Seed buying thread 2023

[Snoop Puss]

Bought some more pepper seeds today (5 varieties), as about half of my varieties seem to be dead (my seed storage get a bit damp over the winter, so that's probably why).

That's bad luck. We had a leak in a storm and I think some of mine might have gone the same way, but mostly green manures and flower seeds. Don't think I'll be replacing them this year, not yet at least if I can help it.

Were these saved seeds? I was once told that pepper seeds don't stay fresh for long.

[ameno]

That's bad luck. We had a leak in a storm and I think some of mine might have gone the same way, but mostly green manures and flower seeds. Don't think I'll be replacing them this year, not yet at least if I can help it.

Were these saved seeds? I was once told that pepper seeds don't stay fresh for long.

When I say they got damp, I mean condensation.
I've never had these sorts of problems in previous years, but this winter for some reason the drawer in the corner I keep them in attracted a lot of moisture, to the point that white mould grew on the drawer itself and the paper seed packets felt damp.
All but one of the packets of pepper seeds I bought after August last year germinated fine, but the older packets (still only just over a year old) all failed, including two lots of saved seeds (one of which I can't buy replacements for since Brexit, so they're lost now).

I moved my seed storage, now, to somewhere with better ventilation and which should stay slightly warmer (I know warm isn't ideal, but I figure 20c and dry is better than 16c and damp).

[Snoop Puss]

one of which I can't buy replacements for since Brexit, so they're lost now).

That's a shame. I used to buy my seeds from the UK but not any more and it costs an arm and a leg to buy seeds from France (15 euros postage before I even start looking at the cost of seeds).

Have you tried putting out a general request, see if anyone might have what you're looking for? The Chilli and Pepper Seed Circle seems to have only a few keen members, but someone there might be able to help you out.

https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ed-circle-2022

[Jungle Jane]

Snoop have you looked into buying seeds from Ireland,Ireland can buy both UK & EU supplies,they’re in a good position,like the UK used to be before they messed up brexit. Ireland can take advantage of the situation at the moment & be a lead supplier?

[Snoop Puss]

I did a while back when the change came in, but none of the ones I looked at would post to other EU countries. I thought it very odd. But you're right. It's been a while since then, so I'll have another look. Thanks for the reminder.

Edited: Well, that was an eye-opener. I came across a few that do deliveries to EU countries, but all the suppliers with a decent selection wanted upwards of €25 for delivery.

[Jungle Jane]

That’s a bit expensive,are they delivering them on a plate of gold?

[Snoop Puss]

At last got around to ordering some seeds

Beans - Sonate (green), Dior (yellow) and Nassau (dwarf flat)
Brussels Sprouts - Doric, Topline and Hirema
Summer purple sprouting
Cauli - Amazing
Beetroot - Solist
Sweetcorn - Tasty Sweet
Courgettes - Diamant (green) and Ola Gabriella (yellow)
Toms - Pantano (been looking for these for years - originally bought them from Premier Seeds Direct but not available to me post Brexit, vigorous, climbing Marmande type)
Lettuce - All Year Round

Left to buy - leeks plus more lettuce for sowing for year-round supply if poss.

Bren In Pots, you're the lettuce wonder woman. Have you got any recommendations for lettuce for summer as well as winter use?

[Bren In Pots]

Snoop this is what I’ve sown in the last few days.

Arctic king
Riccia Rossa da taglio
Frisee de Beauregard
Valmaine
Ricca Rossa
Mazur
Mizuna
Lollo rossa
Mustard
Medclun mixed
Red salad bowl
Green salad bowl
All year round

[Snoop Puss]

Thanks, Bren In Pots. Of all those, the only one I've got (on order) is All Year Round. I shall look those up and see if I can get hold of them here. I've set myself the challenge of growing more and better lettuce this year.

[Nicos]

I forgot to mention that last week I bought six packets of ‘driemaal wit’ ( three times white) Broad beans from a discount store.

They were 15cents a packet for a total of 48 beans. Not bad for 90 cents!
Never heard of them before but the info says they are dwarf Broad beans which don’t need staking.

We soaked them for 36 hrs and they’ve now been planted into root trainers in a cold frame. Not one of them showed signs of a hole in them!

[Zelenina]

I came across a few that do deliveries to EU countries, but all the suppliers with a decent selection wanted upwards of €25 for delivery.

I've ordered in the past from two Irish companies, and neither of them charged anywhere near €25 for delivery. They are Brown Envelope Seeds https://www.brownenvelopeseeds.com/ and Seedaholic https://www.seedaholic.com/

The seeds were fine from both, and they have some interesting varieties, though if you're looking for F1s Brown Envelope don't sell any.

I've also had good seeds from Irish Seed Savers https://irishseedsavers.ie/ and you don't have to be a member to buy them, though you get a wider selection if you are.

[Snoop Puss]

Thanks, Zelenina. I'll check them out.

Edited: Some great seeds there, thanks. Nicos, you might find a few things here you fancy too. Me, I'm especially taken with the selection of PSB here https://www.seedaholic.com/catalogse...uting+broccoli

Thanks again, Zelenina.

[smallblueplanet]

Thanks, Bren In Pots. Of all those, the only one I've got (on order) is All Year Round. I shall look those up and see if I can get hold of them here. I've set myself the challenge of growing more and better lettuce this year.

Mazur are really good doers, don't bolt and stand well. They are cut and come again (well that's what we do!) and are a crinkly-edged green leaf.

[Bren In Pots]

Mazur are really good doers, don't bolt and stand well. They are cut and come again (well that's what we do!) and are a crinkly-edged green leaf.

SBP I do like Mazur it’s one of my favourites, you only need a few plants picking a leaf or two from each.

[Snoop Puss]

Well, I went a bit mad at Seedaholic, suggested by Zelenina. I think the shop's name suits me down to the ground, but they had a few seeds I've been looking for for years. My seed box will now be full. I didn't manage to do very well with the lettuce you suggested, guys. But Mr Snoop will get a full complement of sprouts this year. Terrible last year and the year before... And I will get plenty of PSB. Thanks, Zelenina. I spent a fortune, frankly, but I also saved a fortune, as they would have cost me a lot less than they would have done elsewhere in Europe.

Broccoli 'Extra Early Purple Sprouting Rudolph'

Beetroot 'Pablo F1'

Carrot 'Kuroda'

Brussels Sprouts 'Red Bull'

Cabbage 'Caraflex F1' Organic

Cabbage 'Golden Acre, Earliest of All'

Chinese Cabbage, Napa 'Granet' Organic

Kale, Cavolo Nero 'Black Magic'

Tomato 'San Marzano'

Leek 'Winter Giant 3'

Onion 'Red Amposta'

Onion, Spring Onion 'Ramrod'

Onion, Spring Onion 'Lilia'

Onion 'Cipolle di Tropea', Sweet Red Onion of Tropea

Onion 'Red Creole'

Squash 'Rolet F1'

Cress: Land Cress

Lettuce 'Forellenschluss'

Lettuce 'Henderson's Black Seeded Simpson'

Lettuce 'Little Gem'

Lettuce - 'Gourmet Lettuce' Mix

Lettuce 'Suzan', Organic

Melon 'F1 Galia'

Melon 'Ogen'

Coriander, Cilantro, 'Confetti'