HSL catalogue

[HeyWayne]

Arrived yesterday!

What to choose, what to choose!?

[snuffer]

Excuse my ignorance, but, what is the HSL catologue?

[Two_Sheds]

Heritage Seed Library, Snuffer.

Heritage Seed Library

[Two_Sheds]

Currently they (Garden Organic) have about 200 seed varieties in their Seed Catalogue which is sent free to members each year.
Members receive their choice of up to six free varieties and there is also an informal Seed Swap section.
The idea is to preserve heritage varieties from extinction, by swapping them (you aren't allowed to sell them)

[snuffer]

Thanks Two Sheds, that clears that one up. Love the seed catalogues. More often than not order more than is needed and end up giving loads to friends and fellow plot holders.

[di]

Arrived yesterday!

What to choose, what to choose!?

You've just reminded me what I was gonna get Andi for Christmas!!Hope it's not too late!

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

HeyWayne/Two Sheds, just had a wee peek at the HSL website - I join and I can get the free heritage seeds? - did I read it correctly? Also are you a "Seed Guardian" - that sounds like an excellent idea. Normally, I buy my seeds from Real Seeds but I have got most of what I want.

[zazen999]

I also got my HSL catalogue yesterday and picked mine and the envelope is going in the post today.

I've become a seed guardian for this year, the seeds come out early next year for this part of it. You grow the seeds, leave them to go to seed [choosing the best plants if you have enough to choose], and send back seeds to HSL with a little report on how it went.

I am not sure whether you have had to already be a member this year to get the free 6 packs of seeds; but call Rachel up at the HSL and she'll tell you. She's very nice. You also get another packet when you join.

I have done a day's volunteering, and am hoping to do another soon...I might be packing people's choices if I can arrange it in time - last time I spent most of the day counting out seeds for the packs.

[kentvegplot]

Yes, mine came yesterday. Looking forward to sitting down with it, and a nice cup of tea - although must write some more cards first :-)

[Flummery]

Got mine too. Never give a toddler a choice! I might go for some kales and chards and such for a change. It was all beans and peas for me last year but apart from the fact that I saved seeds of those so I don't need them again, I also swapped with lots of you here so I have a huge choice of those now. I think it will bear reading several times before I finalise my order!

[HeyWayne]

Got mine too. Never give a toddler a choice! I might go for some kales and chards and such for a change. It was all beans and peas for me last year but apart from the fact that I saved seeds of those so I don't need them again, I also swapped with lots of you here so I have a huge choice of those now. I think it will bear reading several times before I finalise my order!

I might venture down the bean/pea and tomato route (although I'm not particularly successful with toms). One of the pea varieties originates from the same place I originate it seems, so it's only right that I select that one - if it were a Bean of some sorts...

Like you though Ma, I don't think I'll make my mind up quickly.

[Alison]

Got mine too but have no idea what I want as yet. Defo want some peas and the selection of toms looks fab. Already have loads of French beans but was sad to see that there weren't any broad beans as would have gone for them but still plenty of choice. Hopefully will get it all decided on by the weekend and get my selections in nice and early. This is my first year on this lark so all very exciting.

[coreopsis]

Please don't let mi get any more seeds!

[zazen999]

LOL at Coreopsis.

I had to get mine back as the house is topsy turvey and I'd procrastinate for ages otherwise.

It went in the post earlier.

[seasprout]

Garden Organic

HeyWayne/Two Sheds, just had a wee peek at the HSL website - I join and I can get the free heritage seeds? - did I read it correctly?

Yes, your requests have to be in by March 1st, so if you join now you get the list to choose from, but its 1st come 1st served..WHILE STOCKS LAST & its a different list each year.

Also are you a "Seed Guardian" .

No, that's separate, you volunteer to grow a particular variety on the endangered list just for seed, its quite a responsibility really. Quote "Seed Guardians agree to raise seed of a chosen variety or varieties. Some vegetables are more difficult to save seed from and it will be necessary to isolate them to ensure they remain pure and true to type. Guardians process and clean this seed and return it to the Heritage Seed Library for us to send out to other members through the catalogue."



More details here... Heritage Seed Library

Or you can befome a member or Garden Organic and support the work.

Main website here...http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/index.php