I've been so excited since I became a member of the Seed Savers Exchange. Not only do they have an amazing selection of heirloom seeds and plants available on their website, but if you become a member you get their catalog and THAT has almost 14,000 varieties of stuffs. I almost hit the floor when I read that and I couldn't become a member fast enough. Their purpose, to protect and distribute and keep alive the tradition of heirlooms is one I am completely behind.
I had already laid out my 13+ raised beds on graph paper, all designed for high yield production. I'd looked up companion planting combinations, have a nice checklist of must purchase supplies for the garden, researched starting the seedlings (and this guy has a fantastic bunch of ideas, including inexpensive LED grow lights!) and was almost ready to go when inspiration hit.
There's a great little restaurant in my town, Pimentos, with a young and very talented chef, Michael Norcross. He's always looking for fresh produce for his creations. I went in and had a talk with him this last weekend and he is totally game to work with me this Spring and Summer. He'll be patient with me as I learn how to grow this stuff, I can grow specific things he'd like and make a little money to put back in the garden and everyone wins. So awesome!
