A Seed Saver's Garden

[Branching Out]

Basil flowers are very popular with the bees.

We usually harvest them at such a rate that they don't flower.

The exception is Thai basil. Since we are ordering seed of other types, its standard practice to order that one as well. The seed lasts for years.

Steve

I order basil seed in quantity, and keep it in the freezer for long term storage.

 

[Dahlia]

Basil flowers are very popular with the bees.

We usually harvest them at such a rate that they don't flower.

The exception is Thai basil. Since we are ordering seed of other types, its standard practice to order that one as well. The seed lasts for years.

Steve

I love basil. My daughter makes a homemade pesto with the basil I grow in the summer time and it is so delicious!

 

[heirloomgal]

I love basil. My daughter makes a homemade pesto with the basil I grow in the summer time and it is so delicious!

I've had pizza where the baker used fresh basil pesto instead of the traditional pizza sauce. It was sooo good. Wonderful fresh flavor.

 

[heirloomgal]

I started the first tomatoes of 2025. I used my oldest possible seed for 2 varieties, just to see. 2019 micro tomatoes, and I'm pretty thrilled they were up in a week with 100% germination. 10/10. Of course, I used heat mats and one that is new too, so they are warm for sure. It's been reported that very warm germ mats can cause significant growth tip compromise, so I really watched for that but nothing. So 'Yellow Canary' and 'Micro Tom' are up and growing. The plan is to sell plants at Seedy Saturday along with the seeds. The plants will look pretty on the table and 'set the mood'. These little ones are all the rage right now, not sure why, most of them don't taste good. I guess plant varieties have trends too, so micro toms are everywhere. I can't quite figure it out.

On the one hand I'd like to order some new seeds of these micros for the greenhouse since I don't want to do so many peppers this year and want to use the space. Those would work real well in there and be a nice break from a pepper jungle. On the other hand, I generally don't like dwarfs, at least those that aren't in the Cross Hemisphere Dwarf Tomato Project. I find most mini tomatoes sour, blech, and not worth the effort of growing the little things.

So, I'm still trying to figure out what to grow in the greenhouse this year. Tzimbalo plants? It's a popular seed and I need to grow some more. And I did really enjoy those fruits. Cotton? That was fun and they did well in there. Decisions, decisions. I can already feel the Ho Chi Minh and Sarit Gat peppers calling my name.

 

[Dahlia]

I've had pizza where the baker used fresh basil pesto instead of the traditional pizza sauce. It was sooo good. Wonderful fresh flavor.

That's a wonderful idea! I already put loads of fresh basil leaves on my homemade pizzas. We often use homemade pesto for Salmon En Croute. Very tasty!