It’s planting season! Depending on where you live, you have probably already been starting seeds indoors and even direct sowing a few over these last couple of weeks. While some seeds have strict guidelines, others can thrive as transplants or direct sown crops. How do we know which crops we should start indoors and which … The post Transplanting Vs. Direct Sowing first appeared on Southern Exposure Seed Exchange ..read more

Weeds are the backbreaking drudgery of the summer gardener’s existence. They seem to burst from the soil the second we turn our back on the garden. While we wage war to prevent them from overtaking the tomato patch, it’s easy to think of weeds as the enemy. But if you learn to listen, you’ll realize … The post What Can Weeds Tell Us? first appeared on Southern Exposure Seed Exchange ..read more

Winter squash is one of our favorite staple crops. It’s sweet, nutrient dense flesh brings to life so many of our favorite cozy winter recipes. Most varieties also store well with no extra work. No canning or freezing required! Just set your squash somewhere cool and grab one occasionally to crack open for flavorful soups, … The post Winter Squash Tips for Southern Gardens & an Heirloom Spotlight first appeared on Southern Exposure Seed Exchange ..read more

Having a small garden doesn’t have to mean small harvests. In fact, small, well managed and tended gardens are often more productive than their larger, occasionally neglected counterparts. Using a few basic principles, you can grow sizable harvests from a small plot or even a few raised beds.  Focus on Soil Health Good production begins … The post Small Garden Big Harvest: 5 Ways to Increase Production in a Small Space first appeared on Southern Exposure Seed Exchange ..read more

We test all our seeds for germination rates before they’re scooped into packets and sent to fill spring gardens across the United States. Some native flowers and herbs can be finicky, but germination rates are higher than 80% or even better for most vegetable crops. However, there are many factors that can affect how well … The post 5 Quick Tips for Good Germination first appeared on Southern Exposure Seed Exchange ..read more

Perennial crops come with many benefits. For starters, you only need to plant these crops once, then enjoy the benefits for years to come. They also are among the earliest crops that you’ll harvest each spring. Their well-developed root system gives them a head start as the weather warms. Last, those roots may also make … The post 30+ Perennial Crops You Can Start From Seed first appeared on Southern Exposure Seed Exchange ..read more

 As crazy as it sounds, the gardening season begins in winter. Starting seeds indoors during the winter and early spring is crucial to a successful summer garden, but it can be a challenge, especially for new gardeners. Here’s everything you need to know to have success starting seeds indoors. Keep reading for seed starting benefits, … The post Everything You Need to Know About Starting Seeds Indoors first appeared on Southern Exposure Seed Exchange ..read more

Fall cover crops are a common way to build healthy soil over the off-season, but what about spring? Spring is a key time for getting vegetable crops in the ground, but it can also be a wonderful opportunity to battle the weeds and revitalize the soil before transplanting or sowing your warm season crops. While … The post A Beginner’s Guide to Spring Cover Crops first appeared on Southern Exposure Seed Exchange ..read more

Open pollinated varieties are those crops pollinated through natural functions like wind, pollinators like bees, and water. They produce seeds that will grow into plants that are similar to the parent plant. This method of seed saving likely pre-dates modern agriculture and is the oldest seed saving method. We currently offer over 700 hundred varieties … The post How do Seed Growers Preserve Open Pollinated Varieties? first appeared on Southern Exposure Seed Exchange ..read more

If you have been perusing the website or catalog, you may have noticed that we carry both open pollinated and hybrid sweet corn. The hybrid sweet corn is actually the only hybrid that we carry. So why do we carry both? What are the differences and how do you choose the right one for your … The post Hybrid Versus Open Pollinated Sweet Corn first appeared on Southern Exposure Seed Exchange ..read more