Author: Jim

Cucumber ,

Long Green Improved Cucumber

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Cucumis sativus

Long Green Improved Cucumber seed Long Green Improved Cucumber seeds

60 Days

25 Seeds

Originally found in seed catalogs as early as 1870’s, this dark green, crisp variety has been the staple of many gardeners for over a hundred years, as it is great for pickling and slicing. Heavy producer growing many fruits up to 12″ long. Harvest is best done when small for pickles.

Growing Directions

Sow seed 1″ deep indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost. Transplant or sow directly 2′ apart in warm soil when all chance of frost has past. Harvest often for continued new fruit. Plants will benefit from compost or manure and lots of water. Support vines vertically with trellis or cage to save space.

Bean , , , ,

Hutterite Soup Bean

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Phaseolus vulgaris

 Hutterite Soup Bean Hutterite Soup Bean seed Hutterite Soup Bean seeds

70 Days

25 Seeds

This soup bean was brought to North America from Austria in the 1870’s by the Hutterite Christians. This delicious creamy, buttery flavored bean is great for soups. This plant is a bush variety but can grow up to 3′ tall, typically not requiring support. Heavy producer, with pods reaching 7″ long and up to 7 beans per pod.

Growing Directions

Sow seeds directly outdoors in full sun 1″ deep, and space 6″ apart, after all chance of frost has past and ground is warm. Do not over fertilize or plant will produce heavy foliage with few flowers/pods.

Cucumber ,

Early Fortune Cucumber

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Cucumis sativus

Early Fortune Cucumber seed Early Fortune Cucumber seeds

60 Days

25 Seeds

Originally grown in Royal Oak Michigan and later introduced commercially by J.B. Rice Co. in 1910. This medium green 7-8″ long 2″ wide cucumber is a delicious slicer. Plants are vigorous and dependable and will produce continually if harvested often.

Growing Directions

Sow seeds 1/2″ deep indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost. Transplant or sow direct 6-8″ apart in full sun, when ground is warm and all chance of frost has past. If transplanting be sure not to disturb the roots or use a compostable pot to start seeds in. Plants will benefit from added manure and a trellis to climb will lend to higher yields.

Broccoli ,

Calabrese Green Sprouting Broccoli

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Brassica oleracea

Calabrese Broccoli seeds  

80 Days

40 Seeds

Brought to North America in the 1880’s by immigrants from the toe of the Italian boot area named Calabria. This broccoli strain produces 6-8″ delicious green heads. If bent over or laid on its side after harvesting the centre head, it will produce an abundance of side shoots. Very frost tolerant.

Growing Directions

Sow seeds 1/4″ deep, indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Transplant or sow directly outdoors 18-24″ apart in full sun 2-3 weeks before last frost. Plants will benefit from 2-3″ of compost or a thin layer of manure before planting.

Dill ,

Bouquet Dill

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Anethum graveolens

Bouquet Dill seed Bouquet Dill seeds

50 Days for Leaf

80 days for seed

50 Seeds

History shows it being used since the days of the Ancient Greeks for anything from culinary recipes to medicinal uses. This variety will grow to 2-3′ tall and is one of the most savory and early producing of all the Dills. This enticingly aromatic herb and seed is great for pickling and in all kinds of recipes from potatoes to soups, sauces and salad dressings.

Growing Directions

Sow Seeds 1/8″ deep, 4″ apart in full sun, when ground is warm and all chance of frost has past. For a continual harvest sow seed every couple weeks. Harvest seed heads when they turn a golden brown.

Corn , ,

Golden Bantam Corn 8 Row

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Zea mays

80 Days

25 Seeds

This is the original 8 Row Golden Bantam Corn that was accidentally grown by William Chambers of Massachusetts in the late 1800’s and was released for sale publicly in 1902. This very sweet yellow corn produces 6″ cobs on 5′ plants and is great fresh or frozen. Make sure to eat or freeze soon after harvesting as the sugars will turn to starches if left too long.

Growing Directions

Sow seeds 1-2″ deep 10″ apart in full sun when ground is very warm and all chance of frost has past. Corn will not germinate in the cold, temperatures must be above 20 degrees Celsius. Corn is best planted in blocks instead of rows for better pollination. Plants will benefit from a fish fertilizer, compost, blood & bone meal and consistent watering.

Beets , ,

Chioggia Beet

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Beta vulgaris

Chioggia Beets Chioggia Beet greens Chioggia Beet seeds

55 Days

40 seeds

Originally from the southern tip of the Venetian lagoon in Italy around 1840. This bulls eye coloured beet is one of the tastiest beets and subtle looking there is. Great for pickling or eating fresh. The beet greens/leaves are especially delicious and one of our favourites.

Growing Directions

Sow directly outdoors 1/2″ deep 1″ apart in full sun when ground is starting to get warm in spring. Thin to 4-6″ apart. Sow second set of seeds one month later for continual harvest.

Bean , , ,

Bountiful Bush Bean

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Phaseolus vulgaris

Bountiful Bush Bean Bountiful Bush Bean seeds

45 Days

25 Seeds

Originally know as New Green Bush Bean, then renamed at the turn of the century. This heavy producer of delicious, crisp, stringless, 6″ beans is great for canning and is easy to grow in any garden.

Growing Directions

Sow seed 1″ deep 2″ apart in full sun, when ground is warm and all chance of frost has past. Thin to 6-8″. Over fertilizing will result in excessive foliage and low and delayed fruit production. Sowing seeds every couple of weeks will enable harvesting throughout the season.

Cabbage ,

Copenhagen Market Cabbage

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Brassica oleracea

   Copenhagen Market Cabbage

80 Days

40 Seeds

Originally introduced by Hjalmar Hartman & Company of Denmark in 1909. These tender, crisp, solid 6-8″ heads can yield 4 + lbs. Tight, compact, rarely splitting early plants have set the standard for all other cabbages since. Very popular for making sauerkraut and stores exceptionally well.

Growing Directions

Sow seed 1/4″ deep, indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Transplant or sow direct 3-4 weeks before last frost 2-3′ apart. Do not plant cabbages in the same area year to year, always rotate crops. Plants will benefit from compost and or bone meal/blood meal in soil bed.

Zucchini ,

Golden Zucchini

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Cucurbita pepo

Golden Zucchini Golden Zucchini seed Golden Zucchini seeds

55 Days

25 Seeds

Originally from the Burpee Seed Company 1973, this brightly coloured zucchini is a great producer of delicious crisp fruit with a mild flavour. Grows into a compact bush style plant. Fruits are best around the 8″ length and will produce more if harvested frequently. The flower has become somewhat of a delicacy in high end restaurants.

Growing Directions

Sow seed directly outdoors 1″ deep in 12″ hills with 6 seeds per hill in full sun, when ground is warm and all chance of frost has past. Thin to 3 plants per hill. Harvest often for more fruits.