Cucumis melo

30 seeds/pack | 60-70 days | Heirloom

This popular burpless variety thrives in heat. The fruits are long, 18-36 inches and large, 3-4 inches in diameter. Sliced with a dash of vinegar and salt, this turns into one of our favorite summertime snacks. The flavor is cooling and sweet. Be careful when seed saving since Armenian cucumbers are botanically the same species as cantaloupe and will cross pollinate.

Phaseolus acutifolius v

25 seeds/pack  | 80 days |  Heirloom

We have been growing tepary beans for many years and this new variety has come with high recommendations from several sources. The dry beans are a tapestry of tan/grey with blue speckles. We direct seed them three rows to a bed with seeds planted closely together. Soon they form a dense thicket of bean plants. No need to trellis. Allow the pods to dry on the plants and then using clippers cut the entire plants onto sheets. Roll your sheet up like a taco and do the bean stomp to free the seeds (See photo). Further winnowing with a fan will remove the chaff. These are very drought tolerant beans from the southwest that have a rich nutty flavor.

Fagopyrum esculentum

100 seeds/pack   |   70-84 days   |   Heirloom

Excellent summer cover crop.  Loosens heavy soils and adds organic matter.  The roots of buckwheat are very fibrous.  It is also an excellent forage crop for pollinators that love the small white flowers.  We use it extensively in our seed gardens to lessen chances of cross pollination.  And of course, the dried seeds can be ground for human consumption.  Buckwheat pancakes anyone?

Cucurbita pepo

20 seeds/pack   |   50 days

This bush zucchini has all the best traits. It is early to mature, prolific, tasty and drought tolerant. The dark green zucchinis are uniform and were developed under organic conditions for organic farmers. Bred by seedsman Bill Reynolds.

Citrullus lanatus

25 seeds/pack   |   78 days

Yellow watermelon? That's right, and so good! This melon is so sweet and juicy that you can eat most of the rind too. It is an icebox size, 5-8 lbs with butter yellow flesh and colorful dark and light green exterior.  The small size makes it perfect for a one-sitting feast.  This melon is well suited to short season climates as it will mature early. Selected by Dr. Alan Kapuler. 

Amaranthus hypocondriacus

200 seeds/pack   |   98-110 days   |   Heirloom

This grain amaranth produces golden seeds with a high protein profile. Known as an ancient grain of the Americas, it is still popular today (known as kiwicha) in Peru.  These plants will easily reach 7-8 feet and need good spacing. This is one of the easiest grains for home gardeners to grow and eat. To harvest, allow seeds to dry partially on plant and then cut seed heads into a paper bag or onto a sheet for further processing. Be watchful at this stage—little birds also love these seeds!

Cucumis melo

25 seeds/pack    |   75-80 days   |   Heirloom

This light and juicy green fleshed melon is very fragrant and tasty. Early maturing and heavy producer of small 2-3 lb fruits. Harvest when fruits turn yellow. Thought to be an Israeli adaption of an older native American variety. Vigorous growth. Main crop matures over a month long period and then a new crop of smaller fruits will continue to produce until the frost.

Photo by Josh Hincks

Capsicum annuum

50 seeds/pack   |   70 days   |    Heirloom

Each time we grow this pepper the productivity amazes us. This Korean red hot pepper adds the perfect amount of spice- Not too hot, but hot enough, it has thin red skins that dry easily for storage. Traditionally these are coarsely ground to make gochugaru, the dried red pepper flakes used in Kim Chi.

The compact plants are prolific producers of these 3-4 inch peppers and also produce well in cooler climates. The bushy plants can reach thigh high by seasons end and have a tendency to lodge, fall over, at this time so staking can be beneficial. 

Phacelia tanacetifolia

50 seeds/pack   Heirloom

This California/Mexico native wildflower bears hairy foliage that has a deeply lobed, lacy appearance. A tight spiral uncoils to reveal sequentially opening flowers that form clusters no pollinator will ignore.  The season’s blossoms offer months of food for bees and more, so it is considered a must-have insectary plant. Grows 1-3”.

Lactuca sativa

200 seeds/pack

Rosy tinged leaves form a head around a crisp green heart. Even in summer heat, this extremely tolerant lettuce is slow to bolt and produces succulent leaves with a satisfying crispness. For large heads start seeds in trays and transplant to 12" spacing.

Solanum lycopersicon

50 seeds/pack   |   75-80 days  l   Heirloom

Well loved Italian Heirloom variety for its superior sun drying ability. Plants are absolutely loaded with small plum shaped fruits. They are possible to dry whole although we preferred to cut them in half and then dry on screens in our greenhouse. These become delicious snacks or can be re-hydrated for winter sauces and stews.

Lycopersicon esculentum

50 seeds/pack | 60-70 days | Heirloom

This Russian heirloom tomato bears prolific amounts of small to medium sized red fruits. An early producer that will continue to offer tomatoes until the first frost, this variety is ideal for canning and fresh eating. Its habit is fairly compact and would do well as a container tomato. We were truly impressed by the amount of fruits harvested from this variety. Indeterminate.

Physalis ixocarpa

50 seeds/pack   |   60-80 days

These classic green tomatillos are borne on sprawling plants that produce vast amounts of green fruits covered in papery husks. They have a unique sweet and tangy flavor. Use the fruits in green salsas combined with onions, garlic, etc. Be aware, these plants have a reputation of volunteering for years after the original planting. Personally, we think that is a great thing! Adapted to grow in a wide range of climates but will handle a lot more heat than tomatoes.

Curcubita moshata

20 seeds/pack   |   60 days   |   Heirloom

This Italian heirloom can be eaten as a summer squash at 60 days or leave it on the vine to grow large and tan for a winter squash. As a summer squash they have a firm texture and sweet flavor. As a winter squash they are akin to a butternut cousin with a milder flavor. Rampant vines can be trellised.