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Lettuce, Drunken Woman - 205SS

Lettuce, Drunken Woman - 205SS

Details   Drunken Woman is an Italian heirloom lettuce that produces bright green leaves with ruffled edges in a deep bronze color.  It is a popular lettuce to grow for beginner gardeners because it is very easy to grow and slow to bolt.
Propagation: Best sown directly where to grow, in rows or scattered sections, should germinate in 7-14 days.

Botanical name   lactuca sativa
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2022
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored
Contains at least   50 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50

Lettuce - Cooptown Italian - 182RG

Details   A heritage variety that was brought into NZ by a returning WW2 soldier and has been grown in and around Cooptown, Banks Peninsula since. A great tasty green leafy lettuce.
Botanical name   Lactuca sativa
Contains at least   50
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2022
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Price per packet   $4.50
Lettuce - Red Oakleaf - 27RW

Lettuce - Red Oakleaf - 27RW

Details   Has burgundy red leaves and is a loose-leaf non hearting lettuce cultivar
Botanical name   Lactuca sativa
Grower name   Richard Watson
Contains at least   40
Price per packet   $4.50
Lettuce, Rocket - 187SS

Lettuce, Rocket - 187SS

Details   Rocket is a lettuce native to the Mediterranean region, Rocket is used as a leaf vegetable in salads, it is known for its fresh and peppery flavor.
Propagation: Sow seeds directly where to grow or in a tray of seed raising mix in a warm sunny location, should germinate in 7-14 days.

Botanical name   brassica vesicaria
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2021
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored
Contains at least   50 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
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Lettuce - Devils Ears - 28RW

Lettuce - Devils Ears - 28RW

Details   A lettuce with good heat tolerance, has a nutty texture and bitter-free flavour.
Botanical name   Lactuca sativa
Contains at least   50
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2023
Grower name   Richard Watson
Price per packet   $4.50
Lettuce, Freckles - 172SS

Lettuce, Freckles - 172SS

Details   A semi-cos heirloom variety with attractive light green leaves covered in red freckles. Lettuces are normally a cool weather crop that is easy to grow and grows quickly. Best sown directly where to grow, in rows or scattered sections, should germinate in 7-14 days.
Botanical name   lactuca sativa
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2024
Contains at least   50 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
Miners Lettuce - 163RG

Miners Lettuce - 163RG

Details   Miners lettuce has small heart-shaped leaves that have a mild but succulent taste. Rich in calcium and vitamin C, miners lettuce is ideal to add to salads. Scatter seed in out of the way corners where it can then maintain itself.
Botanical name   Claytonia perfoliata
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2020
Storage Info   frozen stored
Contains at least   40 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
Lettuce - Arabic - 24RW

Lettuce - Arabic - 24RW

Details   A very fast growing tall lettuce with long wide leaves, cos type.
Botanical name   Lactuca sativa
Contains at least   50 seeds
Grower name   Richard Watson
Price per packet   $4.50
Mustard Lettuce - 87RW

Mustard Lettuce - 87RW

Details   Has a distinct horseradish-mustard flavour. Regarded as one of the most nutritious green-leafy vegetables available around. Its lovely top greens have actually more vitamin A, carotenes, vitamin K, and flavonoid anti-oxidants than some of typical fruits and vegetables.
Botanical name   Brassica juncea
Contains at least   50
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2020
Grower name   Richard Watson
Storage Info   Seed stored in freezer
Price per packet   $4.50
Lettuce - Mescher - 25RW

Lettuce - Mescher - 25RW

Details   An heirloom that dates back to the 1700s in Austria A fast-hearting spring type, green with red-tinged leaves, and small very dense heads.

Botanical name   Lactuca sativa
Contains at least   40
Grower name   Richard Watson
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Celtuce - 242RW

Celtuce - 242RW

Details   Celtuce is a cultivar of lettuce grown primarily for its thick stem or its leaves. The stem is usually harvested at a length of around 15–20 cm and a diameter of around 3–4 cm. It is crisp, moist, and mildly flavored, and typically prepared by slicing and then stir frying with more strongly flavoured ingredients. Grow plants about 30cm apart
Botanical name   Lactuca sativa
Contains at least   50 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2023
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Common companion plants to grow alongside your tomatoes

Common companion plants to grow alongside your tomatoes

Details   The following plants are often grown together to help increase pollination, distract and deter pests and generally improve the overall yield.

Borage, Chives, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Basil, Calendula, Carrots, Peppers, Sage, Onions, Garlic, Lettuce
Why you should grow your own

Why you should grow your own

Details   If you already grow your own plants and vegetables you know how satisfying it is. Whether you enjoy the taste, smell, sight or knowledge of good healthy produce...

So maybe you're wondering if now is the time to start to grow a few for your self and see what all the fuss is about?
Medbury Gardens

Medbury Gardens

Richard-Paul Watson started growing seed when he was given what was later to be renamed the Benhorn carrot.This was in the late 1980's and two years later he joined up with Kay Baxter who had only just set up Koanga Gardens, as a volunteer heirloom seed grower.

Through the 1990's he leased land in around Rangiora area which helped build his knowledge and understanding of the complexities of growing seed but it wasn't until he and his family bought 5.1 hectares in the Amuri basin that he was able to increase both the number and the volume of seed lines. In more resent years Richards interest has shifted more to developing landrace cultivars and working towards enabling clone grown cultivars to reproduce from true seed such as garlic and sweet potatoes.

Onion - Medbury Red Longkeeper - 35RW

Onion - Medbury Red Longkeeper - 35RW

Details   History knowledge of this onion is limited, was originally given to koanga by a ex-breeder from Yates, unsure it came with a name. The selection work carried out by Richard on this large red onion strain involves, 1, aiming to achieve the longest growing season possible by sowing seed late winter and harvesting when tops start to fall over late summer early autumn. 2, the best of that seasons onions are stored in autumn, some of these onion will grow shoots through winter meaning they are discarded, its the last to start growing a green shoot in early spring are then planted out for flowering/seed. 3, selecting on the shape of onion - Richard is trying to move away from flatter type shape to more of a round or even taller upward torpedo shape. the idea is that less of the onion is sitting on the soil surface.


Sow seed early spring in the South Island, North Islanders may be able to sow autumn through winter as well, feedback from customers would be appreciated


Botanical name   Allium cepa
Grower name   Richard Paul
Date Of Seed Harvest   2021
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored
Contains at least   50 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50

Purau Gardens

Rick Gender's Purau Gardens is located in Purau by the Lyttleton Harbour. Well known as an historic early market garden for Christchurch with a great climate and rich volcanic soil. No chemicals or fertilisers are required for the production of fantastic fruit and vegetables and its relative isolation makes this a great area for specialist seed production and development.

Details   Purau Gardens is a 7 acre block of prime volcanic silt loam situated at the bottom of the Purau Valley in Lyttleton Harbour. The land was purchased by Ric and Aileen Ginders in 2005 and had been a campground for many years. Prior to that it was a market garden supplying early tomatoes, strawberries and other produce to Christchurch. Historic records show that this area has a long history of early vegetable production due to the area having a unique microclimate and very fertile soil. This also makes it a great area for specialist seed production  as it is relatively isolated. I am dedicated to producing good quality seed that thrives in our country and is a joy to grow and welcome any feedback.

Giant Alderman - 57RG

Details   A tall climber that can get as high as 3m, has large pods and peas, The Alderman pea variety is known to date back to 1893 and was a common site in Victorian kitchen gardens. Its long-cropping time made it ideal for using fresh and any excess crops were dried, stored and used later in the year for soups, stews and other dishes. The Americans have their own version of the Alderman variety which they call the Tall Telephone in honour of Alexander Graham Bell who invented the telephone.
Botanical name   Pisum sativum
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2022
Storage Info   Seed long term stored in freezer
Contains at least   40
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 6 in stock   Order
Sara Pepers-Hiltrop

Sara Pepers-Hiltrop

Hi, Im Sara. I live in Mosgiel, Dunedin with my husband Kris and our 2 children. I have always loved plants, flowers and gardens from a very young age. My photographic memory helps with names and working in a garden center, I have access to lots of interesting plants to add to my collection. (I have a bit of a plant problem lol!)

Gardening and growing is my life. This is a picture of me in my 3 year old garden which was rank, clumpy cocksfoot grass and heavy clay in March 2020 when we moved here. I've worked really hard to build up the soil and am a firm believer in the no dig and chop and drop methods, to mimic nature. So far I’ve scoped out about an acre of food forest with fruit trees, berries, root crops, perennials, natives, shrubs, bulbs and flower gardens, vegetable beds and tunnel houses. I'm looking forward to sharing what I have grown here and spreading the love of seeds and gardening.
Carla McKnight

Carla McKnight

Details   Carla was born in Holland, moved to NZ with her family at age 9 and has always worked in gardens from a young age.
At age 15 she had at least 40 plants in her room, some rather large.
Still keen on house plants, just a few more than 40 now, she believes a house without plants is an empty shell.
 
Now married to husband Paul, together they have three grown children with seven young grand kids, on an eleven acres in the Waikato with three Clydesdales, two miniature horses and a Quarter horse x, two cats and a dog.
 
Carla has spent most of her life working in gardens, has always had a keen interest in growing indoor and outside plants especially interested in native plantings. Now has big vegetable gardens/fruit trees and a small mostly native nursery keeping her busy. Wanting to make that little bit of difference for our environment and wildlife, the more people plant trees and grow their own produce the better.

Leek - Purau - 91RG

Details   Bred at Purau Gardens for many years and had adapted well to the coastal climate, this strain of leek may well suit warmer areas of NZ. Its a cross between three well known NZ varieties including Musselburgh. Suggested growing method is to aim for a long length white stem of up to 40cm, sow seed late winter/ early spring close enough together aiming for a spacing of 2cm apart, by mid summer the plants should be up to 30cm tall, dig them up trying not to damage the roots too much and place in a bucket with enough water in it to cover the roots. The soil these plants go into needs to be deeply dug over then using a rake or shovel handle poke it down into the soil as deep as 40cm, wriggle it around to make a shaft to which a leek plant is dropped down, then pour a small amount of water down, its just then a matter of insuring that the growth tip can grow up and out of the shaft
Botanical name   Allium porrum
Contains at least   50
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2021
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Price per packet   $4.50
Epazote - 154RW

Epazote - 154RW

Details   Epazote, once cultivated on a large scale as a medicinal herb, is now grown in few herb gardens. A roadside weed in much of North America and central and southern Europe, its herbal uses are barely recognized today outside its native Mexico and South America.
Various native peoples in the American and Mexican West today drink epazote tea or eat the plant to facilitate childbirth and ease painful menstruation as well as to expel worms and relieve gastrointestinal disorders (some of which might be brought on by the worms). Epazote leaves can be poulticed on arthritic joints, athlete’s foot, and insect bites.
Botanical name   Dysphania ambrosioides
Contains at least   100
Grower name   Richard Watson
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50