The pandemic years have hit us hard everywhere. Including in our gardens.
While 2020 started with a toilet paper shortage, it ended with a seed shortage. That dearth began in 2019, when seasoned gardeners saw the pandemic edge into the U.S. Remembering the recession in 2008 and 2009, when people lost jobs and started gardens to keep their families fed, experienced gardeners stocked up on seeds in late 2019, stored them responsibly, and ordered again the following fall. We knew what was coming. I even posted on Facebook, “Just a tip: order your seeds early! Spring is going to be nuts.”
Then, the following year, the new gardeners grabbed their seeds. This resulted in a shortage, with many seed companies closing their websites until they could catch up or selling to “farmers only” so they had enough for long-standing clients.
As someone who is now saving seeds, I understand the obstacles seed companies face. Just in their own gardens, they work hard to isolate blossoms, avoid cross-pollination, keep plants healthy so seeds can mature, and fertilize appropriately depending on whether they sell conventionally grown or organic seeds. This all involves labor costs during a time when people keep getting sick. Seed producers also must anticipate demand over a year ahead of time, hoping their crops produce enough. Add drought, disease, pest infestation, mechanical damage, or natural disasters, all of which take away more plants that could’ve grown seeds.
This is before we add supply-chain issues, including transportation involving petroleum products and additional labor.
These are all good reasons for keeping heirloom seeds. While F1s use heterosis for dependability, vigorous plants, and tasty fruit, they hold no promise for the following year. On the other hand, preserving older open-pollinated varieties that’ve fed communities for many years requires saving seeds. Hence, the next generation of tomato or pepper is as good as (or better than) the last. Seed-saving also means we take individual steps to avoid shortages within our own gardens.
But what can new gardeners do, or those who’ve only grown F1s? Aden Tate’s article on the seed shortage, which answers the question of ‘where do seeds come from,’ comes just in time to provide options. While understanding why seeds aren’t as available as we’re used to, we can join local seed swaps and seed libraries, network with friends, or learn how to graft annuals. We can also swap out ingredients in recipes. (I’ve made a tasty pumpkin marinara and substituted sweet potatoes for squash in multiple recipes.) And finally, for those seeds you do have on hand, keeping a good inventory will help you determine what works and what you already have.
As you gear up for this year’s growing season, I hope you find your desired varieties. And if you have any more tips for avoiding seed shortages, please send them to me at MAmes@MotherEarthNews.com so I can share them with other readers.
May your garden be productive,
Marissa Ames
