarian meal that may satisfy even the most committed carnivores. Interesting Facts Interesting Facts About Eggplants Eggplant or Aubergine—Solanum melongena—is a member of the huge Solanaceae family, containing more than 2000 species of plants. Some plants in this family—belladonna, for example—are quite poisonous! Similar to a plant like tomatoes, eggplants aren’t technically vegetables—they’re fruits. They are also known as a member of the nightshade family, which also includes peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes. Nightshade vegetables seem to be generating controversy in health and nutrition circles these days: while it’s acknowledged that they are relatively low in calories, high in fiber, and contain a number of important nutrients, they also contain a substance called sonanine which is thought to cause inflammation in the body. A quick bit of research suggests the jury is still out on this issue. Anyone with questions or concerns should consult a medical professional. Eggplant is native to India and environs, where it is considered the ‘King of Vegetables’, but is now found throughout the world. English colonists in India named it eggplant due to varieties’ egg-like appearance. These days, you can find all different types of eggplant at farmers markets, etc., though we remain partial to our tender, prolific class Black Beauty variety. Gardening Tips Eggplant Gardening Tips Difficulty Moderate-Difficult. Sun Full sun. Water Eggplant are heavy drinkers and feeders. Regular gentle watering is key but be careful not to wash seedlings away. Soil Deep, well-drained sandy soil with a pH of 6.5-6.8. The soil temperature must be at least 70° F; ideal germination temperature is 85° F. Air Outdoor temperatures must be at least 65° F. Timing Start eggplant seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before your last anticipated spring frost; transplant seedlings outdoors once it’s consistently warm outside. Planting Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep. Space according to seed packet instructions. When transplanting outdoors in spring, raised beds, with their warmer soil, are preferable. Germination Soak seeds overnight to encourage germination which takes 7-14 days. Time to Harvest 70-90 days from time of transplant. Feeding Apply organic fertilizer to the seedlings after their true leaves appear. Add rich compost or additional organic fertilizer every six weeks thereafter. Mulch Add mulch as the seedlings develop to retain moisture and warmth and discourage weeds. Special Considerations Eggplant plants are susceptible to a variety of insect pests and diseases, unfortunately. You can mitigate the threat of insect pests by using row covers. Rotate crops regularly and make sure plants have plenty of air circulation to avoid disease. Companion Plants Good companion plants are legumes such as peas and beans which leach nitrogen into the soil which is needed by the eggplant plants. Bush beans and herbs repel common insect pests. Other members of the nightshade family such as tomatoes and peppers work well too. Container-Friendly Yes, if you have a pot with at least a 5-gallon capacity. Harvesting Harvesting Eggplants You can harvest eggplant when it’s a bit bigger than your (adult-size) hand) and when its skin has a nice reflective shine. Be careful when pulling off the fruit as there may be some sharp thorns on the stem or on the top of the plant. Highlights Growing Eggplants—Highlights Distinctive-looking eggplant is a great complement to your other garden vegetables. Our popular, heirloom seed variety—Black Beauty—yields a high volume of large, tender, tasty fruit. Densely-textured and filling, eggplant is a satisfying meat substitute. Heat loving and slow growing; eggplant needs a long, hot growing season. Eggplant is nutritious and is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, and various important minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and folic acid. It’s also a great source of dietary fiber. Our Eggplant Variety Eggplant - Black Beauty Seed From 1.79 Resource Categories Recipes (11) Uncategorized (1) Growing Guides (6) Growing Vegetables (22) Growing Herbs (9) Growing Flowers (5) Garden Design & Maintenance (18) Garden Pests & Diseases (4) Pollinator Gardens (7) Eco-Friendly Garden (12) Start Gardening (9) Great Gifts for Gardeners (3) Home Gardener Vegetable Seed Packets Herb Seed Packets Flower Seed Packets Gardener Accessories Pollinator Seed Packets Milkweed Packets for Monarch Butterflies Sunflower Seed Packets Seed Packets Sets and Gifts Perennial Flower Seeds Annual Flower Seeds Peppers Cold Crop Seeds Packets New Special Occasion Seeds Packets Pollinator / Environmental Seed Packets Earth Day Seed Packets Thank You Seed Packet Cards Milkweed Packets for Monarch Butterflies Love/Valentine Seed Packets Baby Shower Seed Packets Memorial or Funeral Seed Packets Congratulations Seed Packets Thinking of You Birthday Seed Packets Wedding Seed Packets Seed Packets for Small Business Seasonal / Holiday Seed packets & Gifts Christmas & Holiday Gifts Grow Good Things Novelty & Gift Seed Packets New! Seed Packet Cards Real Estate Seed Packets All Favor Seed Packets Custom Packets Custom Seed Packets: Seasonal Custom Seed Packets: Memorial Custom Seed Packets: Weddings Custom Seed Packets: Baby Showers Custom Seed Packets: Thank You Custom Seed Packets: Novelty, Gift & Religious Custom Seed Packets: Environment Custom Seed Packets: Realtors Custom Seed Packets: Corporate Full Custom Art Seed Packets: 50-500 Qty Bulk Bulk Vegetable Seed Bulk Herb Seed Bulk Flower Seed All Bulk Seed Bulk Seed on Sale Retail Wholesale All Retail Displays & Bulk Packets Retail Home Gardener Displays & Bulk Packets Special Occasion Favor Displays & Bulk packets 250 Piece Seed Packet Displays 500 Piece Seed Packet Displays 500 Packet Display Instructions Bulk Seed Packets Become a Wholesaler Sale Favor Packets on Sale All Sale Bulk Seed On Sale How to Garden Growing Vegetables Growing Herbs Growing Flowers Garden Design & Maintenance Garden Pests & Diseases Pollinator Gardens Eco-Friendly Garden Start Gardening Great Gifts for Gardeners Ingredients 9 cups peeled and chopped tomatoes (peel first, see below) 2 1/2 cups chopped green bell peppers 2 1/2 cups chopped white onion 4 medium jalapeños, chopped (substitute 2 of the jalapeños for 2 cayenne peppers for extra hot salsa) 8 large cloves garlic, chopped 6 teaspoons canning salt 1 cup white vinegar 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste Instructions Remove tomato skins. Make an “X” in the bottom of the tomatoes, then place in boiling water for 60 seconds. Then, remove the tomatoes from the water and place directly into an ice bath. The skins should slip right off. Make the salsa. Place all of the ingredients in a large pot and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until thickened and cooked. Prepare cans to be sealed. Transfer the cooked salsa into clean, sterile jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Use a funnel for this. Wipe rims of jars and, then place lids on top. Process with a water bath. Bring a large saucepan filled with water to a boil. Your saucepan needs to be tall enough to have the water cover the jars by 2 inches.

Our seed variety—Hale’s Best—is a 1923 Heirloom and is one of the best known, sweetest, and most productive of cantaloupe varieties. Our featured cantaloupe variety: Hale’s Best Seed About Cantaloupe: The Perfect Summer Snack Food While watermelon is considered by many to be the top quintessential summer fruit, it needs to move over and make room for cantaloupe. Sweet, juicy cantaloupe is similarly hydrating and serves as a welcome cooling snack on hot days. Cantaloupe is a delicious accompaniment and addition to a number of dishes and makes an excellent addition to smoothies and homemade salsas. Interesting Facts Interesting Facts About Cantaloupe Cantaloupe—Cucumis melo—is an annual fruit (considered a kind of berry) and a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. This huge flowering plant family includes gourds, squashes, pumpkins, and cucumbers, in addition to melons. Cantaloupes are actually a type of muskmelon, which also includes honeydew, and Crenshaw among others. They are called rockmelons in Australia, presumably due to their resemblance to…well, rocks. Muskmelons originated in Persia and were widely cultivated by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and, later, by the Europeans. It is thought that cantaloupe was a favorite among the Italians who named it after a former papal seat in the 1700’s. Christopher Columbus introduced cantaloupe to the new world on his second voyage in 1493, where it was enthusiastically welcomed by natives of the caribbean islands where he landed. It became a commercial crop in the U.S. sometime around 1890. Gardening Tips Cantaloupe Gardening Tips Difficulty Moderate. Sun Full. Water Water regularly taking care to avoid wetting the foliage—using a soaker hose is best. Soil pH – 6.0-6.5. Soil temperature must be 75 – 95° F or seeds will not germinate! Air The warmer the better; cantaloupes cannot tolerate frost. Timing In the northern part of the country, sow seeds indoors around 4 weeks before the last frost. Planting Plant seeds ½” deep and take special care of roots when transplanting outside. Plant seedlings 24” apart. Consider using black plastic sheeting to warm soil. Germination 5-7 days Time to Harvest Cantaloupe takes around 85-120 days to grow from seed to ripe fruit. Feeding Cantaloupe plants are heavy feeders. Mulch Apply a thick layer of organic mulch (compost is ideal) as the vines start to creep. Pests & Diseases Keep a close eye out for common pests, such as squash bugs, squash vine borers, cucumber beetles, and aphids, which can be a problem. Healthy, well-tended plants may be able to fend off pests; otherwise, consider using row covers, taking care to allow access by pollinators. Special Considerations During growth, it’s not unusual for some melons to start to grow and die well before harvest. Companion Plants Corn, nasturtium, radish Container-Friendly Yes. Use a big pot (at least 5 gallon) and a strong support (like a trellis) that will allow you to train the vines to grow vertically. Harvesting Harvesting Cantaloupe You can tell when the fruit is ready to harvest when the rind has turned from green to tan, and the melon comes off the vine easily (test by applying gentle pressure). Or, if you have a good nose, try giving it a sniff. If it smells sweet and ripe, it should be ready. Highlights Growing Cantaloupes—Highlights Our seed variety—Hale’s Best—is a 1923 Heirloom and is one of the best known, sweetest, and most productive of cantaloupe varieties. Succulent, homegrown cantaloupe is in a different stratosphere of deliciousness compared to the supermarket version. If you love cantaloupe, grow your own—it’s worth the effort. Cantaloupe grows on vines which can trail up to five feet in the garden, unless you train them to grow vertically on a support. These are heat-loving, slow-growing plants. They need a long growing season of 16 weeks or so. Higher temperatures mean a shorter growing time. Cantaloupe is a good source of fiber, packed with vitamin C and other vital antioxidants. Our Cantaloupe Variety Cantaloupe-Hale's Best Seed From 1.79 Resource Categories Recipes (11) Uncategorized (1) Growing Guides (6) Growing Vegetables (22) Growing Herbs (9) Growing Flowers (5) Garden Design & Maintenance (18) Garden Pests & Diseases (4) Pollinator Gardens (7) Eco-Friendly Garden (12) Start Gardening (9) Great Gifts for Gardeners (3) Home Gardener Vegetable Seed Packets Herb Seed Packets Flower Seed Packets Gardener Accessories Pollinator Seed Packets Milkweed Packets for Monarch Butterflies Sunflower Seed Packets Seed Packets Sets and Gifts Perennial Flower Seeds Annual Flower Seeds Peppers Cold Crop Seeds Packets New Special Occasion Seeds Packets Pollinator / Environmental Seed Packets Earth Day Seed Packets Thank You Seed Packet Cards Milkweed Packets for Monarch Butterflies Love/Valentine Seed Packets Baby Shower Seed Packets Memorial or Funeral Seed Packets Congratulations Seed Packets Thinking of You Birthday Seed Packets Wedding Seed Packets Seed Packets for Small Business Seasonal / Holiday Seed packets & Gifts Christmas & Holiday Gifts Grow Good Things Novelty & Gift Seed Packets New! Seed Packet Cards Real Estate Seed Packets All Favor Seed Packets Custom Packets Custom Seed Packets: Seasonal Custom Seed Packets: Memorial Custom Seed Packets: Weddings Custom Seed Packets: Baby Showers Custom Seed Packets: Thank You Custom Seed Packets: Novelty, Gift & Religious Custom Seed Packets: Environment Custom Seed Packets: Realtors Custom Seed Packets: Corporate Full Custom Art Seed Packets: 50-500 Qty Bulk Bulk Vegetable Seed Bulk Herb Seed Bulk Flower Seed All Bulk Seed Bulk Seed on Sale Retail Wholesale All Retail Displays & Bulk Packets Retail Home Gardener Displays & Bulk Packets Special Occasion Favor Displays & Bulk packets 250 Piece Seed Packet Displays 500 Piece Seed Packet Displays 500 Packet Display Instructions Bulk Seed Packets Become a Wholesaler Sale Favor Packets on Sale All Sale Bulk Seed On Sale How to Garden Growing Vegetables Growing Herbs Growing Flowers Garden Design & Maintenance Garden Pests & Diseases Pollinator Gardens Eco-Friendly Garden Start Gardening Great Gifts for Gardeners Ingredients 9 cups peeled and chopped tomatoes (peel first, see below) 2 1/2 cups chopped green bell peppers 2 1/2 cups chopped white onion 4 medium jalapeños, chopped (substitute 2 of the jalapeños for 2 cayenne peppers for extra hot salsa) 8 large cloves garlic, chopped 6 teaspoons canning salt 1 cup white vinegar 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste Instructions Remove tomato skins. Make an “X” in the bottom of the tomatoes, then place in boiling water for 60 seconds. Then, remove the tomatoes from the water and place directly into an ice bath. The skins should slip right off. Make the salsa. Place all of the ingredients in a large pot and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until thickened and cooked. Prepare cans to be sealed. Transfer the cooked salsa into clean, sterile jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Use a funnel for this. Wipe rims of jars and, then place lids on top. Process with a water bath. Bring a large saucepan filled with water to a boil. Your saucepan needs to be tall enough to have the water cover the jars by 2 inches.

It’s never too soon to start thinking about the spring planting season. Depending on the region of the country where you live, it may only be a matter of months before you can start growing vegetable plants indoors from seed for harvest next summer. In the meantime, it’s fun to plan what you’re going to grow by browsing your favorite seed company website (:-)) and learning which plants would be best for your purposes. In the course of your research, you’ll find many mentions of the term, “heirloom”, and may wonder what it— and its associated terms— mean and why they’re significant. Why should you plant heirloom vegetable varieties? What are, say, heirloom tomatoes? We have some answers. What are Heirloom Seeds? Heirloom seeds come from favorite, historic plant cultivars passed down among generations of communities or families. A defining characteristic of heirloom seeds is they are open-pollinated, which means the plants that produced them were pollinated by natural means. Natural pollination occurs via insects, birds, or wind out in the wild—not through human intervention in a lab. The resulting plants are genetically diverse, allowing adaptation to local climate and growing conditions over time. Heirloom Plants Versus Hybrid Plants At the opposite end of the spectrum from heirloom plants are hybrid plants. Hybrid plants were developed in response to the “Dust Bowl” drought in the mid-1930’s which destroyed much of the U.S. agricultural production at the time, forcing hundreds of farms out of business. The extended drought resulted in calamitous food shortages and much human suffering (as vividly captured in John Steinbeck’s epic, “The Grapes of Wrath”). Hybrid plants were developed by scientists to exponentially increase agricultural output and bolster the U.S. food supply. This carefully controlled cross-breeding produced plants that were not only more vigorous, faster growing, and disease resistant than their parents, resulting in higher yields, they were also more stress resistant which meant they were more likely to survive drought. Compared to heirloom vegetables, hybrids boast more uniform traits in terms of size and appearance and are very consistent from plant to plant over time. Hybrid plants also yield more and cost more. But heirlooms are more nutritious and taste better, among the desirable traits that caused them to be saved and passed down in the first place. To illustrate the difference between hybrid and heirloom vegetables, consider the ubiquitous supermarket tomato. This hybrid fruit was developed, principally, to look good and withstand the long journey from the warm regions where they’re grown to retail outlets across the country. However, these beautiful hybridized tomatoes don’t taste anything like the succulent, if imperfect-looking, heirloom tomatoes you grow yourself or buy at a local farmstand in summer. Heirloom Fruits and Vegetables: Living History Commonly accepted wisdom is that an heirloom plant variety is a cultivar developed before 1945 or so, when hybrid plants entered widespread circulation, around the end of World War II. And, as mentioned above, one of heirloom seeds’ defining characteristics is they were considered something of value, saved and passed down from generation to generation, hence the moniker, heirloom. Heirloom plant varieties not only represent an assortment of desirable traits including appearance, flavor, texture, and hardiness, many of them have interesting or unusual names (or even multiple names) and associated dates of origin. For example, the wildly popular and prolific Kentucky Wonder pole bean is a very old heirloom that seems to have originated the south during the 1850’s. It has also been known over the years as ‘Texas Pole,’ ‘American Sickle Pole,’ ‘Eastern Wonder,’ ‘Egg Harbor,’ to name a few. Heirloom seeds originated from different cultures all over the world, and there is evidence that some varieties have origins that date back thousands of years. For example, the heirloom romaine lettuce variety, Parris Island Cos is a descendent of romaine lettuce that appeared in Egyptian art from 300 B.C. Regardless of their origins, by choosing heirloom plant varieties, you know you’re going to be growing and enjoying something special—something generations before you deemed worthy of preserving. By growing heirloom vegetables from seed, you help preserve that heritage. So, even though next spring’s growing season may seem like a long way off, it’s never too soon to start planning your crops and preparing your garden.

Watermelon is a joyful, quintessential sign of summer and a fun plant to grow from seed, but it begs the age-old question: is it a fruit or a vegetable? Our featured watermelon variety: Crimson Sweet Seed About Is Watermelon a Fruit or a Vegetable? The answer to the question depends on whom you ask. Botany experts will tell you that because a watermelon develops from the ovary of a flowering plant and contains seeds, it is the very definition of a fruit. Remember, by the way, that’s the same reason a tomato is a fruit and not a vegetable. But others—mostly chefs and the state of Oklahoma (which declared it its official vegetable in 2007)—stand firm that watermelon is a vegetable. Their argument is that since watermelon is harvested from the field in a similar fashion to squash and pumpkin, that makes it a vegetable. Dubious? So are we. But no matter; watermelon is delicious no matter how it’s classified. Oh, and one last tidbit regarding the fruit-vegetable debate: apparently a fruit can be a vegetable but a vegetable can’t be a fruit. Go figure. Interesting Facts Interesting Facts About Watermelon Plants Watermelon—Citrullus lanatus—is a member of the cucumber—Cucurbitaceae—family of which gourds are a member as well. If you’re familiar with watermelon’s growth habit, you’ll agree this makes sense, given that all the plants in the family grow on trailing vines. Over time, people have come up with various, creative ways to consume and use watermelon in addition to the tried and true method of just slicing and serving it. For example, some use it to create edible sculptures; others use it as a floating pool toy, and still others use it to make potent cocktails or a delicious summer punch. Delicious AND fun’that’s probably why its mere mention can make people smile. There is evidence that watermelon existed in Egypt and neighboring regions thousands of years ago. Archeologists found watermelon seeds among the remnants of a 5000-year-old settlement in Libya. What’s more, seeds and paintings of watermelons have been discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs, including King Tut’s. But, there’s also evidence that watermelon’s wild ancestor—a bitter fruit with hard, pale-green flesh—was a far cry from our familiar, favorite, summer fruit. which is juicy, sweet and delicious. Evidently, it took many centuries to evolve into the juicy, sweet and delicious fruit (or is it vegetable?) we enjoy today. Gardening Tips Watermelon Gardening Tips Difficulty Easy-Moderate IF your growing season is warm and long, and you have space. Sun Full sun. Water Watermelon are heavy drinkers and feeders. Regular watering is key. Soil Well-drained soil enriched with compost. The soil temperature must be at least 70°F. The warmer it is, the faster watermelon seeds will germinate. At 70° F, seeds will germinate in 10 days; at 90°, it may only take 3. Air Watermelons like it hot! Timing Start watermelon seeds indoors about 4 weeks before your last anticipated spring frost; transplant seedlings outdoors once it’s consistently warm outside. Or, if your growing season is long enough, direct sow seeds in the outdoor garden two weeks after the last frost. Planting Sow seeds 1 inch deep. Space according to seed packet instructions. Germination 3-10 days. Feeding Seeding to maturity generally takes at least 80 days. Mulch Add rich compost or organic fertilizer at planting time and again every six weeks. Pests & Diseases Add mulch as the seedlings develop to retain moisture and warmth and discourage weeds. Special Considerations Young watermelon plants are susceptible to cucumber beetles. You can protect them with row covers as long as you remove them to allow for pollination when flowers appear. Companion Plants Good companion plants are marigolds and nasturtiums as they both deter the potentially-problematic cucumber beetle. Container-Friendly Yes? If you have a large enough container (at least 5 gallons) and enough space to accommodate the watermelon’s spreading habit. Harvesting Harvesting Watermelon You can harvest watermelon when it appears to have stopped growing (after 80 days) or its underside starts to yellow and/or the stem starts to shrivel. It will last about 3-4 weeks after being cut from the vine. Highlights Growing Watermelon—Highlights Watermelon is a joyful, quintessential sign of summer and a fun plant to grow from seed! It’s easy to grow if you have long, hot summers where you live. Watermelon is slow-growing, requiring at least 80 days to reach maturity. Watermelon plants spread on vines and need a lot of room to grow. Did you know that some consider watermelon to be a vegetable? Watermelon is made up of over 90% water. Though it’s mostly water, it packs some serious nutrients including vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. 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Seed Packet Cards Real Estate Seed Packets All Favor Seed Packets Custom Packets Custom Seed Packets: Seasonal Custom Seed Packets: Memorial Custom Seed Packets: Weddings Custom Seed Packets: Baby Showers Custom Seed Packets: Thank You Custom Seed Packets: Novelty, Gift & Religious Custom Seed Packets: Environment Custom Seed Packets: Realtors Custom Seed Packets: Corporate Full Custom Art Seed Packets: 50-500 Qty Bulk Bulk Vegetable Seed Bulk Herb Seed Bulk Flower Seed All Bulk Seed Bulk Seed on Sale Retail Wholesale All Retail Displays & Bulk Packets Retail Home Gardener Displays & Bulk Packets Special Occasion Favor Displays & Bulk packets 250 Piece Seed Packet Displays 500 Piece Seed Packet Displays 500 Packet Display Instructions Bulk Seed Packets Become a Wholesaler Sale Favor Packets on Sale All Sale Bulk Seed On Sale How to Garden Growing Vegetables Growing Herbs Growing Flowers Garden Design & Maintenance Garden Pests & Diseases Pollinator Gardens Eco-Friendly Garden Start Gardening Great Gifts for Gardeners Ingredients 9 cups peeled and chopped tomatoes (peel first, see below) 2 1/2 cups chopped green bell peppers 2 1/2 cups chopped white onion 4 medium jalapeños, chopped (substitute 2 of the jalapeños for 2 cayenne peppers for extra hot salsa) 8 large cloves garlic, chopped 6 teaspoons canning salt 1 cup white vinegar 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste Instructions Remove tomato skins. Make an “X” in the bottom of the tomatoes, then place in boiling water for 60 seconds. Then, remove the tomatoes from the water and place directly into an ice bath. The skins should slip right off. Make the salsa. Place all of the ingredients in a large pot and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until thickened and cooked. Prepare cans to be sealed. Transfer the cooked salsa into clean, sterile jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Use a funnel for this. Wipe rims of jars and, then place lids on top. Process with a water bath. Bring a large saucepan filled with water to a boil. Your saucepan needs to be tall enough to have the water cover the jars by 2 inches.

Does anything say "home garden" like the humble tomato? We offer a number of heirloom tomato varieties, including cherry tomatoes you can pop right in your mouth, and meaty Brandywine tomatoes perfect for slicing.

A veggie that can be easy to overlook, radishes are easy and fast to grow, offering a crunchy texture and peppery flavor that’s made it popular in Mexican cuisine.

If you're looking to grow a Great Pumpkin of your very own, look no further than our Jack O'Lantern heirloom seeds! This variety produces plump, delicious pumpkins with a classic, perfect-for-carving Halloween look.

Peas are easy to grow and thrive in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, making them a popular choice among both new and experienced home gardeners.

Our gourmet lettuce varieties can be continuously grown and harvested throughout the growing season, ensuring a steady supply of crisp, delicious mixed salad.

It's not just for millennials! Kale is hardy, easy to grow, and rich in nutrients, making it an increasingly popular addition to salads, smoothies, and other healthy dishes.

Whether you're looking for a good slicing cucumber for salads, or the perfect cuke for pickling, we've got you covered with our popular cucumber varieties.

Our heirloom corn seed, Golden Bantam, is a sweet, mid-season variety capable of producing an abundance of delicious summer corn.

One of the most popular root vegetables, carrots take a little time to grow, but come packed with important vitamins and nutrients.