Heads up on the garden seed shortage.

Oldcountryboy · #1 02/05/10, 08:47 PM

Went to town today and stopped by the feed mill to check on seed potatoes and onions bulbs. They had just got them in off the truck. The guy behind the counter told me that due to last years demand that this year they have ordered 3 times the amount gardening stuff then from previous years. Said this order for tater seeds was 3200 pounds. Said his reason for ordering so much more is cause of all the job loses and economy they're expecting even more people to take up gardening this year.

Callieslamb · #2 02/06/10, 10:42 AM

I ordered some more seeds from companies yesterday. Only two things were out or on backorder out of about $300 worth of seeds. Not to say we shouldn't stay ahead of the ball game. I think it's great that your feed mill is preparing for more customers!

geo in mi · #3 02/06/10, 11:07 AM

Sixty-four bags is a lot of potatoes to peddle. And, hopefully, all of us will be willing to encourage the newbies to have success. It doesn't take much sunburn and chaffed hands from pulling weeds for someone to give up. My hope is that our future generations will learn from this recession and be willing to get themselves in a much better position to weather the storms, rather than reverting back to a 'spend, spend, spend' behavior.

Oldcountryboy · #4 02/08/10, 05:18 PM

I actually bought more seed potatoes then ever before. My reason for doing so is cause my wife's sister and her family is having a very hard time fincancially due to her husband being laid off. And my wife's parents are on SS fixed income and are having a hard time getting those ss checks to stretch with all the rising prices. So I'm planting with at least 2 more families in mind to help feed.

**clovis** · #5 02/08/10, 05:31 PM

We've been buying seeds for years, and mostly at Menards, even though I buy from other sources too.

I can't believe how many seeds were completely sold out of that huge display of Burpee seeds.

Onion sets were sold out early at Menards. I really couldn't believe it. Even when they got replacement shipments, those sold out fast as well.

cc-rider · #6 02/08/10, 05:33 PM

I picked up a BUNCH of 20 cent seed packets at Walmarts. Still had lots in stock.

Danaus29 · #7 02/08/10, 05:44 PM

Seeds just recently came it at most stores around here. Last year most stuff was not in until late March early April.

mnn2501 · #8 02/08/10, 06:06 PM

Got my entire order from Baker Creek last week

**Kris in MI** · #9 02/08/10, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cc-rider

I picked up a BUNCH of 20 cent seed packets at Walmarts. Still had lots in stock.

I was surprised that my local Walmart has downsized their seed display from last year. What they have now is about 3' x 5' and has hardly anything in it, if you like one kind of cuke or one kind of corn or one kind of bean you'll be happy. I don't think they had any tomato or pepper seed or anything that needs to be started indoors. Even their offering of flower seed was pretty dismal.

cc-rider · #10 02/08/10, 06:55 PM

Did you check in another aisle? The 20 cent seeds were on two end caps....one with flowers, one with veggies, but there was another entire aisle with nothing but seeds, starting trays, electric warmers, potting soil, jiffy 7 refills (36 for $2!), etc. There was ANOTHER aisle with indoor pots, plants, etc. I didn't notice the 20 cent seeds at one of our Walmarts, so maybe they don't all carry the same thing?

braggscowboy · #11 02/08/10, 10:25 PM

oldcountryboy, sounds like a good okie. Did you get your seed in Tulsa?

seagullplayer · #12 02/09/10, 06:44 AM

Got my complete order from Baker Creek last night.

Our Wally worlds around here have yet to start with garden stuff, but the shelfs have been cleared, must be close.

http://rareseeds.com/cart/

vicki in NW OH · #13 02/09/10, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cc-rider

Did you check in another aisle? The 20 cent seeds were on two end caps....one with flowers, one with veggies, but there was another entire aisle with nothing but seeds, starting trays, electric warmers, potting soil, jiffy 7 refills (36 for $2!), etc. There was ANOTHER aisle with indoor pots, plants, etc. I didn't notice the 20 cent seeds at one of our Walmarts, so maybe they don't all carry the same thing?

cc, you're over near Findlay aren't you? Which Walmart was this?

There are a couple of places here in Seneca Co. where you can buy seeds in bulk, but they are not open for the season yet. The prices are very good also.

Fae · #14 02/09/10, 07:02 AM

The walmarts I go to all have a large seed section. I have not ask my DD how many seed potatoes and seed they ordered .

momtomany · #15 02/09/10, 07:38 AM

ANy recommendations for seeds? I got a few catalogs and don't really know where to start......

cc-rider · #16 02/09/10, 07:41 AM

Hi Vicki,

The new one on the west side of town has the cheap seeds. Didn't see them at the one by the mall. I can't believe we have two Wally Worlds in this town. And the prices VARY so much. They had some cute litte potted house plants for $2.50 at one, and the exact same thing was $5 at the other the same day!

I used to buy bulk seed at Hochstetler's Mill here in town, but I think I saw a sign saying they were closed??!?!?! Permanently?!?!?!

geo in mi · #17 02/09/10, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momtomany

ANy recommendations for seeds? I got a few catalogs and don't really know where to start......

Green beans are always good for starters--Provider, Top Pick, Tendercrop are a few good standards. Then, some dry beans, too--Soldier, Jacob's Cattle are a couple(just plant them away from your green beans so you won't pick them.....), then maybe lettuce--Black Seeded Simpson, and Buttercrunch are some favorites. Squash--Waltham Butternut, Table Ace acorn type, some yellow straightneck summer squash, a bit of zuchinni. As for tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage , and peppers, you could start them from seeds, indoors, but for a beginner, I would recommend going to a garden center for those. You are close enough to the Kalamazoo greenhouse growers that you shouldn't have to rely on the BB stores with questionable quality plants.....a garden center in your area should be making trips to the Kal. growers. You might also order a can of Rhizobia inoculant for your beans, if you haven't planted them before. It's optional and a bit pricey, but it will help the beans grow and give more yield in new garden soil.

Good luck, happy shopping, and hope this helps.... Once you get something in the ground you'll get better at it.

Wolf mom · #18 02/09/10, 09:53 AM

Dixondale Farms is a great place for onion starts. They've got short day, intermediate day and long day. 1 bunch (25) for $10.95 - 2 bunches (50) for $14.75 ($7.38 a bunch) - shipping included Nice people to do business with.

The above posts are the best reasons to buy open polinated seeds and NOT hybrid...

Now if I could find the type of strawberry plants I want...All sold out - already.

suitcase_sally · #19 02/09/10, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolf mom

1 bunch (25) for $10.95 - 2 bunches (50) for $14.75 ($7.38 a bunch)

Holy cow! Are they made of gold?

Critter Keeper · #20 02/09/10, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suitcase_sally

Holy cow! Are they made of gold?

Each bunch contains approximately 5 dozen plants unless you get the "sampler" which has 20 plants of three different varieties. The sampler is what I ordered last year and they sent way more than 20 of each...I got sick of planting and gave the leftovers to my neighbor. They are very nice to do buisness with.

Cindy