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Seed Selection

With the holidays behind us and the short (but lengthening) days of January in front of us, all thoughts turn to… seed starting? Well, maybe not ALL thoughts, but certainly some thoughts!

The new year brings a slew of seed catalogs to my mailbox, which make for cozy reading on the couch. Who can resist Snow Crown (cauliflower), Purple Sun (carrots), Bright Lights (Swiss Chard), or my personal favorite, Cash Machine (zucchini)? Purchasing seeds from local growers provides a gardener with crops that are better adapted to our soils and climate, which leads to healthier plants and higher yields. Small growers also provide access to unique plant varieties that are not found at larger stores. 

While Territorial Seeds is located in the state to our south, in Cottage Grove, Oregon, they have a wide variety (150-page catalog) of seeds and seedlings to choose from. Their products are trial tested at their farm and suited to the Pacific Northwest. Closer to home, Uprising Seeds in Bellingham focuses on organic, open-pollinated seeds and has an amazing selection of heirloom and rare beans and chicories. They have a unique “Grow it Forward” program as well, which works like a “pay it forward” concept when buying coffee for someone in line behind you. In this case, you donate towards someone else being able to receive seeds.

Seed Starting

If you have not tried starting plants from seed before, there are advantages when compared to purchasing seedlings/starts plants from a nursery. As mentioned previously, you can select unique species that add interesting color, shapes, or flavors to the garden.  It is also much less expensive to start plants from seed, as one packet can provide you with many times the number of plants for the same price. In our cooler climate, you can get a jump start on warm-season crops by starting them inside and transplanting once the soil has warmed up. In general, you need small containers for starting, fine potting soil or seed starting mix, water, and a bright sunny window in a warm spot in your house. A grow light and warming mat will enhance the process and are worthwhile investments if you plan on making this an annual project.

Seed Swapping

Close to home—and FREE—is the Great Seattle Seed Swap! Sponsored by our local Tilth Alliance, this family-friendly event is coming up on January 31st, 2026, from 2–4 pm, hosted by our neighbors to the northwest at the Phinney Neighborhood Association, 6532 Phinney Avenue N. There will be educational activities related to seed starting and seed saving, resources for gardeners of all levels about growing food at home, and informational booths with other greening organizations and community partners. Bring your garden-saved seeds or excess seeds from opened packets to share and swap.

Guidelines for bringing seeds to share (per Tilth Alliance):

• Please make sure seeds are labeled with crop and variety name and date.
• Please only bring seeds that are not too old to plant (2022 or later is a good guideline).
• Feel free to bring cuttings or divisions from garden plants, too.

You don’t have to bring seeds to enjoy this event—there will be plenty to share. It is a great way to get excited for the upcoming growing season and get your gardening questions answered. So get yourself Good to Grow in 2026!