What a Busy Season It's Been – And What's Next!

Wow, what a season! I'm still pinching myself. This has been our busiest season yet, and I honestly can't thank you all enough for your incredible support. I truly hadn't anticipated such a high volume of orders, but I couldn't be more grateful.

For most of the season, it was just me here, wearing all the hats – managing social media, updating the website, fulfilling orders, printing, and packing every single envelope. It was a whirlwind! With so much going on, my own gardens definitely fell behind. To date, I've got tomatoes, chilies, and pumpkins bravely growing, but there hasn't been as much progress as I'd hoped due to the late start. I'm still playing catch-up!

Some of our seed starts that we were hardening off.

A Peek Behind the Scenes of Our Small Business

With so many amazing new customers, I wanted to take a moment to give you a little insight into our small business. I know processing times were a bit higher during our busiest periods, but I promise this is something that will vastly improve next season!

There might be a misconception or assumption that we're a large company with a storefront and a fleet of employees. The truth is, we're a super small business! We operate out of a humidity and temperature-controlled shed that's about 12x16 feet. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, we typically work Monday-Friday with weekends off. Of course, if things fall behind, I'm right back in there on the weekends to get caught up. While we aim to get orders out ASAP, we simply can't compete with the super-quick delivery times of giants like Amazon. Hopefully, one day, my dream of a warehouse or storefront with several employees will come true!

Our little shed we work out of, this is where the magic happens!

Growing Our Team & Embracing the Bumps

It's also why you might have noticed me being a little quieter on social media lately – order fulfillment took priority! But I'm thrilled to announce that as of May 1st, we've welcomed two fantastic new team members: Susan and Dani! They've both helped out immensely, and I'm so appreciative of your patience and understanding as we've brought them up to speed. There have been a few bumps along the way, as there always are with training, but we've done everything needed to make things right.

We're now a team of four! With this in mind, I'm excited to focus more on creating new seed bundles, adding some fun new seed varieties, and having a much more frequent social media presence.

Catalogs, New Products, and Sustaining Through All Seasons

You might have been expecting a catalog from me by now. Due to a shoulder injury last season, I wasn't able to do much designing or computer work, so that had to be put on the back burner. I've decided to shift focus to a rotation of new products instead. This way, you'll always have fresh items to choose from, and it would make a static catalog a bit obsolete since new items might not be included, or some might be discontinued.

With the garden season in full swing, we'll also be starting to work on some of our hand-blended teas and handmade soaps! Ash Hollow Tea Co. is our sister company, and it plays a vital role in helping us sustain our business during the cooler months when seed sales slow down. You can find our soaps and teas in the main menu – go check them out!

Our Lavender Fields Bar Soap

On of our most popular caffeine free dessert teas, Decadent Tiramisu.

Dreaming of Greenhouses & More!

We're also actively saving up for two greenhouses! Our hope is to have both of them built and complete by the end of 2025. One will be smaller, allowing us to start our seedlings much earlier, and we're looking forward to selling live plants at our local market. The second, larger greenhouse will be where I can grow some of our more rare pumpkin, chili, and tomato varieties, so I can offer them all year long.

As for our seed envelopes, we're making great progress! We have close to 300 done out of approximately 700 seed varieties. I'm working hard to get them completed ASAP so you can all receive beautiful packaging with detailed instructions on the back. We'll also be offering exciting new tree seeds, including nut, fruit, and various other tree varieties. Keep checking back as our selection grows!

Looking Ahead to 2026

For 2026, I'll be working on offering garden supplies, botanic artwork, and other merchandise based on your requests! If there's anything else you'd like to see from us, please comment below. I'm always open to your ideas!

I hope you have an amazing rest of your 2025 growing season. Keep your eyes peeled on social media for our huge sale prior to our seasonal closure (November 1st - December 15th).

Big Seeds, Small Seeds, and Your Input!

We've had an amazing response to raising our pumpkin seed counts to higher amounts (50s and 100s)! This has been fantastic for smaller family farms and commercial growers who can now purchase larger quantities for their needs. We also started offering small bags of 5 seeds. While these were also a success, they did slow down our workflow a bit, and we're starting to run out of room for them! We're trying to decide whether to continue them next season, and we'd love your input.

Would you still like to see us offer small bags of 5 seeds for next season?

• Yes
• No

A Challenging November Break: Store Closure, Shoulder Surgery, and Seed Hunting in Peru.

A Bittersweet Journey

November was a month filled with both challenges and incredible experiences. It began with a major setback: I had to undergo rotator cuff surgery to repair four torn tendons in my shoulder. This unexpected turn of events meant that my much-anticipated trip to Peru would be quite different than planned.

A Peruvian Market, Mira Flores and Ripley's Believe it or not.

A Sling and a Dream

Despite the physical limitations, I was determined to make the most of my time in Peru. With my arm in a sling, I navigated the vibrant streets of Lima, exploring the bustling markets and immersing myself in the local culture. I was particularly fascinated by the diverse array of Peruvian produce, including unique vegetables and gourds that I had never encountered before. I hadn't anticipated that seed hunting in Peru would be so exciting!

A stunning view of Peru's famous Machu Picchu.

View our video about our visit to Peru and about our November Closure

Seed Hunting in Peru

My passion for gardening led me to collect seeds from various local markets. I was able to procure seeds for the following:

• Aji Limo chili

• Aji Amarillo chili

• Rocoto chili

• Peruvian Zapallo Macre (Peruvian Pumpkin)

• Maiz morado (used to make chicha morada, a popular Peruvian drink)

• Chirimoya

I'm currently working with a company in Peru to explore the possibility of bulk seed shipments, as the quantities I bring back are limited and often sell out quickly.

Back to Business

While recovering from surgery, I've been diligently working on updating my seed catalog. Despite the physical challenges, I've managed to:

• Update weight, vine habit, disease and pest resistance, and treatment type information for all pumpkins and gourds.

• Re-evaluate and adjust prices to reflect current market conditions.

• Introduce 5-count seed options for various pumpkin varieties to accommodate different budgets.

While I wasn't able to complete the entire catalog, I'm committed to finishing it in the coming months. I'm grateful for the support of my team who've been helping with tasks like printing envelopes and processing orders.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Despite the setbacks, I'm excited about the upcoming gardening season and the opportunity to share my passion for sustainable growing, gardening, and unique seed varieties with you all. Thank you for your continued support and understanding. Here's to an amazing 2025 garden season!

Mastering Seed Storage: A Vital Guide for All Plant Enthusiasts

Welcome to the wonderful world of gardening and seed storage! As plant lovers and enthusiasts, we understand the thrill of planting seeds and watching them grow into thriving plants. However, one important aspect that often gets overlooked is seed storage. Proper seed storage is crucial for maintaining the viability and germination rates of your precious seeds. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into the art of mastering seed storage to ensure your seeds remain healthy and ready for planting when the time comes.

Understanding the Importance of Seed Storage

Seeds are like nature's tiny treasures, encapsulating the potential for new life within their tiny shells. Whether you're dealing with pumpkin seeds, vegetable seeds, or exotic plant seeds, proper storage is key to preserving their vitality. By providing the right conditions, you can extend the lifespan of your seeds and maximize their germination rates.

The Basics of Seed Storage

When it comes to storing seeds, the goal is to maintain optimal conditions that mimic the seed's natural environment. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Temperature : Seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent them from germinating prematurely.

• Humidity : Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, degrading seed viability, and seed spoilage. Aim for low humidity levels when storing seeds.

• Light : Exposure to light can degrade the viability of seeds. Store seeds in a dark place or opaque containers.

• Air Circulation : Proper air circulation helps prevent the buildup of excess moisture around the seeds.

**Affordable seed storage bin with 70 slots and air tight containers :

Seed Storage Containers

Choosing the right containers for seed storage is crucial. Opt for airtight containers that prevent moisture from seeping in while allowing for adequate ventilation. Consider using glass jars, plastic containers, or seed storage envelopes to keep your seeds safe and dry.

A 120 seed storage bin with airtight containers for maintaining seed viability throughout the seasons.

Link to product: 120 containers https://amzn.to/4dwA6O0

60 containers https://amzn.to/3AuPfAS

30 containers https://amzn.to/3Xbhxcu

Mastering Seed Storage Techniques

Now that you understand the basics of seed storage, let's explore some advanced techniques to help you become a seed storage pro:

Seed Viability Testing

Before storing your seeds, consider conducting a germination test to assess their viability. This simple test involves planting a few seeds to see how many successfully sprout. Discard any seeds that show poor germination rates to ensure you're storing only the healthiest seeds.

Testing seed germination will help you get a better idea of where your seeds shelf life is at.

Using Desiccants

To absorb excess moisture and maintain low humidity levels, consider adding desiccants like silica gel packets to your seed storage containers. These tiny packets work wonders in keeping your seeds dry and free from mold.

*Affordable Silica packets on Amazon : https://amzn.to/3MczgtE

Another option is to keep your seeds in a room with a dehumidifier. We store our seeds in a finished shed with two dehumidifiers to ensure seeds are kept dry and away from moisture. Dehumidifiers come in small and large sizes depending on your needs. Links below will take you to some affordable dehumidifiers suitable for maintaining your seeds shelf life.

Silica powder is filled into packets of various sizes to best accomodate a variety of needs. These are an excellent choice for keeping your seed dry until the next season, maintaining their shelf life.

Seed Stratification

Some seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy and stimulate germination. To mimic this natural process, store these seeds in a moist medium in the refrigerator for a few weeks before planting.

A Peek Inside the Seed Storage Arsenal

Enclosed within this article is a visual representation of optimal seed storage containers, highlighting the importance of proper storage techniques. Behold the sacred vessels that house the potential for vibrant plant life:

In Conclusion

Mastering seed storage is an essential skill for any plant enthusiast looking to preserve the vitality of their seeds. By understanding the principles of seed storage, implementing proper techniques, and sourcing seeds from reliable suppliers, you can ensure a bountiful harvest and a garden filled with thriving plants. Remember, every seed holds the promise of new life—treat them with care, and they will reward you with beauty and abundance.

Happy gardening and may your seeds flourish in the nurturing embrace of expert seed storage techniques!

Optional Product links :

*Affordable dehumidifiers for smaller rooms: https://amzn.to/46UjT2y

*Affordable dehumidifier for larger rooms: https://amzn.to/4fQt1JF

**Links to seed containers:

120 containers https://amzn.to/4dwA6O0 

                              60 containers https://amzn.to/3AuPfAS

30 containers https://amzn.to/3Xbhxcu

**Affordable Silica Gel packs: https://amzn.to/3MczgtE