New Seeds Purchased for 2022
This year we really amped up the seed selection for our garden. While we still have seeds from last year, we could not resist some new to us varieties this year. This is the master list of all the seeds we have purchased for our garden in 2022, and where they came from! Lists will be updated if we purchase more throughout the year.
So, let’s get right into it!
Metchosin Farm
We chose to try this supplier for a few reasons. First, they grow interesting varieties that seem to do well in our hardiness zone. Secondly, the types of seeds they offer are really unique! Third, they appear to be a family farm instead of a corporation so it was our way of supporting a small farm. Each pack was $4.75 and shipping was around $10. It arrived very quickly, in less than one week.
- Black Spanish Radish
- Chinese Five-Color Pepper
- Cilantro
- Honey Cherry Tomato
- Indigo Rose Tomato
- Mika’s Headache Blend
- Mini Popcorn Mix
- Sugar Baby Watermelon
- Jalapeno Pepper
The Chinese Five-Color Pepper really stood out to us. It is one plant that grows hot edible peppers which change color as they ripen. Yellow, orange, red, and purple are the colors you will find on here. They are supposed to be super hot, so we are thinking we might try to make Cowboy Candy out of them (as well as some of the jalapenos). If they are just too much to handle, we may dry them or just admire how pretty they are!
The Black Spanish Radish is black on the outside and white on the inside. Crystal isn’t into radishes, but Shane does like them so we are going to give them a try. This is the first time we are trying to grow radishes.
The Mini Popcorn Mix is basically a rainbow corn on the cob. The owner told us they are edible, but even if they are just dried and used for decoration we will be happy. Definitely a conversation starter!
Mika’s Headache Blend is a variety of herbs that are supposed to be good for treating migraines. As quoted on the site, it contains “Perennial yarrow, lemon balm and valerian, annual chamomile and mullein, and biennial catnip and feverfew.” Crystal has developed migraines in the last few years, so we are looking for healthier alternatives to pharmaceutical medications.
Veseys Seeds
Vesey’s is based in Prince Edward Island, but we have purchased seeds from them last year and had good success. This year we purchased a few odds and ends. We paid between $2.25-$4.05 per pack.
- Chantenay Red Cored Carrot
- Baby Leaf Blend Greens
- Roma VF Tomato
- German Winter Thyme
- Sweet Basil
- Classic Fantastic Bachelors Buttons
We chose the Chantenay Red Cored Carrot because it is supposed to do better in shallow soil. Our garden bed isn’t super deep, plus we will also have pots to grow our plants in so this seemed like a decent choice. The wildflower blend we had last year had several types of Bachelor Buttons, which the bees loved. We chose a blue blend to add to our flowers.
Ontario Seed Company
This is another new company we are trying out. We chose this company because we realized there were more seeds we wanted to grow with the space on the sides of our home. When we went back to Metchosin Farms and Veseys, we found the vegetables we wanted were either out of stock, or the shipping time would be weeks later due to a backlog. A bit of research later, this company popped up on our radar. The prices seemed very inexpensive, between $2.19 – $3.99 a pack. Shipping was $11.60.
- Cylindra Beet Seeds
- Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts Seeds
- Rainbow Blend Carrot Seeds
- Hollow Crown Improved Parsnip Seeds
- Blue Magic Hybrid Squash Seeds (Winter Type)
- Table Queen Organic Squash Seeds
- Paradiso Coneflower Seeds
- Fiesta Time Hollyhock Seeds
The Cylindra Beet Seeds are what prompted the hunt. We wanted to expand our garden into the winter months and extend the growing season. We heard about these beets because they are sort of like carrots. They are long and skinny instead of fat balls. Apparently they do better in small spaces, like containers.
We buy rainbow carrots from the store, so when we saw them available for less than what one bunch of carrots costs at the grocery store, we added them to the cart.
Winter squash is something our family isn’t that big on, but we know there are health benefits to eating squash. Plus, they can store well throughout the winter months and that might be an affordable option for us. The Blue Magic Hybrid Squash looked kinda cool, so we bought it on looks alone. No clue what it tastes like, we will have to just wait and see. We have roasted and enjoyed acorn squash, so we chose the Table queen Organic Squash for that reason.
We also chose some flowers just to add more pollinators to the area.
What about you?
Have you found any interesting varieties you’d like to share?
Where is your favourite place to purchase your seeds? Let us know in the comments!