As the Lifestyle List showed me which foods are a part of our main diet I was able to determine which I would like to grow to achieve my goal of being more self-sufficient and contributing to a sustainable lifestyle.
Here’s the list of what I intend growing in my garden:
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Spring Onion
- Garlic
- Capsicum
- Eggplant
- Lettuce
- Herbs including: Basil, Burdock, Coriandar, Cumin, Dill, Marjoram, Marshmallow, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Sage and Thyme.
- Rocket
- Broccoli
- Bok Choy
- Zucchini
- Corn
- Peas
- Silverbeet
- Strawberries
- Manderines
- Grapes
- Oranges
- Corn
- Snow Peas
- Seeds such as: Sunflower Seeds, Milo, Safflower Seeds, Millet, and Wheat (for birds)
Now, because I don’t want to buy the seedlings or seeds from the big seed companies, because of the genetic interference and the Terminator Gene that is now present in the majority of commercial seeds, I decided to invest in seeds from a reputable Organic Seed Seller.
Organic Seeds
I chose The Lost Seed Company who have an online shopping cart. The majority of their seeds are around $2.95 (AU) and they have a good variety, so I managed to get the majority of my vegetable and herb seeds through them. And how is this for service? I ordered the seeds late Wednesday night over the internet, and they arrived on my doorstep Monday morning – all the way from Tasmania to Queensland. And each seed packet has great information from how many seeds in the packet, the germination rate, the date the seeds were tested for germination, sowing guide, where to position the plant, the depth you should plant the seed, the soil temperature and pH balance the seed prefers, growing tips, seed saving tips and the companion plants (what plants to grow nearby, and what plants not to). I’m impressed!
I potted some seeds and already have a few seedlings ready and rearing to go as soon as their area in the Permaculture Project is ready.
Hi Deb,
I was hoping you could tell us what Terminator Genes are all about.
Thanks,
Tracey
Hi Tracey,
Thanks for the question. I’ve answered it in the latest artcle, ‘Truth about Seeds’ at:
http://sustainablelivingwise.com/truth-about-seeds/
Deb
What you’re doing with the permaculture planning sounds fascinating. I guess it’s what we all do in our heads, but writing it down makes everything so much clearer. Plus you don’t forget things
.
Another cool place to get seeds and propagation material is your local SeedSavers group. They seem to be dotted all over the place now. They’ll have varieties that have been grown for several generations in your particular regional climate, and so are more likely to thrive in your garden than commercial seeds. They’re also pretty reasonably priced, and you’ll get the opportunity to meet some like-minded locals.
I’m heading off to my first SeedSavers meeting this weekend to see what it’s all about!
Excellent Darren – please let us know how the SeedSavers meeting goes. I attended a SeedSavers Workshop on the north coast – and that’s where I got my Telegraph Pea Seeds, Snow Pea Seeds, Round Red Eggplant Seeds (can’t wait to grill them when they bear), and Pacific Maize Seeds from – only costing $2 a packet. And I’ve had 100% germination rates on them – quite possible because they were so fresh.
I’ll most likely attend another workshop, not just for the seeds, but as you say, it’s great to hang out with like-minded people.
The SeedSavers meeting was great. The local group is only just getting started, so they don’t have a seed bank or seed sales set up yet. It’ll be interesting to be joining on the ground floor and helping to build it up.
The people were a diverse and friendly bunch, all with very different backgrounds yet a common interest and motivation. It’s great to talk to people like that, when most of your friends and workmates don’t quite have the same level of interest in these things as you do.