070. The Reality of Seeds with Anne Fletcher

This discussion is one of my favorites to date! The truth about seeds is that they are not all created equal. In fact, where they come from is quite important. Anne Fletcher of Orta Kitchen Gardens joins us and tells her story of creating beautiful seed-starting pots after killing so many of her plants. Anne is a self-proclaimed unnatural green thumb with ADHD who wanted to start her own seeds and needed a more hands-off solution. She shares the journey to founding Orta Kitchen Garden, as well as the importance of the history of seeds. What was once a local and diverse system is now a consolidation of just a few big companies with few options. Anne educates us on the difference between hybrid seeds and heirloom seeds, and which we really need to support. She digs into seed saving and how every gardener can benefit from that experience. Anne shares some of her favorite heirloom seed companies as well as her tips for keeping seedlings alive - this is the best dive into the world of seeds and is really a fantastic resource for all gardeners. Seed Companies mentioned: Strictly Medicinal Feral Heart Farm Redwood Seeds Living Seed Adaptive Seed Wild Garden Seed Fedco Anne's Favorite book: Gardening in Summer Dry Climates by Nora Harlow A year in a Small Garden by Frances Tophill For more info on Anne and Orta Kitchen Gardens go to www.ortakitchengardens.com For more information on Bailey Van Tassel and to order her book go to www.baileyvantassel.com/kitchengardenliving or go to her Instagram HERE. Thank you so much to our amazing sponsors! Neptune's Harvest is a family-owner organic fertilizer company with the BEST amendments on the market. Completely organic and wildly beneficial. Go to www.neptunesharvest.com . Use code GCULTURE" for 5% off orders. Heirloom Roses has hundreds of own-root roses of impeccable quality. They're truly the best in the business. Go HERE to check out their selection and start your cutting garden. Use code GARDENCULTURE for 20% off all roses, valid now through August 31, 2024