Edwin McLeod Organic Gardening

  BUYING SEEDS FOR YOUR GARDEN                                                                                         credit: Swallowtail Garden Seeds                                                                Question: Which plant produces the world’s largest seed?  (Answer found at the end of blog.) In January or February, I start to think about what kind of seeds I want to order for this year’s garden.  The first thing I do is list the left over seed packets from the previous season, and the seeds saved from the previous year’s garden.  I'm careful to throw old seeds out because seeds do go bad.  They do not remain viable forever.  Most seeds will still be good for around 3 years when stored properly in a cool, dry, dark place.  After three years, the germination rate starts to drop.  Some seeds remain viable for less than three years.  Lettuce, corn, peppers, okra, spinach, onion and okra have a reputation for not remaining viable for very long.  When you Google “seed viab

  GROWING SPROUTS Sprouts are an easy to grow source of fresh, living food in the winter time or any time of year.  They are a great source of protein, folate, Vitamin C and fiber.  All you need are some seeds, a sprouting tray or jar, water and your time.  Growing sprouts only takes about 5 to 7 days.  It’s fun to grow some of your food during the winter while your garden is dormant. Whenever you work with food, always wash your hands thoroughly before you begin working. Alfalfa sprouts grow best when the air is dry.  That’s why I grow them during the winter, when the humidity in my house gets low.  You start with 1-2 tablespoons of alfalfa seeds.  Place them in a bowl and cover them with water to soak overnight.  You don’t want the water to be too deep because the seeds need oxygen.  As the seeds use oxygen from the water, oxygen gas will diffuse into the water surface.  You only want ¼ to ½ inch of water over the seeds.  It’s better to use a shallow, broad bowl rather than a deep cu