Category: Alaska Seed Company

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Alaska Seeds…how to start them (Learning to garden in Alaska)

The excitement is near! The large push for indoor seed starting has arrived. What a wonderful time of year of planning, designing, creating and sowing.

Let us share some simple and easy ways to make your seed starting a success. We have started seeds in every way possible so let us share our experience and knowledge. Our seed starting classes offer even more in depth information to make your garden dreams come true.

There are many ways to arrive at the same goal- we honor expertise of all kinds.

First: Materials

What type of container will you use? There are many options available…using what you have on hand makes seed starting cost effective and accessible for all. Drainage is the most important aspect here. Trays, cell packs, soil blocking, recycled yogurt containers (the possibilities are endless). Drainage is the key!

What medium are you going to use? We are a long way away from outdoor transplanting where plants can mine the nutrients, fertility and water needs naturally. You must supply all of these needs for the next roughly three months. Choosing a growing medium that is sterile will require the addition of fertility. Growing mediums that have fertility built in may still require additional nutritional needs. Purchase what you can afford and support local. Make sure that the medium you choose offers a guarantee as many growing substrates can harbor unwanted living materials…also keep your receipt.

What is the light source? Plants must have light…where is the supplemental light coming from? A window? Grow lights? There are so many options to choose from. For years we used good old fashioned T5’s purchased locally. If you are using a window, you may need to turn your trays several times per day. Determine how much time, effort and energy you have to dedicate and then decipher your light source.

Second: Location: Providing a micro climate for your seedlings to thrive! Seeds needs the right conditions to germinate: moisture, temperature, light (for some) and proper seed planting depth. A “warm” location with air movement is ideal. Where within your home can you place your seed tray away from cats, pets, kids and spouses? Scope out the ideal location that offers protection and the proper amount of air circulation.

Third: Days to maturation: Starting the right seeds at the right time… plants should be transplanted at a specific size that is not too big nor at critical points of growth if this can be avoided (flowering and fruit set). Certain plants grow VERY slowly depending on their type. A quick example: Certain Brussel Sprouts require 180+ days to grow. This seed would need to be started indoors in the darkest days of winter for a fall harvest. On the other hand, some cucumbers finish their lifecycle in 60-70 days and grow very quickly. If we started cucumber seeds for our garden now, the plants would be too large for indoor growing and would be transplanted during a critical point of growth. Cucumbers are a seed started closer to our target transplant date. Look at the days to maturation, plus the days to germination, plus some time for plants to adapt to transplant shock: that is your goal seed starting date.

Fourth: Depth Seed depth is critical for success. Think of how plants disperse their seeds naturally…many lay on top of the soil until the conditions are just right for germinating. Others pass through the digestive system of animals and spend their time in dung waiting for the optimal time. Seeds know what to do! Give them their best chance of success by planting them at the proper depths. Unless you are growing VERY large seeds, most seeds should be planted at 1/8″, 1/4″ and 1/2″ and some just lightly pressed into the soil (the smaller the seed, the more shallow the planting). If you plant too shallow the seed cannot use the depth to remove its hull and could break. If you plant to deep the tiny seed doesn’t have the energy to push through that much depth. When in doubt 2x the height of the seed is a good measure. Certainly seeds have to have light for germination…your seed packet should outline this clearly.

Fifth: Needs: Indoor growing requires all the input to be placed on the grower. The food, water, shelter and air must be supplied by us. Feeding seedlings and transplants is a part of this! We use granular or liquid amendments that have a low scent, a mild amount of fertility and are “natural” in nature. Making your own countertop composts (stay tuned for that growing guide) is another simple solution.

Happy growing!

Register for classes: https://seedsandsoilorganics.com/product-category/2023-classes/

Shop Seeds: https://seedsandsoilorganics.com/product-category/shop-seeds/save-on-seed-bundles/

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Alaska Seed Company

Alaska Seeds

Alaska’s Bountiful 2023 Seed Season: Rain, Cold, and Dozens of New Varieties!

This year, we’ve seen a particularly unique seed season. Despite our colder temperatures and frequent rain showers, 2023 has been astonishingly productive for us. I’m thrilled to share that we will be introducing over two dozen new varieties of Alaska grown seeds. 

We understand the joy and excitement of planting a seed, nurturing it, and watching it grow. It’s a connection to nature, a therapeutic hobby, and for many, a way of life. We are so excited to be a part of your gardening journey and can’t wait to share these new varieties with you.

If you’re eager to get a head start on next year’s planting season or just curious about what’s coming, keep an eye on our website and social media channels. We’ll be unveiling these Alaska grown seeds very soon. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this seed season promises to be one of the most exciting yet.

Alaska Seeds

The ecological relationship between seed and soil is like a symphony; there are natural cues that promote germination. One of the major cues is moisture level! When the conditions are right, the seed will follow its own instinct and begin to swell. Once the seed coat is soft and moist the new seedling erupts into life. The germination time for seeds varies greatly depending on the species. Some seeds can take years for germination (peonies) and others germinate in less than three days (cabbage family). We can use a mechanical force to speed the germination time (soaking). Large seeds with hard coats (sunflowers, honeywort, peas, beans, corn and sweet peas) will appreciate a longer soaking- up to 24 hours. Larger seeds with softer coats such as pumpkins, squash, chard, beets, nasturtium and cucumber are perfect to soak overnight. Small seeds like lettuce, radish, carrots and tomatoes can become mushy and sticky if soaked too long (15-30 min) is appropriate. Find a shallow bowl, place your seeds and top with water. Set away from pets, kids and spouses out of direct sunlight and in a warm location. Warm water is best but any water will do (what would nature do). Once seeds have soaked and swelled…it is time to plant! Follow your seed packet guidelines for planting depth or reference our write up: https://seedsandsoilorganics.com/…/seed-starting-simply/ When in doubt…ask the question: What would nature do? Shop Seeds: https://seedsandsoilorganics.com/product-category/shop-seeds/save-on-seed-bundles/

Alaska Seeds-My journey to seed from the soil

I started saving seeds about 10 years ago from various plants on my landscape. I was fascinated by the life cycle of perennial plants. I started to allow cultivated varieties to continue to seed in the fall and I fell in love. After taking a Master Gardener course, then a Permaculture Design Course and a Permaculture Teaching certification, countless books, lectures and podcasts I realized none of my studies prepared me for actually growing to seed in mass… It has been nature that has been my greatest teacher and in fact has taught me everything I know about growing seed. To grow mixed vegetables, flowers and herbs seeds in the far North takes tenacity, resilience and the acceptance of failure. I have lost hundreds of feet of biennial crops in their second year- year after year since 2019.  Yet, the successes outshine the failures and it has taken ingenuity, innovation and sheer will power to continue to grow to seed in one of the most challenging and unreliable climates in agriculture on Earth. There are many times I want to give up, throw in the towel and find another passion/profession. 2022 was one of the most challenging years as we received 7” of rain just when the seed was drying on the crops. After almost two years of effort for a seed variety to not mature is near heartbreak.  Here I am though, showing up another season with optimism, courage and an unbreakable spirit regardless of the circumstances that may arise.  Loss has taught me the lesson of gratitude.  Please know that everytime you purchase seeds from us, you are supporting Alaskan Agriculture and a spirit of hard work, strength and creativity.

Alaska Seeds: Forget Me Not Rewards Program

Seed Points!

Our way of giving back to the community that steadfastly supports local agriculture. By creating an account with Seeds and Soil Farm, our patrons can track their purchases and accrue points with each transaction. These points can be redeemed for discounts, rewarding our dedicated growers who share our commitment to locally sourced and produced seeds. This program is our heartfelt thank you to those who stand by small and local businesses. 

Getting started with our rewards program is as easy. Set up an account during your online seed purchase on our website to begin reaping the rewards. For every dollar you spend, 5 points will be added to your account.  As your points grow – gaining a dollar discount for every 100 points – you’ll see just how quickly your commitment to local quality can pay off. For our most loyal customers, these points accumulate at a sprightly pace, offering substantial savings and more reasons to keep your gardens flourishing with Seeds and Soil Farm’s products.

From Seed to Seed: Alaska Seeds

Seeds:

Our seeds are Heirloom (a seed passed down through generations) and/or open pollinated (pollinated naturally).

Our seed packets are printed locally in Anchorage, Alaska

Seeds ship within 3-5 business days.

Shop seeds for your cool weather garden

https://seedsandsoilorganics.com/product-category/shop-seeds/

How we grow:

What does it mean to be an “ecological farm”? We do not use any pesticides, herbicides, fungicides (organic or inorganic), single use plastics to grow our seeds, vegetables, flowers, herbs, roots, tubers and bulbs. Our growing spaces are ecologies in which all aspects of the system are honored.

Our focus is minimal soil disturbance without tillage…meticulous care of the soil.

We are a small and “by hand” farm- a family business. We do not have the liability insurance for farm tours, volunteers, work trades, farm pickups or visits. Thank you so very much for your interest.

Alaska’s Seed Story: The Art and Science of Regional Adaptation Stepping into the world of seed saving is like stepping into a dance. A dance with Mother Nature, where she leads and we follow. This dance has led me down a path of discovery and wonder, particularly when it comes to the concept of regional adaptation of seeds. And folks, there’s no better place to learn this intricate dance than here, in the far-flung reaches of Alaska. You see, the idea of regional adaptation is all about matching the seed to the soil, the plant to the place. It’s about understanding that the seeds that thrive best in our gardens are those that have adapted to the rhythm of our seasons, the nuances of our climate, and the specific challenges of our region. So, how does this play out in Alaska, you ask? Well, it’s a tale of resilience, patience, and a dash of stubbornness. Alaska’s extreme conditions – the long, harsh winters, short summers, and unpredictable weather – require seeds of a different kind. We need plants that can handle the frosty bite of a cold spring morning and still bloom with all the gusto of a midsummer day. Plants that can race against the clock to germinate, grow, and go to seed all within our blink-and-you-miss-it growing season. And let’s not forget about the long daylight hours in the heart of summer. We need plants that are day-neutral, not put off by the sun hanging around longer than it does in most other places. It’s a tall order, but you know what? I’ve found that nature is up to the challenge. Over the years, I’ve seen plants that initially struggled gradually become stronger, more robust, more… Alaskan. It’s like they’ve learned to dance to the beat of our unique drum. But let me tell you, it’s not a quick process. It takes years, often decades, of careful observation and selection. It’s about noting which plants do well and saving their seeds, year after year. It’s about embracing the failures, learning from them, and then rolling up your sleeves and getting back to work. Sure, there have been moments of frustration. Times when I’ve looked at a field of failed crops and thought about calling it quits. But then, I remember the successes. The plants that shrugged off a late frost, the ones that produced a bountiful harvest despite an early fall, the seeds that germinated despite a cold, wet spring. Those are the moments that fuel my passion for seed saving. So, next time you sow a seed, take a moment to appreciate the journey it’s been on. If it’s an Alaskan seed, know that it carries within it the spirit of this land. It’s more than just a seed; it’s a tiny bundle of resilience, adaptability, and tenacity.

Please review the seven years of information, tips, handouts, photos and fun here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lazymountainalaska

and

Instagram: @seedsandsoilfarm

and TikTok: @seedsandsoilfarmalaska and YouTube: @seedsandsoilfarm

We are so grateful for each and every purchase. Thank you for choosing us and supporting ecological farming and gardening.

Alaska Seeds: Food Forests in the North

Unlock the Secrets of Northern Food Forests! 

Discover the art of sustainable gardening right in your backyard. Introducing our FREE guide tailored for the northern gardener. Dive into the world of permaculture design, regenerative agriculture, and secure your food future.

Learn how to cultivate a food forest that thrives in the north.  Unearth sustainable techniques that nurture both the soil and soul.  Ensure your family’s food security with nature’s bounty.

And if you’re inspired to kickstart your own food forest, explore our curated collection of resilient seeds, perfect for northern climates: https://seedsandsoilorganics.com/shop-alaska-seeds/

Let’s grow the future, together.

[Click here to access your FREE guide and nurture nature.]

Unlocking the Ultimate Garden with a Free In-Depth Planner

When it comes to cultivating a thriving garden, the old saying goes: “Fail to plan, and you plan to fail.” It’s not just about plunging your hands into the earth and hoping for the best. It’s about a synergy of planning, understanding, and nurturing. For both seasoned gardeners and novices alike, having a dedicated garden planner can make all the difference. And guess what? We’ve found the ultimate tool to elevate your gardening game – a comprehensive, in-depth garden planner that’s absolutely free! I started working on a planner and came across one that was already complete. I purchased the commercial use and want to share with every grower who would like some additional organization.

Your Garden’s Blueprint: What’s Inside?

This isn’t just any ordinary planner. Spanning over 75 pages, this is a meticulously designed guide tailored for every gardener’s needs. Let’s dive into some of its standout features:

  • Garden Layout Sheets: Map out your vision. From raised beds to container gardens, sketch your ideas, organize plant placements, and visualize the end result.
  • Cataloging Perennials: A dedicated space to jot down details about your perennials – their names, bloom periods, preferred light conditions, and more.
  • Watering Schedules: Never second-guess watering again. Whether you’re dealing with succulents or vegetables, the planner provides schedules to ensure optimum hydration.
  • Monthly, Weekly, and Daily Plans: Stay on track with dedicated pages for long-term and short-term tasks.

Why Go for a Printable Planner?

In today’s digital age, why opt for a printable planner? There’s an unmistakable charm and efficiency in penning down your plans. It’s tactile, personal, and often offers a deeper connection to the task at hand.

Plus, you can pin these sheets up in your garden shed, use them as a reference when you’re out in the garden, or even share them with fellow gardeners. And since it’s printable, you can use it year after year, refining your plans and growing alongside your garden.

Your Garden Deserves the Best

While the beauty of a garden lies in its blooms, the soul is in its plan. A well-thought-out strategy ensures that you’re not just planting seeds but cultivating memories. This free in-depth garden planner is more than just a tool; it’s a companion, guiding you at every step and ensuring that your garden is not just good, but truly great.

So, for everyone with green fingers (or those aspiring to have them!), grab this chance to get your hands on this fantastic free garden planner. Turn your gardening dreams into a living, blooming reality. Happy gardening! 🌱🌸

Click this link for access: https://seedsandsoilorganics.com/product/free-garden-planner-printable/

Open-Pollinated Seeds: Embracing Heirloom Seeds in Regenerative Gardening

Welcome to the World of Heirloom, Open-Pollinated Seeds

We are diving into the delightful and sustainable realm of heirloom, open-pollinated seeds, particularly focusing on no-till and regenerative gardening practices. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting your hands dirty, this is a journey worth taking.

What Are Open-Pollinated Seeds?

These seeds result from the natural pollination process, involving wind, insects, birds, or other natural mechanisms. Open-pollinated varieties can reproduce true to type, meaning the offspring will be similar to the parent plant. This trait makes saving these seeds for next season’s planting a delightful garden adventure.

The Charm of Heirloom Seeds

Heirloom seeds are the gems passed down through generations, often for over 50-100 years minimum. They boast a rich history and a connection to our gardening heritage. Each heirloom variety has its unique story, flavor, and character. By planting heirloom seeds, you’re not just growing a plant; you’re nurturing a piece of history.

No-Till Gardening: 

No-till gardening is exactly what it sounds like – it involves growing plants without disturbing the soil through deep tilling. This method preserves soil structure, conserves water, and maintains healthy ecosystems below the surface. It’s a perfect match for open-pollinated and heirloom seeds, as this gentle approach allows these varieties to thrive in a more natural, undisturbed environment.

Regenerative Gardening: 

Regenerative gardening goes a step further; it’s about improving the environment through our gardening practices. This involves methods like composting, mulching, crop rotation, and using organic fertilizers. By adopting these techniques, gardeners can create a self-sustaining loop that not only benefits the plants but also enriches the soil and the surrounding ecosystem.

Why Choose These Seeds and Methods?

Choosing heirloom, open-pollinated seeds and pairing them with no-till, regenerative techniques is a powerful way to contribute positively to our environment. These seeds adapt over time to local growing conditions and climate, making them resilient and often more resistant to local pests and diseases.

Happy gardening, and let’s sow the seeds of a greener future together! 🌱💚

Alaska Gardening- New Free Eguide: Here is a excerpt:

Navigating Alaska’s short frost-free growing season requires careful consideration. After the winter thaw, the mud and heavy soil pose challenges, making it essential to wait for the right conditions before planting. Planting too soon may cause seeds to rot or perish from soil temperatures being too cool. The drive to plant outside in the early days of May is fierce. I wait until the natural cue of the trees “leafing out:” to let me know it is time to plant.

In Alaska, temperature swings are significant and can change day to day. Intense weather events, such as hail during the heat of July, are not uncommon, along with dry winds that can strip plants of moisture.

The temperature in Alaska is a significant factor that varies widely throughout the gardening season, sometimes even from day to day. Early Spring temperatures are inconsistent with chilly nights and mornings.

The weather in Alaska presents intense conditions, characterized by extremes that can impact gardening efforts. Hail events, though not rare, can be particularly challenging during the heat of July, posing a threat to plants. Additionally, fierce dry winds are common, capable of stripping plants of their moisture. Gardeners in Alaska must be vigilant and implement strategies to protect their plants from these harsh weather conditions for a successful gardening experience.

Facing the odds of short growing seasons in Alaska, successful gardening relies on strategic approaches. The key lies in the practices of Harvest and Sow, emphasizing the importance of timing and precision. Succession Planting, where crops are strategically spaced over time, and Succession Seed Starting, continuously initiating seed growth, become crucial tactics. These methods ensure a continuous harvest throughout the brief Alaskan growing window,

For continuous harvests, embrace the concept of “Cut and Come Again” for certain plants like lettuce, arugula, cilantro, bunching onions and spinach. Plan for their full harvest window, typically allowing for 2-3 harvests per plant, optimizing the yield potential in the limited growing season. Larger spaces can accommodate the bigger cut and come again crops like broccoli, cabbage and kale.

Succession sowing is a key technique for Alaskan gardeners, involving spacing out sowing times between 2-4 weeks. This method ensures a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. Particularly effective with crops having a 60 days or less maturity date in the far north, succession sowing optimizes the utilization of the short Alaskan growing window.

Using our shoulder seasons to sow short season crops that can handle light frosts will add to your success. Radish, carrots, spinach, lettuce, arugula, mizuna, peas and Swiss chard are excellent “season extenders” naturally. If the soil can be worked- these seeds can be sown.

A little frost enhances the flavor of many cool season crops. Light and temperature impact the life cycles of crops like spinach, turnips, cilantro and arugula. Sowing seeds in early to mid August when our light begins to decrease will help these crops fulfill their legacy.


Grab your free guide here: https://seedsandsoilorganics.com/product-category/alaska-gardening-classes-growing-guides/

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“I don’t feel well” said the plant…

I am a doer…I go all the time. From homeschooling, to running a business to teaching and growing things- I am on the move constantly. There are times when I go too hard and I start to neglect the basic needs of my body. I may not drink enough water, I may choose nutrition that is not inline with my health or I might indulge a bit too much.

My actions then accumulate into a feeling of being run down, overtired, my digestion may be altered and suddenly I’ve opened myself up to illness. I am much more susceptible to the ills that ail during these times of stress and lack of care than when I am full of rest, proper hydration and nutrition.

We can look at plants in the same way.

When our plants are too cold, too wet, too hot, too dry, when they lack fertility, when they lack nutrients, when they cannot form the life sustaining relationships in living soil…they too are open to ailments such as pests, disease, fungal infections and so forth.

Strong  and healthy plants that have their needs met (food, air, shelter and water) are going to be able to withstand the environmental factors that come their way. They are going to have the energy and strength to fend off the parts of the ecosystem designed for decomposition.

Changing my mindset from “I have a black thumb” or “Mother Nature hates me” when infestations and disease arrive- to a mindset of “my plants’ needs are not being addressed” and “what can I do to support my plants” was a paradigm shift that allowed me to understand that pests and disease are really a symptom of an underlying factor. Addressing the cause versus addressing the symptom (as Elliot Coleman so eloquently outlined as one of the founders of organic gardening).

Holistic gardening-

Giving our plants the best chance at fulfilling their legacy. This means that we are consistently observing and interacting with our plants to ensure that their needs are met.

Hardening off plants to the elements- sun, temperature, soil and wind. These are important for plants as they transition from their temporary home to their full time residence. A slow transition to the intense Alaskan sun, fierce winds, cooler soil, cold morning and warm afternoons. A period of adjustment to acclimate.

Ensuring balanced fertility by feeding your plants. Sticking with a broad focus here, plants need a myriad of nutrients to live their best life. They all need to right amount of nutrients. Excesses in fertilizer can cause other deficiencies, planting in soil too cool can lock up nutrients and deficiencies can cause excesses. Backing off the extreme nitrogen loads to reduce the amount of “pests” being invited to our plants is really key to success. Mild fertility and amendments that are balanced to fulfill all the needs of a plant.

Compacted soil prevents air, water, nutrients and soil life to move freely. Roots are restricted from making connections when space is restricted. Planting too early in heavy wet soils and walking on permanent growing spaces are just a few ways soil can become impacted.

The right amount of water…too much water can be just as damaging as too little water. Think of all the activity that goes on underground. Healthy soil is a vast ocean of activity where air and water are key elements within the ecosystem. Many plants require 1″ of water per week increasing by 1/2″ of water per every 10 degree rise in temperature.

Wind can be very beneficial for pollination, transfer of nutrients and seed broadcasting. Wind is also very destructive to plants with stems, flowers and fruits breaking or falling off, but wind is extremely drying. Before/after wind events, plants should be watered deeply to help rehydrate and heal.

Learning to speak the language of plants as they are constantly communicating to let us know if they are well or unwell. Droopy, curly, changing colors, falling over, drying out, splitting, dropping flowers, dropping fruit, rotten ends and pests/fungal infections are all ways in which our plants let us know “I am not feeling well”.

Register for classes: https://seedsandsoilorganics.com/shop/

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What does this even mean “as soon as the soil can be worked”???

As the snow melts and the ground thaws, many folks are ready to transplant, to seed and start the growing. I have the itch myself after what has seemed like a hard Alaskan winter.

Nature is giving hints that our time is approaching. Flowering bulbs are pushing through the soil with some even blooming in warm microclimates. Certain perennials are beginning to put on their new growth. Fruiting trees are are showing leaf buds and insects are making their first appearances.

With all these signs of life and the desire to awaken our growing spaces…there are still many other indications that we need to have some patience.

Nightime temperatures are still in the “killing frost” zone for many cultivated plants. Areas of the soil are still frozen below 1″. Soil life is just beginning to emerge and make new economies for trading resources.

We are still covered in feet of snow albeit melting quickly. Soil is nature’s water catchment…soil needs time to allow the water to infiltrate and turn mud into a thriving ecosystem to support plants.

So what is “as soon as the soil can be worked”? There are specific plant scenarios but we will stick with a broad focus to include as many plants as possible.

Soil temperatures around 50F – not only is this nearing the optimal temperature for soil life but it is a great indicator that those seeds that appreciate a cooler soil temperature (peas, cilantro, spinach and others) will germinate more evenly and timely. If we seed too early there is potential that the soil is too cold for germination. Seeds will sprout with the soil temperature and soil moisture nurture life.

Soil is dry (ish) you can squeeze a ball and it is not dripping wet. If we seed too early…for those seeds that do not have a hard coat (carrots, lettuce, arugula) they can rot with too much soil moisture. If we transplant too early into heavy mud, roots can rot as well. Soil life, air, water and nutrients need to move freely throughout the soil. Think “would I want to grow in this soil”?

Nightime temperatures consistently in the 40s for cold hardy plants (caution here…too cold and broccoli will button instead of crown). Our current temperatures are perfect for perennials and biennials to emerge from their sleep. They are extremely hardy and are prepared for what lies ahead.

As for the warm loving plants (squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, dahlias, zinnias, eggplants and others) many will suffer tissue damage at 45F. It is truly best to wait until night time temperatures are in the upper 50s to transplant. This may be the first week of June for Southcentral.

Many folks may be new to gardening or new to Alaska. I will say as my 15th Spring that anything goes…it is the wild! When in doubt look to when the trees leaf- around the second or third week in May. This is an excellent time to grow!

 

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To soak or not to soak…that is the question (?)

The ecological relationship between seed and soil is like a symphony; there are natural cues that promote germination.

One of the major cues is moisture level! When the conditions are right, the seed will follow its own instinct and begin to swell. Once the seed coat is soft and moist the new seedling erupts into life.

The germination time for seeds varies greatly depending on the species. Some seeds can take years for germination (peonies) and others germinate in less than three days (cabbage family). We can use a mechanical force to speed the germination time (soaking).

Large seeds with hard coats (sunflowers, honeywort, peas, beans, corn and sweet peas) will appreciate a longer soaking- up to 24 hours.

Larger seeds with softer coats such as pumpkins, squash, chard, beets, nasturtium and cucumber are perfect to soak overnight.

Small seeds like lettuce, radish, carrots and tomatoes can become mushy and sticky if soaked too long (15-30 min) is appropriate.

Find a shallow bowl, place your seeds and top with water. Set away from pets, kids and spouses out of direct sunlight and in a warm location. Warm water is best but any water will do (what would nature do).

Once seeds have soaked and swelled…it is time to plant! Follow your seed packet guidelines for planting depth or reference our write up: https://seedsandsoilorganics.com/…/seed-starting-simply/

When in doubt…ask the question: What would nature do?

Alaska Sown-Alaska Grown