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Sustainable Gardening for All: Simple Ideas, Real Rewards

Sustainable Gardening for All: Simple Ideas, Real Rewards

Sustainable gardening isn’t some fancy new idea—it’s just good old-fashioned common sense. It’s about working with nature instead of against it, using what you’ve got, and growing food, flowers, and herbs in a way that keeps the soil rich, the bees buzzing, and the pantry full. You don’t need a science degree or a big budget—just some seeds, a little know-how, and the willingness to dig in.

If you’ve ever thought “sustainable gardening” was just a trendy term cooked up by modern-day tree huggers, stick with us—you might be surprised. It turns out this old-fashioned, common-sense approach is not only really good for the soil and your garden in general, but it’s also easy for anyone to put into practice, no matter your experience or outlook. We used to feel daunted by the whole subject…but, we promise it’s simpler than it sounds.

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It’s Not Too Late – What You Can Still Plant in July: Make the Most of Summer with These Quick-Growing Heirlooms

Plant in July -  Seedling growing out of a pot.

Mid-summer might feel like the end of the planting season, but in many areas—especially USDA Zones 3 through 10—July still offers a window of opportunity to squeeze in a little more of your favorite heirloom varieties. Whether your spring crops have finished or pests and weather forced a replant, you can still harvest a satisfying garden before frost. Many fast-growing heirloom varieties thrive when sown in warm soil, maturing quickly enough to give you fresh vegetables before season’s end.

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Beat the Bugs Naturally: Companion Planting with 10 Summer Sown Herbs

Colorado potato beetle on leaf – common pest controlled by summer sown herbs

As summer heat intensifies and gardens burst into bloom, so do the bugs—some helpful, many harmful. If your vegetables are suddenly looking ragged or your tomatoes are under siege by aphids, it might be time to turn to a time-tested, natural solution: companion planting with herbs. This approach doesn’t just boost garden health—it can help you reduce or even eliminate the need for sprays or powders. And the best part? Many of the most beneficial summer sown herbs can still be started from seed in midsummer and offer long-lasting benefits through the season.

Whether you’re planting basil, dill, or cilantro, choosing the right summer sown herbs can tip the balance in your garden’s favor. Here’s how sowing dill, basil, cilantro, nasturtiums, and other summer-friendly herbs now can help protect your garden, encourage pollinators, and even improve the flavor of your crops.

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Too Hot to Grow? 11 Heat Tolerant Crops You Can Still Start from Seed

Too Hot to Grow? 11 Heat-Tolerant Crops You Can Still Start from Seed - Lettuce that is wilting because it is to hot out, eventually it will bolt.

Summer may be in full swing, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to plant. In fact, several crops thrive in the heat and mature quickly enough to beat fall frost, even when started in June or July. Whether you’re filling empty rows or just getting started, these heat tolerant vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flowers are reliable performers—all available from St. Clare Heirloom Seeds.

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The June Gardeners’ Secret Weapon: Succession Planting 101

Why planting again and again is the key to nonstop harvests—and a more productive garden

The June Gardeners’ Secret Weapon: Succession Planting 101 - A second planting of corn.

By June, many gardeners breathe a sigh of relief—beds are filled, early crops are up, and the mad rush of spring planting is over. But experienced gardeners know that the season is far from done. In fact, June marks the perfect time to roll out one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) techniques in the home gardener’s toolbox: succession planting.

This method—sowing new seeds at regular intervals—keeps the harvest coming, reduces waste, and maximizes your garden’s productivity, keeping the garden going for fresh and healthy produce right from your back yard, and using those empty spaces as plants stop producing.

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Midsummer Planting Guide: Best Crops to Grow by Seed in June & July

Garden vegetables including tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, and beans from midsummer planting.
Crisp cucumbers, tender beans, ripe tomatoes, and zucchini picked from a productive midsummer planting.

When June rolls in and July heats up, many gardeners hang up their gloves—thinking the window for sowing has passed. But across much of the U.S., midsummer sowing opens the door to a second season of growth. With the right varieties and a little know-how, you can enjoy a late bounty of vegetables, herbs, fruits, and blooms from seed.

We’ve sorted recommendations by plant type and then by region, so you can get growing—right on time.

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Gardening in Cold Climates: Top Tips for Growing Heirloom Vegetables and Fruits in Cold Climates

Gardening in Cold Climates: Top Tips for Growing Heirloom Vegetables and Fruits in Cold Climates

If you live in an area where you have a chance of frost pretty much year round, or a short frost-free season, this article is for you! Come along with us, and learn how you can be successful in growing your own food, even in such a climate. 

Gardening in cold climates, where frost threatens nearly year-round can be a daunting task. However, with the right techniques, plants, and protective methods, you can still create a productive, thriving garden. Cold-hardy heirloom vegetables and fruits are an excellent choice for such areas. They are naturally adapted to withstand colder temperatures and, with a bit of help, can produce healthy, delicious harvests even in challenging climates.

In this article, we’ll dive into how you can grow a cold-hardy garden, selecting the best heirloom varieties for short or frost-prone growing seasons, and implementing techniques like greenhouses, cold frames, row covers, and plant blankets to safeguard your crops.

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A Complete Guide to Starting Seeds Indoors: 10 Essential Tips for Seed Starting Success

Tray prepared for starting seeds indoors, with soil but no visible sprouts yet

Growing plants from seeds is a rewarding way to kickstart your gardening season, especially when the outdoor conditions are not yet favorable. “Starting seeds indoors” allows you to have more control over the growth environment, giving your plants the best possible start. If you’re new to this, it can seem a bit daunting. However, with the right approach and a few practical tips, you can ensure your indoor seed-starting efforts are successful. Here are ten tips for starting seeds indoors that will help you achieve a thriving garden.

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Choosing the Right Seeds: How Open-Pollinated, Heirloom, Hybrid, and GMO Seeds Differ

Choosing the Right Seeds: How Open-Pollinated, Heirloom, Hybrid, and GMO Seeds Differ

Question: I am looking at starting my garden and collection of Heirloom Non-GMO Seeds but want to ensure they are Non-GMO and Heirloom. In looking through your seeds for sale, some specifically say that and others do not. Are ALL of the seeds Heirloom Non-GMO seeds or only the seeds labeled that way in the description?

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Organic Gardening 101: Master the Basics of Growing a Chemical Free Garden

The Basic “Why’s” and “How’s” of Growing Organic

Organic Gardening can yield a lot of produce plus the peace of mind of being chemical free. - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds
Organic Gardening can yield a lot of produce plus the peace of mind of being chemical free. – St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

Organic gardening was for a while seen as something only the super health-nuts or hippies did. But, not so anymore, we are all becoming aware that the methods of gardening with chemicals that have become popular in recent generations are no healthier than the awful stuff called margarine.

The more research that has come out showing the terrible side effects of synthetic fertilizers and the chemicals in commercial pesticides and herbicides, the more we realize, the hippies had something there! Funny thing, though, organic gardening is really not so recent as all that. Thousands of years of gardeners before us grew only with organic methods.  Here we’ll delve a bit into the whys of going organic, and a couple starting points to begin with if you aren’t already on the bandwagon.

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What To Do in the Heirloom Vegetable Garden in September

Vegetable Garden in September

 This article is geared to those in more Northern areas of the U.S., for those in the South or hotter areas of the U.S., more helpful tips can be found here: 9 Important things to do in the heirloom vegetable garden in September in southern states or hot climates geared towards what you have going on in the garden this month.

 

The heirloom vegetable garden in September enters a transitional phase between the end of summer and the onset of cooler fall temperatures. It’s a critical time for both harvesting summer crops and preparing for autumn planting. Here’s what to do in your heirloom vegetable garden in September:

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9 Important Things to Do in the Heirloom Vegetable Garden in the Fall in Southern States or Hot Climates:

What to Do in the Heirloom Vegetable Garden in September in Southern States or Hot Climates?

Ever wonder what you should be doing in the heirloom vegetable garden in the fall? In the Southern states or hot climates, the early fall marks a time of transition in the heirloom vegetable garden. As summer crops wind down, it’s time to prepare for fall planting. Despite the warm temperatures, there are still plenty of gardening tasks to be done. This guide provides insights on preparing beds for winter crops, what can be planted in the fall, and essential maintenance to keep your garden thriving.

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Heirloom Seed Varieties for Extreme Heat Conditions

Malabar Spinach survives well in extreme heat conditions.

Q. I’m in Southern California, and it is HOT here, I’m looking for some leafy greens that can stand extreme heat conditions. I saw you have the Malabar Spinach and that’s supposed to be pretty good for zone 9/10… Do you have any recommendations of heat tolerant varieties lettuce, spinach, cucumbers etc. Anything else you can  recommend based on what you’ve seen growing in your garden?

A. Thank you for your patience in awaiting the list. 🙂 We took your requested varieties and expanded our search, deciding to make it a topic to share with all customers who live in extreme heat areas. Thank you for sparking this research! Below the lists, we also have added some links to articles you may find helpful for extreme heat conditions, and some tips that are helpful when gardening in high heat. We hope you find this helpful. May God bless your gardening efforts!

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6 Steps for Getting Your Garden Ready for Winter

Getting your Garden Ready for Winter - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds
When the dreary days of Winter start to get to you, don’t forget you can start planning for next year to help look forward to warmer weather, fresh air, and the joys of gardening. – St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

Now is the time when heirloom gardeners start getting their vegetable garden ready for winter. This is not just the end of this season, it is a time to lay the ground work for a good start to next year’s successful heirloom garden! New gardeners among us will wonder what they need to do to finish things off when their harvest is complete for the season.

Once you have picked all the heirloom produce that’s left in your garden, get things wound down for the year by cleaning up the beds. Taking time in the Fall to clean up a bit, makes getting the garden ready in the Spring a whole lot easier, and kicks things off to a good start next year.

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Why Choose Heirloom Seeds? Unlocking the Benefits of Flavor, Nutrition, and Seed Saving

What advantages do they have over hybrids?

Heirloom Squash varieties in fall setting. - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds
Heirloom Squash come in hundreds of varieties; big, small, long, skinny, blue, yellow, tan, peach, black, brown. Try a new variety of heirloom squash this year. – St. Clare Heirloom Seeds.

Flavor, flavor, flavor! One of the first reasons people grow open-pollinated or heirloom seeds is the flavor. Hybrids are bred for many characteristics such as uniformity (in shape or harvest time), high yields, withstanding rigors of transport, etc. But, sadly in the breeding process the desirable characteristics like flavor and nutritional value suffer. There’s truly nothing as delicious as a sun-ripened home-grown heirloom tomato. You tomato lovers out there know just what I mean when I say we suffer each winter, waiting for the first delicious tomatoes of the next garden season. 🙂

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Space Requirements for a Large Family Heirloom Seed Collection

Large Family Heirloom Seeds Collection – wide variety of heirloom vegetable and fruit seed packets neatly displayed.
Perfect for large gardens, market growers, or community plots, the Large Family Heirloom Seeds Collection delivers dependable, high-quality heirloom varieties.

Q. How large of an area will it take to plant your Large Family Heirloom Seed Collection? Please give me an idea as to how much space is needed, tight and not so tight.

A. For the Large Family Heirloom Seed Collection, we recommend a garden space of about 6,000–8,000 square feet. This amount allows room for each crop to grow to its full potential, provides flexibility for seasonal crop rotation, and leaves space for pathways so you can easily reach and tend your plants without overcrowding.


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Top 11 Companion Planting Combinations to Boost Vegetable Yields

Fresh-picked tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, and cucumbers grown using companion planting to boost vegetable yields naturally.
Using companion planting to support healthier growth and higher yields—no chemicals required.

Companion planting is a traditional gardening method that pairs certain vegetables, herbs, and flowers together to create natural benefits—such as pest control, improved growth, and better use of space. Whether rooted in time-tested gardening wisdom or supported by modern research, these combinations can help boost vegetable yields without relying on synthetic inputs.

For heirloom and open-pollinated gardens, companion planting is especially valuable. It encourages natural balance, reduces plant stress, and makes the most of every square foot in your garden beds. Below are some of the most effective companion planting combinations you can try this season, along with practical tips for each pair.

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Soil Temperature Guide for Vegetable Seed Germination: Minimum, Optimum, and Maximum Ranges

This thriving crop demonstrates how following a soil temperature guide can improve vegetable seed germination and early growth.
This thriving crop demonstrates how following a soil temperature guide can improve vegetable seed germination and early growth.

Successful vegetable seed germination depends heavily on soil temperature. Each crop has its own ideal conditions that influence how quickly and reliably seeds sprout. This soil temperature guide outlines the minimum, optimum, and maximum temperatures needed for germination, helping gardeners plant with confidence and accuracy.

Maintaining the right soil temperature for each crop encourages strong, uniform sprouting and sets the stage for healthy growth and abundant harvests. This resource is especially helpful for timing plantings of popular vegetables like asparagus, beans, carrots, lettuce, and tomatoes.

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Plant Food Elements for Heirloom Vegetables: Ensuring Healthy Growth and High Yields

Preparing soil by hand to improve plant food elements and macronutrient balance
Boosting plant food elements starts with proper soil preparation—break up compact soil and add organic matter to improve fertility.

The strength and productivity of any heirloom vegetable garden depend on more than just sunlight and water; they hinge on the specific plant food elements each plant receives from the soil. In heirloom and open-pollinated gardens, nurturing plants with the essential nutrients they need is especially crucial for strong yields and for sustaining their unique qualities. Just as we need balanced nutrition to stay healthy, plants rely on specific macronutrients and micronutrients to grow well and produce abundantly.

These essential elements are divided into two main categories: macronutrients—such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which plants require in larger quantities—and micronutrients, which are needed in much smaller amounts but are still critical for healthy growth. Each element plays a unique role in plant development, from building strong roots to producing flavorful, disease-resistant crops. Understanding these core nutrients helps gardeners diagnose problems and apply the right soil amendments when needed.

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Build a Snow Fence Windbreak: Protect Your Heirloom Vegetable Garden from Harsh Winds

A windbreak can be used to conserve soil moisture in your Open Pollinated / Heirloom vegetable garden or to keep the wind from blowing the vine plants around. Use a material that casts low shade while filtering wind is ideal. This simple version uses wood snow fencing, which is inexpensive, easy to install and remove, and may be attractive enough to leave up year-round.

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Seasonal Planting Guide: Temperature Requirements for Heirloom Vegetables

Seasonal Planting Guide: Temperature Requirements for Heirloom Vegetables

A seasonal planting guide is essential for understanding the specific temperature requirements for heirloom vegetables, allowing you to make the most of your garden throughout the growing season. Heirloom vegetable varieties vary significantly in their temperature preferences, so planting them is a season-long effort rather than a one-day task. To achieve a productive and resilient garden, it’s vital to plant each heirloom crop according to its unique temperature needs.

From the cool days of early spring to the warmth following the last frost, and into the heat of midsummer, following this seasonal planting guide ensures that each vegetable is placed in its ideal environment. By aligning planting times with the temperature requirements of your heirloom vegetables, you’ll be able to stagger crops effectively, matching each one to the climate it prefers—leading to a healthier, more abundant harvest.

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DIY Scarecrow: Protect Your Heirloom Garden with This Fun Project

DIY scarecrow in a wildflower garden, dressed in blue overalls and a straw hat
A cheerful DIY scarecrow stands watch over the garden—built with simple materials and plenty of character.

Scarecrows have been standing guard in gardens and fields for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian farmers used wooden frames draped in nets to protect wheat fields along the Nile, while Japanese rice growers crafted kakashi—humanoid figures sometimes armed with fake bows—to frighten birds away from their crops. In Europe, early tribal farmers stationed children in fields to clap sticks together before eventually crafting human-like figures from straw and old garments. Native American communities also used scarecrow-like methods, including placing fish or animal skulls on poles to ward off crows. These rustic sentinels, built from whatever materials were on hand, have remained part of farming life through the centuries.

Today, the DIY scarecrow carries on that timeworn tradition, offering home gardeners a simple, creative, and family-friendly way to protect their open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables—part guardian, part expression of personality, and always a charming presence in the garden.

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Selecting a Garden Site for Heirloom Vegetables: 6 Tips for Success

Choosing the Ideal Heirloom Vegetable Garden Site

Selecting a garden site - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

Choosing the right location is one of the most critical steps to ensure a productive heirloom vegetable garden site. Factors like sunlight, soil quality, drainage, and proximity to your home can significantly impact how well your heirloom garden grows. While a spot close to your house is convenient, sometimes poor drainage, shallow soil, or shade from nearby structures may mean that your heirloom vegetable garden site needs to be placed a bit further from home. Let’s explore the essential elements of selecting a garden site that fosters healthy, high yield heirloom plants.

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Essential Plant Requirements for a Thriving Heirloom Vegetable Garden

Key Factors for Growing Heirloom Plants Successfully

Essential Plant Requirements for a Thriving Heirloom Vegetable Garden

Anyone interested in Open Pollinated / Heirloom Vegetable gardening has one question in mind when choosing a new plant: Will it thrive in my heirloom vegetable garden? Many factors come into play to determine whether or not a garden plant will perform well for you. Each kind of garden plant has its own needs and plant requirements. Some plants, like the dandelion, are tolerant of a wide variety of conditions, while others, such as the pink lady slipper orchid, have very exacting requirements.

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How to Choose Seeds That Will Thrive: A Gardener’s Essential Guide

Choosing seeds for your garden

Can you give me some ideas on how to best choose seeds for my needs? I’m having trouble choosing from all the variety that’s out there.

Choosing Seeds That Thrive in Your Climate and Season

Besides which varieties have the prettiest picture, what factors should weigh in on your list for what to plant this year? First up, should be what will grow in your region/climate. If you have a shorter season, look carefully at the “days to maturity”, if a plant will take too long to grow, your work will be in vain, and your setting yourself up for disappointment. So, plant things with the shortest “days to maturity” listed.

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Grinding Corn and Making Memories: Black Aztec Corn at Girls’ Camp

Black Aztec Corn - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

This month we thought we’d highlight one of our neatest seeds, Black Aztec Corn (really, who can pick? there is so much awesome variety to God’s creation in the garden!). Recently we had the opportunity to share Black Aztec Corn with the young ladies at the Girls’ Camp at our church, which was a blast. The girls had the chance to tryout grinding their own corn with a grain mill, and then made the fun and delicious purplish-grayish-blueish cornbread that results from Black Aztec Corn. We heard many comments that this was the best cornbread they’d ever had.

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The Secret to Less Weeding: Pre-Planting Tilling for Weed Control

The Secret to Less Weeding: Pre-Planting Tilling for Weed Control

At St. Clare Heirloom Seeds, we manage large test gardens every year, growing a wide variety of vegetables. One of the most time-consuming tasks in gardening is controlling weeds, but we’ve discovered a method that drastically reduces the amount of time spent weeding: pre-planting tilling for weed control. This approach allows us to get a head start on weeds before they become a problem, making garden maintenance much easier throughout the growing season.

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