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Keeping in Touch:  Danger of Extinction  |
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LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 09:16:06 AM
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I have a humble request. For me and those like me who have slow-speed internet service (i.e. dial-up), when referring to websites would you please write a small blurb about what is is that you liked/disliked about it. It takes awhile for me to go from page to page on some of the sites - many, many minutes at times - so if I know a little about what's out there, I can be more productive when I manage to get someplace with high-speed service. I think it would also help Annika, keeper of the websites, to have a brief description. I'm not asking a paragraph on every website mentioned. There are times we hear of something and just throw it out for others to look at if we don't have time at the moment. But if there's one you like, I would be very grateful to know what you like about it.
And is anyone else out there in my predicament? We've looked into getting cable just for the internet service (we're not inside the city limits so high-speed isn't available), but they don't service us here either. We're trying to work our budget to eventually get satellite service - or maybe it's more budget conscious for me to go to Panera Bread once or twice a week just for the wi-fi service. This really wasn't a major issue until I found MJ. With websites using videos more and more, it's taking longer and longer to pull them in. And I love looking at blogs but it takes forever to pull them in because of the pictures - and I get too frustrated reading about what's in the picture without being able to see it.
Enough whining - I'm done now.
God bless -
Karen
Farmgirl Sista #311 |
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LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 09:32:15 AM
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Question: How are we defining heirloom? We didn't have any heirloom plants this year but we do have a few organic. I would be willing to swap those but they may be hybridized (not sure - just typing as thoughts come to my head).
Here is the definition of heirloom from the Seed Savers site: "any garden plant that has a history of being passed down within a family, just like pieces of heirloom jewelry or furniture. Some companies have tried to create definitions based on date, such as anything older than 50 years."
Another website that came up when I googled heirloom seeds is http://www.heirloomseeds.com. They list their seeds as open-pollinated (non-hybrid) and untreated.
We left a lot of our "yard" (we have 5 acres) go to meadow this summer and I'm going to try to get seeds from some of the wild flowers. I wish I could say the ground had never been fertilized chemically and no pesticides were used but my dad did use them in his garden. I can tell you no chemical pesticides or fertilizers have been used on it in the last five years and I believe I read somewhere that they use that as a criteria for defining "organic." Maybe someone can help me out here.
Anyways, back to my original question: how are we defining heirloom? My personal opinion is that we should go with the definitions above, not just organic, since there are other avenues on this site for swapping organic seeds. (Again, correct me if I'm wrong.) Just my thoughts because as I said, my mind tends to explode into a gazillion thoughts and I'm trying to be more focused. Also, I'm trying to keep myself on track regarding our (me & dh) future CSA dealing only in heirloom varieties.
Any thoughts?
God bless -
Karen
Farmgirl Sista #311 |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 11:28:48 AM
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When I think of heirloom I think exactly that: a variety that has been handed down, generation through generation. As far as organic goes... I'm all for it, but I'm thinking that this chapter needs to focus on the purpose of maintaining legacy. Organic just seems to go hand in hand with that. Any thoughts?
Yes, Karen, my little computer slowpoke, I will write descriptions.... :o) I liked the seedsavers site because it gave a lot of info on becoming more involved in your area as well as a large variety of seed to purchase. I like bountiful gardens because....well I've forgotten. Its been 3 hours since I left work and my memory is failing me. I will go to it now and be right back... BTW: Karen, I got hi-speed through my phone company...
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens/Mother Hen
http://harvestthymefarm.blogspot.com
"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one!"...Calamity Jane |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 11:30:31 AM
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Okay, Bountiful gardens.Pretty much the same. Lots of info. The heirloom seed site gave me the willies. I think it was the mountain man....I dunno, it just didnt grab me...
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens/Mother Hen
http://harvestthymefarm.blogspot.com
"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one!"...Calamity Jane |
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LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 11:58:10 AM
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Hey, Dawn! Thanks for the descriptions. Didn't see the mountain man on the site - only got to first page.
I keep checking with the phone company for hi-speed but as yet, it's only available for those within the city limits. Same thing w/cable. Boo hoo. I'm done now.
God bless -
Karen
Farmgirl Sista #311
P.S. Thanks for the heirloom clarification. I tend to get excited and then things blur for me. In my excitement I was thinking about the organic plants we have this year but managed to corral my thoughts enough to say, "What a minute - organic does not necessarily equal heirloom. Slow down, girl. Regroup. Get clarity." Hence the post........... |
Edited by - LivingWell4You on Sep 13 2008 12:00:24 PM |
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LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 12:09:56 PM
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Just was out on the heirloom seeds site (www.heirloomseeds.com) looking for the mountain man but he must be taking a nap or gone hunting. It's not loaded with information but things I do like are:
1 - medicinal herb package 15 different herbs plus "Natural and Herbal Family Remedies" booklet
2 - the planting schedule and germination table (I love charts)
3 - garden trivia (I love trivia)
Still no sign of the mountain man.............
God bless -
Karen
Farmgirl Sista #311 |
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LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 4:30:15 PM
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Hey, Rene! I just discovered that there is a slow food chapter in St. Louis. Of course they had their monthly meeting this past week, so I missed it but I'm hoping to go to the next one. How was your meeting? Please share when you have a minute or two.
Dawn, there's a slow food group in Cleveland - didja know about that, huh, didja???? (You probably did)
Everyone - I'm getting in as much posting today as I can since I take Sundays off and will miss the current scoop tomorrow. Missing the buzz of activity that's been here the last few days but hopefully everyone's okay and is spending time with their families on the weekend.
God bless -
Karen
Farmgirl Sista #311 |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 5:23:58 PM
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No I didnt Karen....but I knew there was an organization in Columbus thats having a dinner next wknd when I go... I'm supposed to go to a Hair/Beauty Show but I've run into a glitch with the spa that I've just been hired at.... anyhoo.... slowfood/columbus is hosting thier dinner at a farm that is about 5 minutes away from where Audrey (dd) and her dad live. But its a $100 a plate. Ouch. IF I decided to put my license in escrow for a year, then I will have the cash to go to slowfood. I have a lot of thinking before I leave for Columbus next Friday.... I too, think I will take tomorrow off from MJ. I need to regroup....
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens/Mother Hen
http://harvestthymefarm.blogspot.com
"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one!"...Calamity Jane |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 5:48:01 PM
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I swear I'm not going crazy... on one of these there is a goofy looking mountain man! I can't find it now! argh! It, he... is out there.... somewhere......
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens/Mother Hen
http://harvestthymefarm.blogspot.com
"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one!"...Calamity Jane |
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Ms.Lilly
True Blue Farmgirl
826 Posts
Lillian
Scotts Mills
OR
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 6:24:27 PM
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Hi everyone just have a minute- Dawn the "Mountain Man" is Bountiful seeds, if you can get past that their catalog has lots of interesting information.
Karen- I feel like I can have the dishes done before our internet loads up! We don't even have the option of cable and the phone company just laughs at me when I ask for decent internet! We have been looking into sattelite. Just so you speedy girls can get a good laugh, my internet connection speed as we speek is 28.8Kbps! Yup- I don't even have 56K.
Gotta run I'll catch up tomorrow.
Lillian |
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LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 6:29:22 PM
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Oh, Lillian, I feel your pain. Ours is 49k at the moment - usually runs between 48 and 52. Ain't it the pits?
God bless -
Karen
Farmgirl Sista #311 |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 7:14:43 PM
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I think one way we could categorize heirloom would be to avoid seeds bought from companies owned by Monsanto. I guess they own some of the seed companies that home gardeners buy from but you would never know - if anyone knows more please pipe up. Also, of course, we can't save hybrids. I don't know if anyone else volunteered to be in charge of the list but I am pretty organized and could give it a go.
Dawn - I will figure out how to save elderberry seeds and some will come to you:) There are actually lots of elderberries in our area, not sure why.
I requested the Seed Savers Exchange catalog a couple of weeks ago and was starting to make a list for next year when I realized that they probably will have different crops available - I think they said they try to put 10% of their seeds into crop each year to keep them all viable. So I will wait for next year and save those seeds. I know I want some Moon and Stars Watermelon - those are amazing. Oh and some of their varieties are selected by SlowFood International for distinction as well
There are a couple of really good books about heirloom vegetable gardening too. I just had one out from the library but don't remember the author.....
Teresa Sue we will have to do some sort of Palouse area heirloom gathering!!
I don't think I will be able to make it to Ohio anytime soon
Take Care,
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 7:19:55 PM
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This is awesome ladies! I am SOOO excited! Someday soon, hubby and I are moving the greenhouse to a better spot in the yard. I will be able to start growing some heirlooms as early as February!!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 7:39:42 PM
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Hey all... I don’t mean to be "absent" from the "Wave" of activity, I am reading it~ I took a spill today and managed to crack my hip bone and my ankle and am a little banged up (at the market today).. SO I will no doubt take it slow as sitting is a bit well... tricky (ha-ha).
My meeting last night was awesome. I learned SOOOOO much~ and made some amazing local connections. We "tested" 20 different melons (who knew).. Found a couple that I loved that are heirloom and the guy's house that we had this event is a plant breeder. One of the gals that is actually a "farmgirl" but hasn’t been on the forum yet~ is a PHD with WSU and a plant geneticist and I think she will be a huge support for us as well.
I hope that you all caught that AMY GRACE has offered to be "secretary" and I know she will do a fine job~ so she has my vote.
I have always known that this group of women is amazing, but I can say, my mind in absolutley BLOWN and I feel humbled to be a part of this group.... I hope to offer more info come monday when the pain subsides a little :)
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com/
"Despite the gardener's best intentions, Nature will improvise. ~Michael P. Garafalo
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 7:47:43 PM
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Oh my goodness Rene - I hope you are alright!! What event were you at where you tested 20 different melons?? I thought I read all the posts here but may have missed something - it is my Friday so sometimes I am a little dingy on Saturday evenings. Anyway, it is just amazing the variety of fruits and vegetables that we used to grow and are now longer available. In Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, Barbara Kingsolver talked about the thousands of potatoes that used to be grown in the Andes and now they are down to 4 or so!! It is truly tragic.
On a happier note I think my husband just committed to building a MJF greenhouse tomorrow!! Then I will plant chard and spinach for the winter - will see if this actually pans out
Amy Grace
Oh and Teresa Sue - I would love to see your badge idea!!
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
Edited by - graciegreeneyes on Sep 13 2008 7:49:36 PM |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 7:57:18 PM
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hey AMY.. Yea, I am gonna live, just a little sore and old :)
I attended at South East WA Slow Food Event last night~ you can check it out at www.slowfoodusa.com Also eatwild.org is another site I love. While it doesn't talk a lot about heirloom veggies, it does talk about grass fed beef and old "stock" livestock. Which is another WHOLE deal.
Yea for Hubby :), we are doing one too. I just started making a "cold frame" for my winter greens...... R
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com/
"Despite the gardener's best intentions, Nature will improvise. ~Michael P. Garafalo
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Edited by - ruralfarmgirl on Sep 13 2008 8:44:03 PM |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Sep 13 2008 : 8:22:41 PM
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Rene take care of your self there girl!
Amy YAY!and a mini gather for us western states girls would be very cool!
Alee, I would love to see your green house one day! you go girl!
I'm researching all of the heirloom seed houses that I can and will post a list when I get it all together, with links and description =) if that's ok with everyone...
Are we also getting into corms, bulbs and such? Dunno, thought I should ask. If it's just seeds , thats ok too. I'm just curious. Heirloom garlic and shallots would be lovely!
I can't wait for our hen house to be ready, we have so much to talk about and do
Annika
Farmgirl sister #13
Mud Hen Queen
http://innermountainmudhens.wordpress.com/
http://panzymoon.wordpress.com/
http://panzymoonsgarden.blogspot.com/ |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2008 : 09:35:02 AM
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There is a good article on saving Heirloom Tomato seeds in the August issue of Martha Stewart Living - of all places!! Actually I have the Martha Stewart Garden book and she does a fair amoung with rare varieties of fruits and vegetables. Anyhow the article is excerpted from a book called The Heirloom Tomato - worth looking into for sure. I will give updates on my reading when I have actually done the reading:)
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
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Contrary Wife
True Blue Farmgirl
2164 Posts
Teresa Sue
Tekoa
WA
USA
2164 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2008 : 1:20:01 PM
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I ordered seeds and plants from Baker Creek Heirlooms this year and am quite happy with what I got. However the weather hasn't cooperated with my garden much this year.
Yes, we are going to have to have a Palouse gatherning, expecially if we can't make it ot Ohio!!
Whoever wants to see the badge idea I have, email me your address because I don't have any way to put it on the internet. Maybe I could send it to one of the Mavens and she could do it?
Rene, hope you're up and about soon, without pain hopefully!
Have to go put a binding on a quilt, catch ya'all later.
Teresa Sue
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2008 : 2:17:25 PM
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ok I haven't read all the post on this thread, so I'm just jumping in here. I was have personally never "saved" seeds from my garden, truth be told I've never grown veggies from seeds, I always just went and bought plants-tomato, zucchini, etc.
I think I know what to do but am not positive. All you have to do is take the seeds out of the fruit that you grow with the heirloom seeds, and clean and air dry them, like on a towel on the counter or such, then package them, like in a envelope for winter, is that correct?
Also we always had garlic and chives growing up. They never had to be replanted. We only cut what we needed of the chives, and only pulled a little garlic, always leaving enough in the ground that they would just popular each year.
I am wondering about onions, I know for sure "green" onions will keep just repopulating like garlic, if left in the ground, but how do you do regular onions, like vidalia? And is vidalia a heirloom or genetically adjusted?
Thanks!
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
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Contrary Wife
True Blue Farmgirl
2164 Posts
Teresa Sue
Tekoa
WA
USA
2164 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2008 : 3:54:33 PM
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Heather sometimes different seed is "gathered"differently. I would highly recommend some of the suggested books that were mentioned on earlier pages if you're interested in saving seed.
Warmly,
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2008 : 5:54:58 PM
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Once we get our Henhouse going, we could start a How to Save X seeds. So if someone knows a good way to explain how to save say...Cantaloupe seeds, they can start a new topic. Others can then chime in with other helpful hints and tips or alternate methods as well!
What do you think?
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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Keeping in Touch: Danger of Extinction |
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Danger of Extinction
and I'll start getting a list going of all of our links so far as well as add a few more. Hopefully tomorrow so that we can just copy things over to the Hen House when we get in. Have a nice Sunday!