Seeds from Italy

[Jenise]

"Seeds From Italy" is a catalog I received a few weeks ago from www.growitalian.com. If I lived in a more forgiving climate, I'd go nuts ordering from these people. I'm green with envy over 29 different tomatoes, 18 varieties of zucchini, tons of peppers, etc, that are all Italian varieties, well-described, and options you're not likely to find at Burpee's. Could be an interesting place to shop for those of you with more space and sun than I get.

Yes, those Italian seed catalogs are amazing. However, I have tried multiple times growing from seed....I got the little seed planting pots, heated of course, and I follow instructions very well. My best success was with with Padron peppers (I think that is what they are called) and managed to get them to the planting beds and growing. I was very disappointed in their taste and production. My seeds always die off before I can plant them. I think a green house, cold frame or something equal must be necessary for successful plantings. Have you had success with growing from seed? I do much better with plants in 4-inch pots. Also, I have a good relationship with a large nursery near here and if I make a request early enough, they will grow the things for me...then all I have to do is stick them into the raised beds. I like that.

[Jenise]

Except for lettuces, it's too cold up here (and I don't have a basement where I could do my own) for me to grow from seeds--my summer is short and we get a comparatively late start. However, I would think your location optimum.

Now that I'm finally moving forward to my country 'estate', I am already making plans for a greenhouse in which to keep my orchids, and start garden plants. I need to order a catalog.

I have ordered from this catalog for several years. THere are many items here that grow well in my climate - Zone 4. The fact that they are from Italy should not dissuade you from trying them. I can't think of anything, other than the artichoke, which has not done well. Even the artichoke developed into a beautiful, ornamental plant - just never got any buds.
If in doubt, call and speak to the owner. He is a fantastic source of info and reccomendations.
This catalog is a real bargain when you compare the # of seeds in a packet with other catalogs that have similar offerings.

[Jenise]

Hey, speaking of growing things from seeds, last year the discussion of rhubarb and Lou Kessler's remembrances of a particular type he remembered from his childhood in the northeast--short branches, very sweet--made me go hunting for a similar plant and ultimately I bought seeds and planted them in a pot. They sprouted then died, and I wrote it off as a loss. But just an hour ago I was outside and walked past that pot and saw, to my delight, several plants coming up. I'm going to grow rhubarb after all!

I haven't noticed but I will have to check mine to see if it is emerging. Last year it did well, but I could not pick...this year I will pick.

[Jenise]

This catalog is a real bargain when you compare the # of seeds in a packet with other catalogs that have similar offerings.

Good endorsement--and thanks for mentioning the seed quantity. I should have, it's a substantial difference.