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DECEMBER SEED GIVEAWAY @ MARY'S HEIRLOOM SEEDS Posted on 1 Dec 05:39 , 163 comments

We are so excited to share another fun seed giveaway at Mary's Heirloom Seeds!

 

Before we get to the amazing giveaway prizes...

As an added bonus, Mary's Heirloom Seeds has a discount code available for Seed Combo Packs

Use code: SEEDCOMBO22

at checkout to take 10% off every single seed combo pack

This code will expire 12/31/22

Ready for the giveaway info?

This giveaway is OPEN: December 1, 2022 - December 6th, 2022

There will be SIX winners chosen on December 7th!

This giveaway is open to all residents of the US and Canada.

No purchase necessary.

 

Mary’s Heirloom Seeds


 This is a slightly different SEED GIVEAWAY!
This month, we are including Gift Certificates from Mary's Heirloom Seeds as well as seed combo packs.
There will be SIX winners total!
 

Winner #1 will receive a $50 Gift Certificate from Mary's Heirloom Seeds. Our gift certificates are electronically sent so if you're looking for gift options these are fantastic!

 

Winner #2 and #3 will each receive a $25 Gift Certificate from Mary's Heirloom Seeds. Our gift certificates are electronically sent so if you're looking for gift options these are fantastic!

 

Winner #4 and #5 will each receive our SUPER Greens seed combo pack

 

Winner #6 will receive Mary's Basil Seed Collection


AND STICKERS for every winner!


Now for the details...

  • Giveaway begins on 12/1/2022 and ends at 11:59 pm on 12/06/22
  • SIX winners will be selected at random
  • Winners must live in the United States or Canada
  • This one is important...We will email the winners on Dec 7th. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be selected at random
  • All entries will be added to our e-newsletter mailing list for Mary's Heirloom Seeds

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SPECIALS 2022 Posted on 22 Nov 18:45 , 3 comments

I am so excited to share with you a few amazing deals for Small Business Saturday 2022!

November 23rd - November 28th

Please keep in mind that we are shipping out seeds for the 2023 growing season. Yippie! We have discount codes, FREE seeds and seeds on sale. Are you ready?

 

Let's start with the FREE SEEDS!

We will include an *extra* pack of free seeds with each purchase As a bonus, we will include 2 *extra* free seed packs with all orders of $40 or more. There is no special code for this offer!

Next up is our discount code!

Use code:  SBS2022

at checkout to take 15 % off all

SEED COMBO PACKS

and

STARTER KITS

ALL of these specials as well as the discount code are available

November 23rd - November 28th

 A few of Our Seed Combo Packs and Starter Kits are also on sale. You can use the discount code above to take an additional 15% off these awesome combos!

 




 

STARTER KITS

 

2022 SEED STARTER KIT

 

HEIRLOOM TOMATO SEED SAVING KIT

 
We have a Mary's Heirloom Seeds NEW ARRIVAL

Ready for the rest of our SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY 2022 SPECIALS?
SEED PACKS STARTING AT ONLY $1.50 A PACK!

 





 

LEMON HABANERO

 































































 

Current ship times are posted online as well as in you order confirmation email. Pleas remember to enter the correct email and shipping info at checkout.
Thank you!
If you have specific garden or seed related questions, please contact us via email at MARY@MARYSHEIRLOOMSEEDS.COM

Happy Planting!


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449

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NEW ARRIVALS FOR 2023 (part 2) Posted on 13 Nov 11:48 , 3 comments

November 13, 2022

As promised we are sharing the the next announcement for 2023! There are 2 "NEW ARRIVALS" announcements for 2023 because there's only so much awesomeness we can share in a single post.

Previous announcement include

 

Are you ready for part 2? Let's do it!

 

MARVEL OF VENICE BEAN

 

PAINTED LADY RUNNER BEAN

 

JET BARLEY

 

 

MISSISSIPPI PURPLE COWPEA

 

WHITE ACRE PEA

 

ANNA SWARTZ HUBBARD

 

 

DRAGON CARROT

 

 

KYOTO CARROT

 

BUSH CROP CUCUMBER

 

DRAGON'S EGG CUCUMBER

 

 

POONA KHEERA CUCUMBER

 

BATEEKH SAMARA MELON

JAPANESE HULLESS CORN

 

EGGPLANT MEDLEY - MIX

 

ROUND MAUVE EGGPLANT

 

 

CARENTAN LEEK

 

AJI DULCE PEPPER

 

 

RED BELGIAN PEPPER

 

WHITE HABANERO

 

 

MOLOKHIA - EGYPTIAN SPINACH

 

CZECH BUSH TOMATO

 

 

PRUDEN'S PURPLE TOMATO

 

BLUE COLUMBINE

 

CALIFORNIA BLUEBELL

 

CELOCIA CRISTSTA MIX

 

CHICORY

 

 

FOUR O'CLOCK MIX

 

BULK SPROUTING - MICROGREENS SEEDS

ELBON RYE

 

BLACK OIL SUNFLOWER

 

WHITE PROSSO MILLET

 

SEED COMBO PACKS

3 SISTERS GARDEN

 

MARY'S HEIRLOOM TOMATO SEED COLLECTION

 

HOMESTEADER'S COMPREHENSIVE SEED COLLECTION

 

GET GROWING STARTER PACK

 

POLLINATOR GARDEN SEED COMBO

 

If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask!
Email: mary@marysheirloomseeds.com
HAPPY PLANTING!


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449


Pumpkin Pie Recipe Posted on 6 Nov 05:19 , 2 comments

My favorite way to celebrate fall is with Pumpkin Pie (and planting garlic of course). We're harvesting pumpkins so it's the perfect time to share an easy recipe.

 

This is another delicious creation from Michelle @ heirloom_farm_country_table

Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:

9 inch deep pie crust

1/3 cup sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground cloves

2 eggs + 1 yolk

2 cups pumpkin puree

1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

2 tsp maple syrup

2 tsp vanilla

 

Instructions:

1. Preheat over to 425

2. Wisk together ingredients and pour into pie crust

3. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes

4. Reduce temperature to 350 and bake for 40 minutes

5. Enjoy!

 

Ready for a few fun facts about pumpkin?

  • Although we often think of pumpkins as vegetables, they're actually fruits! ...
  • Pumpkins are also a type of winter squash. ...
  • Each pumpkin contains about 500 seeds.
  • Once they sprout, pumpkins take between 90 and 120 days to reach maturity.

If you are interested in growing your own pumpkins for your next pumpkin pie, checkout GROWING PUMPKINS FROM SEED TO HARVEST.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask!
Email: mary@marysheirloomseeds.com
HAPPY PLANTING!


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449


NEW ARRIVALS for 2023 Posted on 1 Nov 16:09 , 0 comments

November 1, 2022

As promised we are sharing the the next announcement for 2023! There will be 2 "NEW ARRIVALS" announcements for 2023 because there's only so much awesomeness we can share in a single post.

First is a PSA...PLEASE have patience with us as we work around moving 2022 seed packs to a separate spot in the seed shop to prepare for our school garden donation program and make room for 2023 seeds. This is a huge endeavor and we are a small "mom and pop" shop so we don't have a huge team to help get prepared. Current ship time is posted on our website AND included with your order confirmation email. 

Are you ready for more HEIRLOOM SEEDS?

MCMAHON'S TEXAS BIRD PEPPER

 

ANASAZI BEANS

 

 

ALEPPO PEPPER

 

 

BIQUINHO RED PEPPER

 

 

UTE INDIAN WINTER SQUASH

 

 

NOIR DE CARMES MELON

 

 

 

NAPOLI TOMATO

 

 

ZAPOTEC OAXACAN RIBBED TOMATO

 

JOE PYE WEED

 

 

ASWAD EGGPLANT

 

 

MASAI BUSH BEAN

 

 

LITTLE CAESAR ROMAINE LETTUCE

 

 

ACONCAGUA PEPPER

 

FIRECRACKER HOT PEPPER

 

PEPPERONCINI PEPPER

 

 

CECI NERI, BLACK GARBANZO BEAN

 

 

If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask!
Email: mary@marysheirloomseeds.com
HAPPY PLANTING!


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449


Back in Stock for 2023 Posted on 28 Oct 17:22 , 0 comments

We are busily preparing for the 2023 garden season at Mary's Heirloom Seeds. The first of several announcement is our list of Back in Stock varieties. Our seed shop is buzzzzzing with excitement as we set aside our 2022 seeds for our School Garden Donation Program to make way for 2023 seeds.

If you've been waiting for certain heirloom seed varieties to become available, this is for you! If you've been curious about all of the unique varieties of heirloom seeds, stay tuned for more updates.

To view the specific information about each heirloom seed variety listed, click the image or text below.

HIDATSA SHIELD BEAN

 

SAN MARZANO TALL VINE

 

CHRISTMAS POLE LIMA BEAN

 

LUFFA

 

MAMMOTH BLACK SUNFLOWER

 

MONGOLIAN GIANT SUNFLOWER

 

"PLANT FOR POLLINATORS" BULK SEED MIX

 

CLARY SAGE

 

COMFREY

 

MEXICAN TARRAGON

 

MULLEIN

 

STEVIA

 

VERBENA

 

HOMESTEADER HERB SEED COMBO PACK

 

MEDICINAL HERB SEED COMBO PACK

 

WILD STRAWBERRY

 

 

WHITE MONARCH OF THE VELDT

 

FISH PEPPER

 

FLAT WHITE BOAR PUMPKIN

 

RED WARTY THINGS PUMPKIN

 

DOUBLE RED SWEET CORN

 

FLORIANI RED FLINT CORN

 FORELLENSCHLUSS LETTUCE

 

KEBARIKA BUSH DRY BEAN

 

FRENCH VANILLA QUINOA

 

ALFALFA SPROUTING SEEDS

 

BARLEY SPROUTING SEEDS

 

LUFFA STARTER KIT

 

If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask!
Email: mary@marysheirloomseeds.com
HAPPY PLANTING!


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449


OCTOBER SEED GVEAWAY Posted on 18 Oct 02:47 , 196 comments

We are so excited to share another fun seed giveaway at Mary's Heirloom Seeds!

 

Before we get to the amazing giveaway prizes...

As an added bonus, Mary's Heirloom Seeds has a discount code available for Seed Combo Packs

Use code: SEEDCOMBO22

at checkout to take 10% off every single seed combo pack

Ready for the giveaway info?

This giveaway is OPEN: October 18, 2022 - October 24, 2022

There will be SIX winners chosen on October 25th!

This giveaway is open to all residents of the US and Canada.

No purchase necessary.

 

Mary’s Heirloom Seeds


 This is a slightly different SEED GIVEAWAY!
This month, we are giving away SIX of our Heirloom Seeds Mystery Grab Bags
These are sold out for 2022 so they are no longer available to purchase but we have 6 left to share.

 

2022 Heirloom Seeds Mystery Grab Bag
All seed packs are labeled with the specific variety of seeds and packaged in 2022.
No duplicates in each "grab bag" and an awesome value!
$20 grab bag = $40 value
(approx 15-18 seed packs)

AND STICKERS!


Now for the details...

  • Giveaway begins on 10/18/2022 and ends at 11:59 pm on 10/24/22
  • SIX winners will be selected at random
  • Winners must live in the United States or Canada
  • This one is important...We will email the winners on the 25th. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be selected at random
  • All entries will be added to our e-newsletter mailing list for Mary's Heirloom Seeds

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mary's Garden Gift Guide for 2023 Posted on 15 Oct 16:06 , 3 comments

October 15, 2022

The announcement is finally here!!! We have all new seed combo packs and starter kits available for 2023 in our new Garden Gift Guide. Some of the kits and combo packs listed below are customer favorites we are highlighting and some are brand new for 2023.

To view the specific information about each kit of combo pack listed, click the image or text below.

 

Mary's Heirloom Tomato Seed Collection

If you're looking for an amazing combination of Heirloom Tomato seeds available from Mary's Heirloom Seeds you have definitely found it!
All heirloom tomato seeds listed are individually packaged in compostable envelopes.

 

Homesteader's Comprehensive Seed Collection

In the last few months, many of our friends and customers have asked for a larger seed combo pack. This is a great combo pack to grow a large garden, share with your community or even store for your future garden.
This is the largest, most comprehensive seed collection we have offered to date with 128 seed packs.

 

Pollinator Garden Seed Combo Pack

January is PLANT FOR POLLINATORS month at Mary's Heirloom Seeds. We chose January because so many gardeners are in the planning phase for the next growing season. We use this month to educate about the benefits of planting for pollinators.

 

3 Sisters Garden Seed Combo Pack

The Three Sisters method of growing is one of many ways to use Companion Planting in your garden.  This method was used by Native Americans and taught to early colonial settlers.

This seed combo pack include 4 varieties of individually packaged seeds. All of our seed envelopes are compostable.

 

Heirloom Bean "Soup" Seed Combo

Bean soup or Bean Stew is a winter favorite. Along with our Food Storage Prepping in the garden series on Mary's YouTube Channel, we are creating a dry bean seed combo pack.

All of the beans listed are individually packaged seeds. This is not a single "mixed pack" of heirloom beans seeds.

 

Medicinal Herb Seed Combo Pack (updated)

Our Medicinal herb garden combo pack consists of standard-sized packets of the herb seeds that we consider to be useful for growing plants for first-aid.

 

Mary's Heirloom Seeds Towels

We have 2 different designs available on these super soft towels!

 

Easy Garden Seed Starter Kit *with Root Boost* New to gardening and not sure where to start? 

Looking for a fun gift idea for just about any age?  We can help!

 

GARDEN GIFT BOX WITH TOWEL

 *Updated for 2023*

 

Get Growing Starter Pack with Towel

 

 Easy to grow and wonderful to eat. 

This pack contains a good variety of easy to grow seeds at a great value.

 

We also offer E-GIFT CARDS

 

Yes, the picture I used for the gift cards is silly. My sister made me a bunch of "hey girl" memes for my birthday and they're all funny.

 

No garden gift guide would be complete without...

"A Few of My Favorite Things"

I created a special seed combo pack of "A Few of My Favorite Things." Each variety of seeds is individually packed.

 

We also offer a few specialty combos and kits

 

LUFFA STARTER KIT

 

Mary's Salad Greens Combo Pack

 

Mary's Basil Seed Collection

 

This is just a sampling of what we offer at Mary's Heirloom Seeds. For a complete list, please check out

SEED COMBO PACKS

and

STARTER KITS


If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask!
Email: mary@marysheirloomseeds.com
HAPPY PLANTING!


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449


Seed Saving: Heirloom Squash Posted on 1 Oct 14:58 , 0 comments

Next up in our Seed Saving series is Heirloom Squash. In case you missed it, you might want to start with Seed Saving Basics to help you get started.

At the end of this tutorial is a video on Seed Storage that will come in handy.

 

Seed saving is fun and definitely a useful tool.

Before you start saving seeds from squash it is important to understand pollination and cross pollination.

Squash plants are Monoecious, meaning they produce both male and female flowers on the same plant. The flowers are found in the axils of the leaves. The flowers can be easily distinguished from each other as the female flowers have an ovary at their base that looks like a small, immature fruit. In order for fruit set to occur, pollen from the male flower must be transferred to the female flower.

Squash plants of the same species can cross pollinate. That means that if you plant Black Beauty Zucchini and Patty Pan squash (both Cucurbita pepo) close together then they can cross pollinate. But a Golden crookneck Squash (Cucurbita pepo) won't cross with a Butternut Squash (Cucurbita moschata).

When crosses occur between members of the same species, we do not see the effect of the cross the first year. However, if the seeds are saved and planted, the plants will produce fruit that will be different from either of the parents.

Ready to start saving seeds?

As I mentioned in a previous post, it is best to harvest seeds from overripe "fruit" in this case squash. **If you cut straight through the squash (like I did) then you risk cutting into the seeds**

Instead, cut around the outside of the squash just into the skin/flesh and then pry open with your hands or a spoon.

How can you tell it's overripe?
In this case, the normally green striped squash has gone yellow. It was on the plant like this. The seeds you can see are "plump" and should be viable.

Clean up your seeds.
Wash the seeds to remove any flesh and strings. If you do not remove the pulp/flesh from the seeds, it can cause your seeds to mold. Mold is bad.

Dry your seeds.
Cure the seeds by laying them out in a plate or drying screen to dry. It is not recommended to use a paper towel as the towel can retain moisture. Store them this way in a place that is dry and out of direct sunlight.

Store your seeds.
Allow the seeds to fully dry before storing them. Some sources recommend 3 to 7 days but I tend to use caution and dry for a bit longer. Storing damp seeds can lead to moldy seeds. Mold is bad.

When your seeds are ready to store, use paper envelopes, recycled jars and/or containers and be sure the LABEL your container.
Store seeds in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.

Don't forget to label your seed packs!

 

 

SEED STORAGE is just as important as seed saving. More important even. It would be frustrating to go through all steps to properly harvest your seeds only to have them fail or have lower germination rates because they were not stored properly.

Avoid storing your seeds in open containers were bugs and critters can get to them. Don't store your seeds in hot spots like an outside shed or garage as heat can degrade seed viability.

As promised, here's a live chat video about seed storage.


 

Stay tuned for more specific seed saving techniques and seed varieties. -Mary

 

If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask!
Email: mary@marysheirloomseeds.com
HAPPY PLANTING!


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449


Garlic Growing Tips Posted on 24 Sep 12:44 , 2 comments

Garlic is another easy crop that can be grown in just about any type of garden. It takes a little bit of planning ahead but it's pretty low maintenance.

At the bottom of this tutorial, you'll find a few videos about planting and growing garlic.

Instead of growing garlic from seeds, it is easier and more economical to grow from "seed garlic" which is actually cloves.

What is "seed garlic" you ask?

Seed Garlic differs from culinary garlic as it is usually larger and often times certified disease free. A Bulb is the entire head of garlic but the individual cloves are planted to form (grow) a completely new bulb.

Clove (left), Bulb (right)

 

Fall is the time to plant for best yields and highest quality bulbs. Generally plant in September–January. In very cold areas, plant by mid-October, and protect your crop with a thick layer of mulch such as straw. Expect to harvest it in June–July.  One lb of garlic seed equals approx. a 25' row with 4" spacing between plants. For most garlic, expect up to 10 lb yield for every lb planted under optimal conditions.

HARDNECK
Rocambole garlic has wrappers that are can be in color, such as German Red.  However, color is not the only requirement for this category, as some varieties may be white or purple colored. Rocambole scapes are more tightly curled than other varieties.  Most rocambole varieties produce 8 to 10 cloves per head.



SOFTNECK

Softneck garlic, also called artichoke garlic due to their numerous cloves that give them an appearance similar to the “petals” of an artichoke head, is the most common garlic due to its excellent storage characteristics.  This is the kind you will find in grocery stores. 
Softnecks are the most heat tolerant of garlic, and have a sweeter, milder flavor than hardnecks.  If you’re looking to make garlic braids, this is the type to grow. 

 

Garlic is usually ignored by wildlife (pests) such as squirrels and rabbits as they do not like the scent.

Preparing your Garden for Garlic

I have grown garlic in-ground, in raised beds and containers. While I prefer raised beds, it is possible to grow in just about any type of garden.

Before you get started, find a spot that will go undisturbed for for 6 months. October is a favorite month to plant garlic and we do not harvest until late June to July. It is best to rotate your planting area so this spot should not have had garlic growing there in the last 3 years. If that's not possible, be sure to amend the soil.

If you prepare in advance, it is recommended to amend the soil with aged compost and/or aged manure during the summer. Worm castings are another popular soil amendment.

 

Planting Your Garlic

Planting at the right time is definitely a bonus with garlic. If you wait until Spring, you might have smaller, immature bulbs if you harvest in July.

October and November are common times to plant garlic. If you live in a colder region, you might be planting in September.

As a general rule, plant your seed garlic 1-6 weeks before your first frost. Garlic is pretty forgiving and will tolerate frost and snow if properly cared for and mulched.

I found that I have harvested larger, healthier bulbs when grown in raised beds.

-Break apart cloves from bulb a few days before planting, but keep the papery husk on each individual clove.

-Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Select a sunny spot.

-Place cloves 4 inches apart and 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide root side facing down and pointed end facing up).

Optional: soak cloves in kelp tea or worm tea 2 hours prior to planting

Caring for Garlic

In areas with heavy snow, mulch heavily with straw for overwintering. Mulch should be removed in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. (Young shoots can't survive in temps below 20°F on their own. Keep them under cover.)

Cut off any flower shoots that emerge in spring. These may decrease bulb size.

Weeds should not be a problem until the spring. Weed as needed.

Garlic requires adequate levels of nitrogen. Fertilize accordingly, especially if you see yellowing leaves.

Water every 3 to 5 days during bulbing (mid-May through June).

A note on garlic scapes: Some folks love cooking the scapes (the tops of hardneck garlic). Whether you trim the scapes or let them keep growing is your preference.

I love to cook up scapes with eggs or make garlic scape pesto. Yum!

 Once you've grown your garlic and you're ready to harvest, hop on over to my article about Harvesting & Curing Garlic.



 

 

If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask!
Email: mary@marysheirloomseeds.com
HAPPY PLANTING!


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449