John Sheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds

Nonna.PapaVino 1/2/2013, 7:41 pm

Never heard of it, but I got a catalog from John Sheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds. Anyone else heard about this nursery and/or have any experience with it? Nonna

littlejo 1/2/2013, 8:06 pm

Nonna,
I looked them up on the internet, never got to the 'kitchen garden seeds'
I found the amaryllis bulbs. I just love them and I buy them when I can.
But, he must think he's 'the gift' or something. They want more than twice what the stores here want, and I thought they were expensive!
Jo

Nonna.PapaVino 1/2/2013, 8:10 pm

Thanks, Littlejo. I never order seeds from a source I'm unfamiliar with, no matter how enticing they are. Too many really, really good sources--most of which have been mentioned here on this forum: Baker Creek, Territorial, Johnny's, Seed Savers Exchange, Southern Exposure, and on and on. Would love to know more about your amaryllis passion. Do you stick with the tried and true or the more exotic varieties that kinda look like orchids? Nonna

littlejo 1/2/2013, 8:43 pm

Nonna, I did not mean to sound so negative.
I did find the veggie seeds. I was looking on the net the other day at another site, well, cannot remember which one, but the write-up on the veggies is the same. I was looking at shallots, write up is the same and so is the price. I guess lots of them may be selling the same stuff, and I really believe a lot of price fixing does go on, but, that requires a hidden thread!
I have about 15 catalogs, and it's near time to plant here!
Jo

Nonna.PapaVino 1/2/2013, 8:45 pm

Yep, Littlejo, you are in and Eden-like part of the country for gardening! Thanks for the input. Only catalog I'd really like to have on hand is the Fedco one, but having to find a larger bin to hold all the seeds I already have, guess I can wait until next year! Nonna

littlejo 1/2/2013, 8:58 pm

I like the cats you mentioned too. I'm not going to order much this yr. Corn and shallots, prob. shallots in the fall?
I think I'll put my white amaryllis as my avatar. I guess they are just normal ones, but white has been hard to get and keep! I've had several dug right out my yard by the 2 legged folks. I did the pollinating on it and now have 8 seed pods.
Jo

**camprn** 1/2/2013, 9:00 pm

Jo, I plant my shallots in the spring. Wink

littlejo 1/2/2013, 9:59 pm

Camprn, I know nothing about shallots, but after reading of them on here, I started looking for them. Most folks only send out in the fall. Then I found a pk at the grocery, they are a light pink outside, don't know what the inside looks like, or what the variety is, any idea?
I'll plant these this spring. Then, I guess I'll have to figure out to cook with them!
Jo

Nonna.PapaVino 1/2/2013, 10:08 pm

You might like to look at the shallot seed available from Territorial Seeds, the three varieties pictured on their website all have reddish skins: http://www.territorialseed.com/category/257 If my understanding is correct, you can plant the seed in the spring, then harvest single bulbs late summer/fall when the tops fall over. These single bulbs can be used in cooking or re-planted for even larger, multi-chambered bulbs the following year. Side note: Territorial featured the coveted French grey shallot bulbs for planting last fall. As for using shallots in cooking, remember they're a little bit like an onion with garlicy overtones and use them accordingly. Bon Appetit! Nonna

cheyannarach 1/2/2013, 10:47 pm

I have the french grey shallots coming in the fall, soo excited!

**dvelten** 1/11/2013, 8:13 pm

Jo, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange in Virginia sells red and grey shallot bulbs. I bought a pound of red shallots from them last fall when I suddenly decided to plant shallots and they were one of the few who still had plenty of supply. Meanwhile, your store bought shallots will do just fine.

--Dave

littlejo 1/11/2013, 9:28 pm

I peeled off the outer dry skin and planted, heads above soil, and as of yesterday, they had not put out any roots yet, I just barely lifted the bulbs. It's only been 10 days, and patience evades me. Do they put a sprout preventer on them?
I'm the type of gardener, plant seeds in the am, and checking to see if they are up in the pm.

I sent off an order to Baker Creek. I decided to go with open pollinated seed so I can save seed if I choose to learn how.
Jo

**camprn** 1/11/2013, 10:34 pm

My understanding is the shallots are like the multiplier onions and require certain amount of heat and daylight hours to grow. So, if you live in the south and plant them in the winter, they will sit there until it gets warmer and then they will grow. In the north I put them out as soon as the soil can be worked and it's not mucky in the bed. They will all grow come spring time.
You want to plant the biggest one you have. Those should make about 4-6 daughters. Plant the smaller ones and you may have fewer smaller daughters, but they all can be planted the next year to make more daughters. I think I started with 1/2 pound 3 years ago and kept all for seed. Last years harvest was several pounds.
John Sheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds 06811

John Sheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds 06811

**camprn** 1/11/2013, 11:22 pm

littlejo wrote:I peeled off the outer dry skin and planted, heads above soil, and as of yesterday, they had not put out any roots yet, I just barely lifted the bulbs. It's only been 10 days, and patience evades me. Do they put a sprout preventer on them?
I'm the type of gardener, plant seeds in the am, and checking to see if they are up in the pm.

I sent off an order to Baker Creek. I decided to go with open pollinated seed so I can save seed if I choose to learn how.
Jo

Jo are these the ones from the produce section at the grocery store? My large shallots from the grocery store didn't grow last year.

practical_E 3/22/2013, 10:34 am

I have used Kitchen Garden Seeds for the last 5 years. I adore them. Their catalog is extensive and detailed without being overwhelming. My seeds and bulbs have always shipped quickly and germinated/grew well. Their special consultant, Barbara Damrosch (wife of the venerable Eliot Coleman) writes a weekly column in The Washington Post called &A Cook's Garden.
They also promote the Slow Food International movement, and have taken The Safe Seed Pledge:
"Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants. --The Safe Seed Initiative

In short, I highly recommend them!

Nicola 3/22/2013, 12:21 pm

[I just saw this thread &thought I'd chime in, though it's late.]
I'd heard of them (John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds) in the past, but didn't realize they are almost close to us (they're maybe an hour's drive away.) We drove out there last year to get shallots. After paying more for them than we'd seen at some nursery we passed, they turned out to be an expensive snack for the squirrels (or some critters) 'cause all that grew were some mysterious holes.
They do put out a beautiful catalog, with hand-drawn pictures of their vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers, and their website http://www.kitchengardenseeds.com/ has plenty of tips and guides, from seed-starting to storing your harvest. (They are also connected to a bulb company, in the same location)

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