Resources
Here are resources and worksheets I’ve either created or gathered. Let me know if you can think of others that would be helpful!
Getting Started
Here’s a guide to blog posts that will help you get started or advance your knowledge on a particular topic.
Seed Starting & Growing
- Selecting the Right Seeds
- Seed Starting Class Notes
- Common Seed-Starting Mistakes
- Transplanting Your Seedlings
- More on Transplanting
- Succession Planting (for a continuous supply of vegetables)
- Dealing with Critter Pests
Crop-Specific Advice
Worksheets & Templates
- Seed Planting Guide: A guide that shows when to plant each type of seed, customized for Bonsall and Fallbrook areas (zone 10). Wonder if you should plant radishes in March? Or tomatoes in April? This handy chart will tell you.
- Seed-Starting Notes: My blog post that summarizes the seed-starting and gardening tips provided by the founder of San Diego Seed Company.
- Seed Starting Journal: A worksheet for recording when you planted seeds, when they germinated, when you transplanted seedlings in the garden and when the seedlings were fertilized.
- San Diego Cool Season Germination Times: A quick reference list of seed germination times.
- Seed Packet Template: A downloadable and printable template for making your own seed packets.
- Seed Database: A list of seed varieties with information on germination times, harvesting times, planting depth and spacing. This is a bit outdated and I’m working on updating it on another platform.
Vendors I Like
- Grangetto’s Farm & Garden Supply: We typically go to the Grangetto’s in Fallbrook, though there’s one in Escondido as well. Grangetto’s has huge bags of seed-starting mix, which is incredibly convenient. They also sell seedlings as well as seeds (including San Diego Seed Company seeds), organic soils and fertilizers, and irrigation equipment.
- Hawthorne Country Store: This is another store that has locations in Escondido and Fallbrook (the Escondido store is much larger). While we typically frequent Hawthorne for horse and goat feed and tack, the Escondido store has a large seed selection (including San Diego Seed Company seeds) and an entire department dedicated to beekeeping, which is an aspiration of mine.
- Joe’s Hardware: Joe’s Hardware has a lovely outdoor patio with flowers and vegetables as well as an indoor area with a good variety of Renee’s Garden seed packets. They also sell soils and fertilizers, and I’ve noticed their fertilizer prices are often a lot less than Grangetto’s and Green Thumb Nursery in San Marcos.
- Johnny’s Selected Seeds: Johnny’s provides high-quality seeds with excellent germination rates and some real easy-to-grow varieties. They’re located in Maine, so I can’t count on all of their seeds being localized for SoCal, but I’ve had great success with their seeds. I get the feeling that they are totally dedicated to the success of the farmer/gardener and they have a huge library of helpful information for growers.
- San Diego Seed Company: I met the owner of SDSC at a seed-starting workshop and have been loving their seeds, which thrive in San Diego’s climate. SDSC offers excellent seeds, workshops and consulting. They’re dedicated to promoting urban farming and knowledge of food sustainability.