We are entering the stage where ideology and education about sustainability and living within carrying capacity will be augmented by the reality of identifiable consequences of our overshoot. External consequences like the peaking and decline of below ground energy and commodity resources, above ground environmental degradation of our climate, soils, fisheries and climate will have a profound effect on our culture.
2009 is the year when we start to feel it.
Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 9:44 am Post subject: Re: Garden Seeds
Even in the spring, some places will not carry seeds because they make less money from them. A friend of mine walked into Lowes last spring and asked where the seeds were. She was told they were in the back and they would get her some but since they make more money off the plants they didn't want to put them on display.
Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:48 am Post subject: Re: Garden Seeds
GoghGoner wrote:
Even in the spring, some places will not carry seeds because they make less money from them. A friend of mine walked into Lowes last spring and asked where the seeds were. She was told they were in the back and they would get her some but since they make more money off the plants they didn't want to put them on display.
Yep, that's right for Lowe's and for us, but Independent garden centers want to create better gardeners, so we stock them, albeit I have to admit, we've cut back on our seed displays for a reason. First, they blow around in the wind and get wet (even *if* they are in a sales tent). Most folks don't want but a few seeds anyways, which are the ones that do best grown from seed, like cucumbers, squash, melons, radishes, carrots, (we don't sell carrots in 4-cells, sorry, lol), beans, etc.
Yes, we'd rather SELL you the plant, as buying the package of tomatoes in late April, even if it is something like "Early girl", you are already too late, due to the long germination factors of some plants like tomatoes and peppers.
I have limited my seed displays this year as most folks do prefer to buy the plants, and now, I try to get unusual seeds for the changing demographic of customers that I have now,..those from the Middle east, India, S-E Asia, Haiti, etc. that are now in Chicago.
I now have my growers doing extra things like growing Armenian cucumbers and Opa Squash, Bitter Melon, etc. and researching other unique vegetables for this changing demographic.
I've also gotten a lot of different fruit bushes, etc. for my Eastern European customers, elderberries, different currants, gooseberries, Jostaberries, and some other unique fruits. I also get a lot of Fuji Apples and Asian pear trees now for my Korean and Japanese customers.
I notice it is NOT the "American" folks that are growing the fruit and veggie gardens, but primarily the "foreign market" that is driving my sales right now. It was enough to have some of our growers in Kalamazoo (the biggest region for bedding plant and flat sales in the US) add on to what they are already doing.
Never heard of seasonal sales there buddy? Don't get so pissed as this is a NORMAL occurance. Did you ask for a christmas tree in March? Lowes is not there for the one in a thousand person who needs something out of season, go online, go to a local nursery/ gardening store. But please don't whine about "big brother".
I get you, even though you were a bit rude about it. People in all climates grow in different conditions at different times of the year. When I lived up north it was not uncommon to go pick out seeds for the coming spring in January. Cold frame planting--inhouse starts etc. Sure the displays were usually moved to the back of the store during winter but they were always there and available. I guess I'm just out of touch. I'm still uncomfortable with the idea that someone else deciding for me when and what I get to plant and eat. I guess I need to just get with it and adapt. Also wanted to say thanks for the good posts with links etc., without quoating everyone
I'm still uncomfortable with the idea that someone else deciding for me when and what I get to plant and eat. I guess I need to just get with it and adapt.
It's rough in the days of "store planagrams" where so much foot space is alotted to this or that. And what is left out can be quite so vital. What us PeakOilers consider valuable is not exactly what modern retailers consider valuable to a consideration that "x" amount of floor space has to equal "x" amount of profit.
As you can see, seeds can get left by the wayside in situations like that.
Mom and pop stores usually don't think like that...though, and along with saving open-pollinated varieties, can be a valuable resource.
Remember that on your next trip to the big orange or blue box..
Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 12:40 am Post subject: Re: Garden Seeds
Check out Seed Savers. Also, if you live near a college town that has a decent Ag school, contact people involved in horticulture, plant breeding, plant pathology, etc. They're likely to have some great ideas, if not seeds to share with you. I've had some great luck with getting interesting and completely unavailable plants. I mean, has anyone ever heard of the Wisconsin Woasta? It's a Poblano hybrid that grows like crazy and gave me so many peppers I couldn't use them all. I got them for free just by asking a hort professor nicely.
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