My boys and I finally started some seeds and are on our way to Gardening Season 2011. I have many new plans this year that I will be sharing with you throughout the season. One thing I am thrilled about is that my father is either going to trim or cut down his backyard tree. That means my plots at his home will be receiving much needed sunlight and hopefully stimulate production.
As many of you know, I enjoy starting seeds at home. It allows me much more variation in the crops that I grow, including organic and heirloom, and saves me money. One pack of 25-50 seeds can cost me anywhere from $2-$3 versus a transplant where one plant alone can cost the same price. Since I personally grow anywhere from 15 – 20 tomato plants a season, you can see the cost saving benefits of starting seeds at home.
Earlier this year I was approached by Seeds of Change to review some of their products including certified organic seeds. After reviewing their website and mission, I knew this company was a perfect fit to share with all of you!
The Seeds of Change Mission Statement
Preserving Biodiversity Supporting Sustainable Organic Agriculture Since 1989
In 1989, Seeds of Change began with a simple mission: to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable, organic agriculture. By cultivating and disseminating an extensive range of organically grown vegetable, flower, herb and cover crop seeds, we have honored that mission for 20 years.
What I enjoyed learning about this company is their commitment to community. I am an urban homesteader and have plots at our local community garden. Being involved in a community allows you to meet other people, learn new techniques and pay it forward. It allows you to proudly be a part of a movement that can spark interest and create change in others. Seeds of Change proudly supports community gardening programs throughout our nation. Since 1992, Seeds of Change have donated over 2 million packs of seeds to school and community gardens.
Not only are they preserving biodiversity and supporting sustainability but they are spreading the movement by giving to others. A company with a heart of philanthropy.
After reviewing this company, I was excited to receive my free package of Seeds of Change products and seeds.
Not only do they sell a plethora of organic and heirloom seeds they also have organic products including chocolate. To no surprise, the chocolate didn’t last long in our household. What can I say… dark chocolate, mangos, cherry vanilla… we loved it!
What I enjoyed about the chocolate is that each package came with 3 individual serving sized portions. Nehemiah and I would split one chocolate for a snack. With 140 calories per serving sized package, that only came to 70 calories and fulfilled this mamas chocolate fix 😉
Of course, the highlight of our package were the seeds. The boys look forward to starting their seeds every year. Nehemiah was especially excited to start some new tomatoes. His favorite!
It’s gratifying to be able to see your children learn how vegetables and ultimately their food comes to be. It’s so much more when they themselves are excited to start the gardening season and anxious for the fruit of their labor.
Mama loves dirty hands especially when they come from the Earth.
Seeds of Change gets it! I ultimately decided to partner with Seeds of Change because their mission is ultimately for you to start growing your own food! So we have a special giveaway just for you!!
The Seed to Plate Giveaway
What we’re asking is that you share a photo of a home cooked meal using food that you have grown or raised and share it on my facebook fan page. If you haven’t yet started to grow your own food, share a dish with ingredients that you would like to grow yourself.
This is a fun and interactive way to really know where your food comes from, particularly when you follow it from seed to plate. For all of you organic gardeners this is for you. Not just to win the giveaway but to share and inspire others the joy in growing your own food.
What will you win?
The exact same package that Seeds of Change sent to me including their chocolate… swoon!
The official rules
Fan and upload a recipe photo at: A Little Bit of Spain in Iowa facebook fan page. Be sure to include which ingredients you have grown or would like to grow yourself including the words “Seed to Plate Giveaway.” You must live in the continental U.S. to participate. Online submission deadline is March 15, 2011.
I will announce the winner on my blog along with a roundup of recipes submitted.
I can’t wait to see the dishes you submit and remember it’s seed starting time. Check out the Seeds of Change Catalog for organic and heirloom seeds.
I love Seeds of Change seeds! I love that they have signed the Safe Seed Pledge vowing to never sell genetically modified seeds. I know that organic standards don’t allow it, but that they are willing to put their name on a pledge is wonderful. We need all the voices we can get stemming the overwhelming tide of genetic modification! (http://www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org/ViewPage.aspx?pageId=261)
I ran this same review/givaway for Seeds of Change earlier this month. One thing to be aware of, that I was a little saddened by, is that they are owned by Mars corporation – the manufacturer of Mars bars, M&Ms, Uncle Ben’s Instant Rice, etc. Not necessary a reason to hate them, but just something to be aware of.
I love Seeds of Change and their seed saving program. I never knew that they sold food. I’ll have to keep an eye out for it. Thanks for the heads up.
Thanks for sharing the Lovely techniques of plantation. will surely give it a try this summer.
I used to order all my seeds from Seeds of Change but at some point drifted over to other seed companies. Now I mostly buy seed from Baker Creek, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, and the Seed Savers Exchange. I’ll have to take another look at Seeds of Change and see if they can fill any holes in my garden. I’m always on the lookout for varieties that are specifically adapted to my climate.
Oh, cool!! I am joining a community garden, so very excited to hear.
I have never used the Seeds of Change but our neighbors have and said they are very good. With three gardens I am always looking for new and different things to grow for our family.
I placed an order from Seeds Savers this weekend too! So much to chose from but since I am a new gardener I am focusing on heirloom varieties. I cannot wait for them to come in. I have a plan for my garden this year and hopefully it will work out as planned.
Would you include a way for someone like me who doesn’t like facebook to participate?
Of course Kelli, good question and one I’ll make sure to include above. Please send me a photo at [email protected] with a description. I’ll make sure to include you in the giveaway and photo round up on my blog. Thanks again Kelli 😀
i was thinking the other day that there must be a technique with a view my kids to training at digs what they learn in class
Just planted out some Seeds of Change seeds last week. Didn’t know they made chocolate, though!