Living Seed Company
Frequently Asked Questions
Seeds
- What is in the Founders Collection?
22 varieties of heirloom seeds in addition to a handy seed saving booklet.
- What are heirloom seeds?
Heirloom traditionally means that the seed variety has been passed down from generation to generation (50 years is a common timeframe for a seed to be considered ‘heirloom’). Heirloom represents that they are open-pollinated, not hybrid or genetically modified. They are varieties which have been grown and selected for their desirable traits for thousands of years.
- What does open-pollinated mean?
It represents that open pollinated seeds will create similar offspring that resemble the original parents. Open pollinated seeds produce offspring that are true-to-type. Open pollinated seeds adapt to your micro climate, your soil and to you, hybrid seeds do not. Open pollinated seeds are not hybrids or genetically modified.
- What are hybrids?
Hybrid seeds originate from two different parent plants, of the same specie, that were genetically crossed to create the hybrid offspring. Seeds of hybrid varieties can be sterile or commonly fail to breed true to type, it usually results in plant varieties that you do not know what you are going to get.
- Are your seeds organic?
Most of our seeds are organic. It is important to conserve the genetic diversity of many endangered varieties that are not available organically. All of our seeds were grown naturally on small farms.
- Where do you source your seeds?
All the seeds sourced for the Founders Collection were sourced from farmers that grow seed on small farms either organically or naturally.
- Are your seeds GMO?
No, none of our seeds are genetically modified. We believe gardeners should have the finest and purest seeds to grow some of the best and most nutritious food. We do not believe in altering the genetics of our seeds with foreign genes. We also believe gardeners should have the ability to save their own seeds, should they choose to. We strongly encourage the growing awareness around the importance of the diversity in our food system and the biodiversity on our planet.
- Can I buy the seeds individually?
No, we only sell our seeds as a collection, we see it as a way to help people plan their gardens!
Planting
- When do I plant the seeds?
The collection contains seeds that are suited for warm seasons and cool seasons, the idea is to be able to grow food throughout the year, in most places. Each packet has individual growing instructions, just follow them!
- Are the packets individually wrapped?
Yes, each packet is individually wrapped with individual growing instructions.
- Are there growing instructions?
Each packets gives specific growing instructions, water requirements, germination time, soil type & depth, harvest time and even growing tips!
- Is this for my specific climate?
Our seeds are widely adapted and thus adapted for most climates. Plant the right seeds at the right time, learn which varieties are best to grow in which season in your area.
- I don’t have a garden or very much space, what do you think?
This is the perfect opportunity to start growing your own food. Some of our varieties are perfectly suitable for small spaces. For those seeds that you don’t think you can use, gift them to a friend or family member or even your local seed library!
- Is this the right time to plant?
Yes! End of summer, early fall are the perfect time to be planting for your fall and winter garden. Learn which seeds are best suited for your climate and start planting today!
- I don’t know how to garden, what do you think?
Now is a great time to start learning. Source from books or local experts, consider even taking a class. Start with something simple like herbs, beans, sunflowers, kale, lettuce, carrots …
- Do I plant all of the seeds at the same time?
No, the Founders Collection is intended to give you a garden throughout the year – offering you food during warm and cool seasons.
- Do these seeds work for containers?
Yes – the following vegetables would work ideal for containers: tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, beans, peas, beets, sunflowers, pepper, broccoli, kale, lettuce, basil, cilantro, leeks, spinach …
Seed Storage/Saving
- Why is there a seed saving booklet?
We are hoping to re-inspire the ancient art of seed saving. Basic Seed Saving is an excellent book to guide beginners and experts alike into the basis of seed saving. We see our Founders Collection like an eternal garden. You have the seeds and the tools to save your seeds and always have a garden from here on out!
- Why is seed saving so important?
Seed saving helps us return to traditional farming practices. When saving seeds, we are contributing to the conservation of genetic diversity in our food system. We are empowered to have the control of the very thing that gives us food. Saving seeds allows for seeds to become adapted to your soil, your micro-climate and to you! By saving seeds you cut down on seed purchases while taking the petroleum out of our seed industry. It also offers a wonderful opportunity to share the essence of life, with your loved ones.
- Why are your seeds different from other brands found in my gardening center?
We do not sell any hybridized seeds, all of our seeds are open pollinated which means that you can save the seed and propagate a plant exactly like the parent. You cannot do that with hybrid seeds. Something a lot of people are not aware of is that a lot of seeds, even Organic, are being grown overseas, and all of ours are grown in the US. Seeds become adapted to the region where they are grown, if seeds are grown overseas, they are adapted for a completely different climate and soil structure.
- How long do the seeds last?
Most of our seeds will last about 4 – 10 years if they are stored properly. Seed moisture and storage temperature are the most important factors in determining how long seed can be stored.
- How should I store the seeds?
Seeds are best stored in air and light sealed bags. The Mylar bags we provide you with are the best to store your seeds in and placed in the refrigerator. Make sure they are kept in a cool, dark place – our of heat and light. Seeds are living and are sensitive to the conditions in which they are kept. The relative air humidity will influences the moisture content of seeds if they are not stored in moisture-proof containers.
- Can I store the seeds in the freezer?
We cannot guarantee that our seeds are dry enough to be preserved in a freezer.
- What is your packaging made out of?
Our seed envelops are made of sustainable sourced FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) paper. Our bag is made of food grade metalized Mylar, which does not let light or moisture in and only a certain amount of air. The bags are not hermitically sealed, as they seeds need oxygen to breathe.
Can you explain why some two of your seed collections are named southern and northern. Does this refer to where they can be planted?
Posted by John | December 22, 2011, 5:08 pmGood afternoon and thank you for your comment on your blog. Yes, two of the collections that we recently unveiled are for more specific growing climates. The Northern Collection is more suitable for shorter seasons and the Southern Collection is more suited for longer seasons.
Posted by Astrid Lindo | December 23, 2011, 7:55 pm