New Update USDA Hardiness Zone Map

Check your zip code to see if your hardiness zone has changed. This could impact when to start your seeds indoors, how long your growing season will be, and more. A link will be provided for you to check, read for more information below.

The New 2023 USDA hardiness zone map

Navigating Change: Exploring the New USDA Hardiness Zone Map

As the seasons shift and climate patterns evolve, gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike find themselves faced with new challenges and opportunities. One significant tool guiding our understanding of these changes is the recently updated USDA Hardiness Zone Map. Join us on this exploration as we delve into the nuances of this updated map and uncover what it means for your gardening endeavors.

Understanding the USDA Hardiness Zone Map:

The USDA Hardiness Zone Map serves as a valuable resource for gardeners, providing crucial information about the climatic conditions in specific regions. Recently, the map underwent an update in 2023, reflecting the evolving climate patterns across the United States. This update introduces changes in zone boundaries, presenting a more accurate and current depiction of the temperatures plants are likely to encounter in different regions.

Implications for Gardeners:

For gardening enthusiasts, this update brings both challenges and opportunities. Plants that were once considered borderline in certain zones may now find more favorable conditions, expanding the range of species that can thrive in your garden. On the flip side, some traditional favorites may face new challenges as zones shift. Understanding these changes is vital for successful gardening, as it helps you make informed decisions about plant selection, care, and overall garden planning.

Pros:

• You may have a longer growing window to try new varieties that take longer to mature.

• You can get a later start on your garden if you don't have it planned out yet.

• You can also get an earlier start on your seeds if you are starting them indoors.

Cons

• If your zone has changed to a lower number, you will have a shorter growing zone.

• Varieties you were able to grow before may have a shorter growing window.

• You may have to wait longer to start your seeds indoors if your last frost date has moved to a later timeframe.

Adapting to Change:

As stewards of our green spaces, adapting to the shifting hardiness zones becomes a key aspect of responsible gardening. Embracing resilient plant varieties, implementing sustainable gardening practices, and staying informed about local climate trends are crucial steps in navigating these changes successfully.

Practical Tips for Gardeners:

1. **Review and Adjust Plant Selection:** Take a closer look at the new hardiness zone map and reassess your plant selection accordingly. Choose varieties that align with the updated zone recommendations for your region.

2. **Stay Informed:** Keep an eye on local climate trends, and consider joining gardening communities or local horticultural groups to share insights and experiences with fellow gardeners.

3. **Experiment with New Varieties:** With the changing climate, now is an excellent time to experiment with plant varieties that were once considered marginal in your zone. You might discover new favorites that thrive in the evolving conditions.

We learned that we changed from 5A to 6A. This opens up a longer gardening season for us which means we have several new varieties we can grow.

Click this link to access the USDA's website to find out if your hardiness zone has changed.

https://planthardiness.ars.usda.govhttps://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov

Conclusion:

The updated USDA Hardiness Zone Map is more than just a tool; it's a reflection of the dynamic nature of our environment. As gardeners, embracing change and staying informed allows us not only to adapt but also to contribute to the resilience and beauty of our green spaces. Explore the possibilities, experiment with new varieties, and let this updated map be your guide in navigating the ever-evolving world of gardening.

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After Checking Your Hardiness Zone, Did Your Zone Change? Are There Any New Seed Varieties You Can Grow Now?

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"What's Happening at Our Seed Shop in November And Counting Thousands of Pumpkin Seeds!"

As the crisp November air settles in, our seed shop takes a brief hiatus from its regular operations to embark on a journey of growth and enhancement. While our doors may be temporarily closed, our commitment to providing you with top-quality seeds and valuable resources remains unwavering. Here's a sneak peek into what's happening at our seed shop throughout the month of November:

**November 1st - November 10th:**- Hand Counting, Bagging, And Labeling Thousands of Pumpkin Seeds By Hand.

I'm working hard at counting, bagging, tagging, and meticulously labeling over 80,000 pumpkin seeds along with several other seed varieties. Some of you may or may not know, but we are still very small so we don't have any counting machines, labeling machines, etc. All our seed bags are handmade. The seed counters and labelers are very very expensive, we are hoping to grow large enough to where we can obtain a seed counter at the minimum. This would free a lot more time and resources for us to improve and work more efficiently on all other aspects of the business. Simultaneously, I'm implementing a comprehensive inventory system to enhance our bookkeeping to ensure we have adequate seeds in stock for everyone and we are notified accurately when we are low to ensure we get more stock in.

**Pre-Orders**

UPDATE: Preorders are being shipped out now

All pre-orders are being shipped out right now. You will receive your tracking number via email.

**More Pumpkin Seed Count Options**

We're excited to offer higher seed counts at a discounted rate for our customers. While we may not be able to compete with larger suppliers in terms of selling seeds by the thousands, we are taking steps to better accommodate your needs. As we continue to grow and expand, offering much higher seed counts will become one of our future goals.

I'm currently testing our seed counts of 5 seeds10 seeds, 50 seeds, and 100 seeds. These can change, but I wanted to provide for different demographics.

We've noticed that many larger companies have started to offer lower seed counts, and we want to ensure that we remain competitive and accessible to gardeners of all sizes.

In response to this trend, we are excited to announce that we will be introducing bags with a 5-seed count, and we have also made sure to price our seeds lower than our major competitors.

Our bags of 5 are aimed at those who are on a tight budget but enjoy a wide variety of seeds.

Our bags of 10 are aimed at hobby gardeners, home gardeners, backyard gardeners, etc.

The 50 is intended for those who grow commercially for pumpkin markets and pumpkin stands.

The 100 seed packs are intended for our larger pumpkin farms that have pick-your-own pumpkin patches or similar setups.

Our decision to offer smaller bags of 10 seeds is driven by our desire to make a wide variety of seeds accessible and cost-effective for those with smaller gardens or those who prefer to experiment with various varieties on a smaller scale. We understand that many larger seed companies often require a minimum order of 25 to 1000 seeds of many of our varieties, which can be impractical for smaller gardeners, like ourselves, and many others within our main demographic. We firmly believe that gardening should be an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone, regardless of the size of your growing space.

By continuing to provide these smaller seed bags, we aim to empower smaller gardeners, hobbyists, and home growers, like ourselves, with the opportunity to explore diverse plant varieties without breaking the bank. We remain committed to serving your unique gardening needs and ensuring that our offerings are tailored to your preferences.

**November 10th - November 20th: Expanding Our Offerings**

Update: We finished counting all of our new pumpkin seed varieties. There were 3 of us counting thousands of seeds, tagging and bagging them, but they are ready to go for the upcoming garden season. All germination tested at 95% or higher.

I'm also opening up some of the heirloom pumpkins we grew this season. We did experience a crop failure of our Yokohama and Thai Rai Kaw Tok pumpkins. We were able to grow the Crespo squash, as well as the Tonda Di Nepali. Seeds will be limited as we only grew 2 pumpkins. We are hoping for better weather next year.

We also grew some fun new heirloom varieties of tomatoes and chilis. We will add the new varieties to the shop before the new season starts.

**November 21st - November 26th: Website Revamp and Learning Resources**

Our website is getting a slight makeover, and we're introducing enhancements and updates to make your shopping experience even more enjoyable. Additionally, we're expanding our learning resources section, offering valuable tips and tricks to help you successfully germinate your seeds. I will also be adding some how-to-growing videos to our YouTube channel (no voice reveal). Our goal is to empower you with knowledge that ensures your gardening endeavors thrive. If you are interested, I've provided a YouTube link Below.

Visit our Youtube Channel

**Striving for Wholesale Integration**

We've heard your requests for a wholesale option, and while we encountered some hurdles with WIX, we're diligently working on integrating higher pumpkin seed counts for our larger growers. Rest assured, I'm committed to making these changes, even if it takes a bit of time. My seasonal help is gone, but I am hoping to have the majority of the pumpkin seeds completed by January 1st. Many options will be available as soon as I re-open. I know with the new season approaching, this is important to many of you.

**Artistic Touch**

In between these tasks, I'm hopefully going to start illustrating some of our seed packets. These unique artworks will add a personal and artistic touch to your gardening journey. I will share some work on IG and FB once we open for December. I will be responding and setting up projects for some of the watercolor artists who had reached out prior to our break. Stay tuned for updates on our progress!

Following a watercolor tutorial for a lotus flower.

Close up of a lotus flower I'm following from my favorite artist Anna Bucciarelli.

**November 27th - December 5th: South American Adventure**

In late November, we'll embark on a brief adventure overseas in Lima, Peru, visiting family and seeking out exciting new seed varieties I'm hoping to bring some back (customs permitting.)

**Your Voice Matters**

We value your input and opinions. If there are specific seed varieties you'd like to see in our collection, changes to the website that would enhance your experience, or any other suggestions, please share your thoughts with us. Your feedback drives our growth, and we're always eager to hear from you.

We can't wait to re-open our doors and continue providing you with the best seeds and resources for your gardening journey. In the meantime, we're working diligently behind the scenes to ensure your experience with us is nothing short of extraordinary. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to serving you even better in the future. Happy gardening!

**A Quick Q&A On Some Questions We Received Prior To Closing For November**

-Why Aren't You Taking Orders While Your Closed?

Our decision not to accept orders during our brief closure was made with your best interests in mind. At that time, we didn't have a reliable inventory system in place, which raised concerns about our ability to accurately fulfill orders as they came in while we were on break. We wanted to avoid any potential issues that could have arisen, such as delays in processing and, more importantly, the possibility of issuing refunds due to inaccurately counted stock.

Our commitment to you is to ensure that every transaction is as smooth as possible. We understand the importance of getting exactly what you paid for and providing you with a seamless shopping experience. By temporarily suspending new orders during this period, we aimed to maintain the integrity of our services and guarantee that when we re-open, you can confidently place your orders knowing that we have a solid inventory system in place, ready to meet your gardening needs efficiently and accurately.

Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we look forward to providing you with the best possible service when we resume operations.

-When Will My Pre-Order Ship?

As detailed above, we were excited to receive all the new varieties as germination testing had been completed much earlier than stated. All pre-orders will be fulfilled as soon as I am done counting and labeling all the seeds. Orders will be shipped out on or around Nov. 11th.

Where Is My Order With The New Seed Varieties?

We want to address the concerns that some of our valued customers have raised regarding their missing preorders. Please rest assured that no preorders have gone missing; we have a system in place to ensure the smooth delivery of your seeds.

When our pre-orders became available, we presented a "now or later" question for your convenience. This allowed you to specify whether you wanted the items that were already available to be shipped immediately or if you preferred to have them shipped with the preordered items. For those who selected the "preorder" option, please know that all available items were planned to be bundled with the new varieties, ensuring a consolidated and efficient shipment.

In cases where we did not receive a specific response regarding your shipping preference, we took the default approach of shipping them along with the new seeds. This process has been successfully executed for everyone who indicated they would like currently available items to be shipped immediately. Rest assured, these orders have been fulfilled and delivered promptly.

As for the preorders, they are on track to be shipped out around November 10th, ensuring that your new varieties will arrive by mid-November or shortly thereafter. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter, and we look forward to providing you with the best possible service as we continue to grow and enhance our offerings.

Am I required to have an EIN or TAX ID# for wholesale tax exemption to buy seeds?

It's essential to understand that when businesses engage in wholesale purchases, having a tax identification number (Tax ID) is a legal requirement. This number is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after verifying that your business qualifies for tax exemptions.

This verification process ensures that you are a legitimate business entity eligible for tax-exempt purchases. When you place an order with a wholesale manufacturer or distributor, they will request your tax ID number.

As part of their legal obligations, wholesalers (Ash Hollow Farm LLC / Blue Pumpkin Seed Co) are required by the IRS to maintain records of these tax ID numbers. This practice is essential to demonstrate that they have exclusively conducted transactions with certified exempt customers, aligning with the tax regulations and exemptions in place.

So, if your business is involved in wholesale transactions with us, having a valid tax ID is not only a legal requirement but also a means to benefit from tax exemptions and ensure compliance with the law. It's crucial for us to maintain the proper documentation and follow the necessary procedures to conduct our wholesale business in a legal and transparent manner.

Tips for Saving Jack-o'-Lanterns and Preserving Your Pumpkins to make them last longer

An illuminated Jack O Lantern.

As the air turns crisp, and the leaves don their vibrant hues, there's one thing that marks the arrival of autumn more than anything else – pumpkins. These iconic gourds are not only a symbol of the season but also the canvas for one of Halloween's most beloved traditions: carving Jack-o'-lanterns. But after the spooky celebrations are over, what can you do to ensure your carved creations and leftover pumpkins last as long as possible? In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and tricks to extend the magic and preserve your pumpkins.

Connecticut Field Pumpkins

Connecticut Field Pumpkin

Choose the Right Pumpkin

The preservation process starts with selecting the right pumpkin. Look for a fresh, healthy pumpkin with a sturdy stem. A strong stem helps keep the pumpkin fresher for longer.

Keep Jack O Lantern designs simple in order to avoid them decomposing quicker.

Carve with Care

When it comes to carving Jack-o'-lanterns, be mindful of the design. The more intricate the design, the faster your pumpkin may deteriorate. Opt for simpler patterns to prolong its life.

Remove all "pumpkin guts" and seeds prior to preserving your pumpkin for the best results.

Clean the Interior

Before carving, thoroughly clean out the pumpkin's interior, removing all seeds and stringy pulp. A clean interior reduces the chances of mold and rot.

Fresh lemon juice is the best. Bottled lemon juice can lose its potency as it sits on the store shelf.

Preserve with Lemon Juice

After carving, spray the interior and cut the edges of your Jack-o'-lantern with lemon juice. Lemon juice acts as a natural preservative and helps prevent mold and bacterial growth. You will want to use 1 teaspoon of lemon juice per quart of water. A bleach bath or bleach spray can also help extend the life of your jack-o-lantern, but it's not as effective. Lemon juice stops the oxidation, while bleach kills microbes and bacteria that can down the pumpkin. If you opt for a bleach bath, you will not be able to feed your pumpkins to any animals or use them for compost.

Pumpkins can last longer in cool and dark areas, bring your Jack O Lanterns in during the day and put them out at night to extend their life. Uncarved pumpkins and winter squash can last up to a year or longer if kept indoors in a cool and dark enviornment.

Keep It Cool

Store your carved pumpkin in a cool, dry place when not on display. Cooler temperatures slow the decomposition process. If possible, refrigerate it overnight.

This pumpkin was sprayed with a clear glossy acrylic spray to make it last longer. Glossy or matt finish will work to preserve your pumpkins longer.

Consider a Pumpkin Preservative Spray

There are commercially available pumpkin preservative sprays that can help extend the life of your Jack-o'-lantern. Follow the product instructions for the best results. The most common are acrylic sealants that are available in gloss and matte finish. We love Aleene's brand. They are a smaller company, but the product quality is perfect for pumpkins.

Acrylic Matt Finish Spray For Pumpkin Preservation-> https://amzn.to/3FtNiUw (Amazon)

Acrylic Gloss Finish Spray for Pumpkin Preservation-> https://amzn.to/3tEinC1 (Amazon)

A Jack O Lantern with a small LED tea light inside.

Light with LED Candles

While the warm, flickering glow of a real candle is charming, it can hasten the decomposition of your Jack-o'-lantern. Consider using LED candles or battery-operated lights to achieve the same effect without the heat.

LED lights are available online, they illuminate your jack-o-lanterns with a bright dome-style light and will not burn or drip wax like traditional candles. There is also a 50-pack of LED tea lights that mimic a candle flame, with each candle lasting up to 150 hours. These can be used to make pumpkin luminaries as well.

LED lights for Jack O Lanterns w/remote-> https://amzn.to/46xtUlj (Amazon)

50 LED Tealights for Jack O Lanterns-> https://amzn.to/3Qt2sQ0 (Amazon)

Remove seeds from pumpkins prior to composting in order to avoid volunteers from popping up wherever you place your compost.

Compost or Recycle

Once your Jack-o'-lantern has reached the end of its life, don't forget to compost it. Pumpkins make excellent compost material. You can also check if your local recycling program accepts pumpkins for recycling. Make sure you remove the seeds or you will have numerous pumpkin volunteers popping up next season. Also, make sure your pumpkins are free from disease prior to composting them so your compost doesn't get contaminated.

By following these tips, you can extend the magic of your Jack-o'-lantern and enjoy the autumnal beauty of your pumpkins for as long as possible. So, carve your pumpkin masterpieces, illuminate the night, and savor the season's delights while preserving its symbols of fall. Happy Halloween and happy pumpkin preserving!

What have you tried to do to preserve your pumpkins and what was the result?