Seed Savers Exchange

A few weeks ago we joined Seed Savers Exchange.  In their own words they  are "a non-profit, member supported organization that saves and shares the heirloom seeds of our garden heritage, forming a living legacy that can be passed down through generations."  Their web site is  http://www.seedsavers.org/ 

You don't have to be a member to order from them.  However, members have many, many more varieties of seeds available to them than just those listed on their web site and catalog.  And, I like the idea of supporting an organization who has a goal of saving heirloom seeds.  It is sad to think that many of the varieties of vegetables that our ancestors brought to this country are being lost as seed companies shift to more profitable hybrid varieties.

Heirloom varieties are "open pollinated" which means if you save their seeds and plant them, then the plants that emerge will be exactly like their parents.  Hybrids, however, have been developed by crossing 2 different varieties.  So, if you save the seed of hybrid varieties and plant them, then they will "segregate" out into the varieties from which they were crossed. 

Today, I order several unusual items from Seed Savers.  First is a Sakata Sweet Melon.  The online catalog says this melon is a small golden yellow, softball- sized melon that has crisp, refreshingly sweet flesh and that it has been grown in the East for centuries and is now just starting to appear in American markets.   Here's a picture of it. 

The next unusual thing I ordered is a type of cucumber called Crystal Apple.  This cucumber is originally from New Zealand and is apple shaped when mature. It is suppose to be very tender with creamy white skin, have mild flavor, be great for fresh eating and very prolific.  Here it is: