Lack of seeds in your area?

Thomas

I was just curious of the seed status of various parts of the states. Living here in rural North Florida I had no luck in some lettuce types in our small town.

After talking to owner, it seems that this year there has been record sales of seed due to the COVID issue.

They also told me that the seed company's have them buy what they need for the whole year at the beginning of the year. And they bought based on what had been going on - obviously - so now they are short of some things.

Luckily I was able to find starter plants to fill the gaps of my personal seed collection.

How is everyone else doing?

naomi.kohlmeier

I've had a hard time finding garlic to plant this fall. I finally found some at Southeastern Seed Exchange. I ordered a specific type and they had to substitute a different type for it. That's ok, because I'm always up for trying new plants in the garden.

Michelle D

I got a good amount of seeds from Jason and his family at Seeds for Generations. He didn't have everything that I wanted, but he had a good number of things available.

karenjanicki

It was almost impossible to find seeds for awhile. Right after they considered gardening season over. Like July. So I went and ordered next years seeds a month ago. I went to seed savers exchange online. The others I ordered from independent sellers on eBay. I'm still hoping to get some more before next year.

Thomas

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/876188#Comment_876188

Good plan! I had what I had saved, and didn't think beyond that. Always figured I could get it from the local feed store. Lesson learned!

karenjanicki

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/876330#Comment_876330

There were also seed shortages online for awhile from what I have heard. And it's suspected it will be even worse again next year so I also recommend getting a survival seed vault for emergency long term food storage.

Thomas

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/876345#Comment_876345

I really, really appreciate that information! Better to be prepared!

karenjanicki

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/876366#Comment_876366

You're very welcome. Forewarned is forearmed as they say.

VermontCathy

@naomi.kohlmeier "I've had a hard time finding garlic to plant this fall."

A friend of mine bought some hardneck garlic at the grocery store about 6 years ago and has been successfully propagating it and eating it ever since. If you have can't garlic for planting, give this a try.

There's no guarantee that the garlic you get at the store will grow well in your region, but it won't cost very much money or time and effort to find out.

Thomas

As an aside to my initial comment, I took the 6 romaine lettuce started cubes ($3.65), and broke them into 15 individual romaine lettuce plants. Usually I have so-so success with this, but so far they are all doing well. I know that Bonnie intends for me to thin each cube down to the strongest, but I like romaine too much. :)

Monek Marie

Some seed companies are short of seeds and when people buy early this year, they will run out again.

I have found ther smaller seed companies seem to have most items but buy early.

I knew there would be a shortage after last year so saved seeds like crazy to share and swap for what I need

Cornelius

I personally bought from Baker creek at Rareseeds.com and they sold out of everything for months. I swear they would get some things in a be sold out the next day. I have a small seed collection already, but I hope to get more. I am thinking that come January 1st they will be sold out again.

VermontCathy

Now that we're in harvest season across much of the northern temperate zone, I expect we'll see a lot of seeds come back into stock at least temporarily. Keep an eye out at your favorite online vendor's web sites to see what is becoming available again.

Potato harvest has been completed in the northern zones that produce seed potatoes, so it's a good time to order your potatoes for 2021.

Thomas

@VermontCathy ; thanks for the tip. I will look into this!