Friday, February 27, 2015

Check out our NEW Heirloom: SPECKLED LETTUCE

How's the weather in your part of the world?  It's been cold off and on here.  I went out to check on the garden this morning and blasted myself with the hose.  THAT woke me up!
How COOL is this Lettuce?


We've added a NEW and Unique variety of Heirloom Lettuce
and we're offering it on SALE thru March 4th!
45 days. Beautiful apple-green leaves speckled and splashed with deep red. Originally a Dutch variety brought from the Netherlands to Ontario, Canada by Mennonite immigrant Urias Martin  
in 1799. A beautiful loose-leaf variety.
Sale runs Feb 27th thru March 4th
50% OFF


We offer over 230 varieties  
of Heirloom,  
non-GMO & non-hybrid,  
untreated seeds.
Most orders place Monday-Thursday ship within 24 hours, except for Holidays. 
$10 Order Minimum with Free Shipping on Heirloom Seeds to all 50 United States and US Territories

**Bonus: Order Coconut Coir Pellets
and we'll include and extra
FREE Seed Pack**

Shipping on pellets based on quantity


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Wednesday, February 25, 2015

I Will NOT Be Censored!!!

Do I have your attention?  Good! 
Last night we had a semi-heated discussed on my PERSONAL facebook page.  I highlight personal because I also have a blog/business facebook page, which is a bit less controversial.  But hey, my personal fb acct is my business and my right to share controversial stuff if I so choose!

The topic was GMOs.  I shared a nurse/farm wife fb status of her tour of the Monsanto facility in Hawaii.  If you have followed me here for any length of time, you know that I am VERY anti-GMO and very outspoken about the harmful effects of pesticides on humans, animals and the plant.

Apparently, this person didn't like comments made by my friends or myself and took it upon herself to tell us all we needed "less organic cherrios and more Jesus."  She then proceeded to tell us all about the wonders of GMOs.

First, NO ONE is going to tell me what I can and cannot say.  I am very opinionated and have a whole lotta facts to back me up!
Second, if all it would take were a few bitch-slaps to GMO farmers to get them to stop poisoning us then I would be the FIRST person in line to start the slapping.

Monsanto and other giant chemical companies spend Millions of dollars every year to promote the benefits of GMOs and their toxic pesticide counter-parts.  They have hired full time bloggers, scientists and PR machines to convince people that it's okay to continue poisoning the earth while raking in the profits.

Let me also say this, it is not my job to judge.  I make an effort every day to eat healthy and GMO free and sometimes I still consume not-so-healthy foods.  Sometimes we go out for dinner or over to eat with family.  No way am I going to be rude and turn away food just because it isn't completely free of GMOs.
No one is perfect, especially not me.  All I can do it give it 110%.

That being said, it is my mission to EDUCATE every day and to everyone who will listen.  Below are just a few educational articles to help you understand about the potential dangers of GMOs and their toxic pesticide counterparts.

In the U.S., GMOs are in as much as 80% of conventional processed food.

High-Risk Crops (in commercial production; ingredients derived from these must be tested every time prior to use in Non-GMO Project Verified products (as of December 2011):


  • Alfalfa (first planting 2011)
  • Canola (approx. 90% of U.S. crop)
  • Corn (approx. 88% of U.S. crop in 2011)
  • Cotton (approx. 90% of U.S. crop in 2011)
  • Papaya (most of Hawaiian crop; approximately 988 acres)
  • Soy (approx. 94% of U.S. crop in 2011)
  • Sugar Beets (approx. 95% of U.S. crop in 2010)
  • Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash (approx. 25,000 acres)
Common Ingredients Derived from GMO Risk Crops
Amino Acids, Aspartame, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Vitamin C, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ethanol, Flavorings (“natural” and “artificial”), High-Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrins, Molasses, Monosodium Glutamate, Sucrose, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Xanthan Gum, Vitamins, Yeast Products. SOURCE

 
Food & Water Watch: Greenwashing Genetically Engineered Crops

90 Day Study on GMOs
Several convergent data appear to indicate liver and kidney problems as end points of GMO diet effects in the above-mentioned experiments. This was confirmed by our meta-analysis of all the in vivo studies published, which revealed that the kidneys were particularly affected, concentrating 43.5% of all disrupted parameters in males, whereas the liver was more specifically disrupted in females (30.8% of all disrupted parameters). 

GMOs are Killing Bees, Butterflies, Birds and...?

65 Health Risks of GM Foods

Monsanto's RoundUp Found in 75 of Air & Rain Samples

Toxic Pesticides from GM Food Crops found in Unborn Babies

From the Institute for Responsible Technology

New information in the updated report includes:

  • A review that is claimed by pro-GMO lobbyists to show that 1,700 studies show GM foods are as safe in fact shows nothing of the sort. Instead many of the 1,700 studies cited show evidence of risk. The review also excludes or glosses over important scientific controversies over GMO safety issues. (p. 102)
  • A review purportedly showing that GM foods are safe on the basis of long-term animal studies in fact shows evidence of risk and uses unscientific double standards to reach a conclusion that is not justified by the data. (p. 161)
  • A laboratory study in human cells shows that very low levels of glyphosate (the main chemical ingredient of Roundup herbicide, which most GM crops are engineered to tolerate) mimicked the hormone estrogen and stimulated the growth of breast cancer cells. The level of glyphosate that had this effect was below the level allowed in drinking water in Europe and far below the level allowed in the USA. It was also below the level found in GM glyphosate-tolerant soy, which is imported into Europe for animal feed and human food. If confirmed in animal studies, this finding would overturn regulatory assumptions of safe levels of glyphosate. (p. 221)
  • A rat feeding study led by Professor Gilles-Eric SĂ©ralini, which found toxic effects from a GM maize and tiny amounts of the Roundup herbicide it is grown with, was retracted by a journal editor for unscientific reasons. Yet the study is far stronger and more detailed than many industry studies that are accepted as proof of safety for GMOs. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) had to reject the study in order to protect its own previous opinions on this and other GMOs, for reasons explained in the report. The findings of this study, if confirmed, would overturn regulatory assumptions of safe levels of glyphosate and Roundup. (pp. 94, 147)
  • Claims that an EU-funded research project shows GMOs are safe are not evidence-based, since the project did not even test the safety of any commercialized GMOs. Some animal testing data gathered by the project actually reveal health risks from the GMOs tested. (p. 166)
  • Claims that Europe is becoming a “museum” of farming because of its reluctance to embrace GM crops are shown to be nonsensical by research showing that Europe’s mostly non-GM agriculture out-yields the USA’s mostly GM agriculture with less pesticide use. Instead, it is the GM-adopting USA that is falling behind Europe in terms of productivity and sustainability. (pp. 232–233)
  • Risks from an important new type of GMO that is designed to silence genes are not being properly assessed by regulators. (p. 78)
  • Contrary to claims by GMO proponents, the real reason GM golden rice isn’t available has nothing to do with anti-GMO activists and everything to do with basic research and development problems. (p. 197)
  • Conventional breeding continues to outstrip GM in delivering crops that yield well, resist disease, are nutritious, and tolerate drought and other types of extreme weather. (pp. 284, 318–321)
  • Crop genetics are only part of the solution to our food and agriculture challenges. The other part is agroecological farming methods that build soil and focus on growing a diversity of naturally healthy and resilient crops. (p. 303)

Risks and Side Effects of Genetically Modified Foods

There is no Scientific Consensus about the Safety of GMOs

GMO Science - Studies & Research 

My own articles:
The EPA just Approved AGENT ORANGE Pesticide 

Does Monsanto Control Our Food in the US? 

What are GMOs...Just the Facts

When I first learned about GMOs I was super freaked out but then I got busy.  I started growing a few things on my patio.  When we moved, I made sure we had a yard to grow more food.  I started Mary's Heirloom Seeds over 4 years ago.  What started as a tiny non-gmo seed company has GROWN into an education center and go-to small business for organic growing.

I am thrilled and proud of the direction we are headed.  My husband and I work very hard to help our community and our world grow organic.

If you have additional questions about getting started or would like more info please feel free to ask.  As always, I am happy to help.

If you'd like to check out some of our gardening tips, check out our fb page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marys-Heirloom-Seeds/229833070442449

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Tuesday, February 24, 2015

March 2015 Regional Seed Planing Guide for the US

Are you ready to get planting?

Mary's Heirloom Seeds Newsletter
MARCH Seed Planting Guide
Early Fortune Cucumber
Clemson Spineless Okra
Golden Beets
European Mesclun Mix

SPRING is only 23 days away!  Yippie!
If you're in a warmer climate, you're probably are already growing.  For cold and cool weather gardeners, now is the time to plan out your garden and Get Growing.
In case you missed it, we shared our simple tutorial for Indoor Seed Starting
MARCH Seed Planting by Region

**With the Cold and sometimes Hot weather we're experiencing in the US, some of these "outdoor" varieties might need to be started indoors.  This will depend on your current weather**
GULF COAST 
Arugula, Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Collards, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Melons, Mustard, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Radish, Radicchio, Rutabaga, Scallion, Spinach, Squash, Swiss Chard,
Tomatoes and Turnips.
Don't forget the HERBS
and Wildflowers!



SOUTH FLORIDA 
Arugula, Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, celery, Collards, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Melons, Mustard, Peas, Peppers, Pumpkins, Radish, Radicchio, Rutabaga, Scallion, Spinach, Squash, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Turnips and Watermelon.
Don't forget the HERBS and Wildflowers!

SOUTHWEST  
Sow Outdoors: Asparagus, Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Chard, Collards, Corn, Eggplant, Lettuce, Melons, Pak Choy, Peppers, Radish, Radicchio, Rutabaga, Scallion, Spinach,
Tomato
and Watermelon. 
Herbs:
Basil, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Fennel, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon and Thyme. 
Don't forget the Wildflowers!


SAN DIEGO 
Arugula, Basil, Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Chard, Cilantro, Chives, Collards, Corn, Dill, Endive, Leeks, Lettuce, Parsley, Parsnips, Peas, Radish, Radicchio, Rosemary, Rutabaga, Sage, Scallions, Spinach, Tarragon and Thyme.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Sow Indoors/Outdoors:  Artichoke, Broccoli, Cabbage, Celery, Chard, Collards, Eggplant, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Onions, Pak Choy, Peppers, Radicchio, Scallion, Tomatoes, Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Marjoram, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Savory, and Thyme 
Direct Sow: Arugula, Lettuce, Mustard and Spinach 
 
 
SOUTHERN INTERIOR 
Sow Indoors: Broccoli, Cabbage, Celery, Eggplant, Endive, Fennel, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Onions, Pak Choy, Peppers, Radicchio, Scallions, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes  
Sow Outdoors: Arugula, Asparagus, Beets, Carrots, Collards, Endive, Lettuce, Pak Choy, Parsnips, Peas, Radish, Radicchio, Rutabaga, Sorrel, Spinach and Turnips
Herbs:
Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Parsley, Sage,
Thyme and Wildflowers!


CENTRAL MIDWEST 
Sow Indoors: Basil, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Eggplant, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Onion, Pak Choy, Peppers, Radicchio, Tomato, Chives, Fennel, Parsley, Oregano, Sage, Tarragon and Thyme. 
Sow Outdoors: Arugula, Beets, Carrot, Kohlrabi, Lettuce,
Pak Choy, Peas, Radish, Radicchio, Spinach, Turnips,
Outdoor Herbs: Cilantro and Parsley

NORTH CENTRAL ROCKIES
Sow Indoors: Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Celery, Chard, Eggplant, Endive, Kale, Leek, Lettuce, Onion, Peppers, Radicchio, Scallion, Spinach and Tomato.
Indoor Herbs: Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon and Thyme.

MID-ATLANTIC 
Sow Indoors: Broccoli, Cabbage, Celery, Swiss Chard, Eggplant, Endive, Kale, Leek, Lettuce, Onions, Pak Choy, Peppers, Radicchio, Tomato.  Indoor Herbs: Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme.
Sow Outdoors: Arugula, Beet, Carrot, Lettuce, Pak Choy, Peas, Radish, Radicchio, Sorrel, Spinach and Turnip. 
Don't forget the Wildflowers!

MARITIME CANADA & NEW ENGLAND
Sow Indoors: Broccoli, Cabbage, Celery, Chard, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce Onions, Pepper, Radicchio, Spinach and Tomato.  Indoor Herbs:  Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon and Thyme.
Sow Outdoors: Carrots, Peas, Radish and Sorrel 


HAWAII 
Arugula, Beans, Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Collards, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Melons, Mustard, Peas, Peppers, Pumpkins, Radish, Radicchio, Rutabaga, Scallion, Spinach, Squash, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Turnips and Watermelon. 
Don't forget the HERBS and Wildflowers!


ALASKA 
If you're growing plants in a greenhouse:
Sow Indoors: Arugula, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery,  Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Onions, Radicchio, Spinach,
Swiss Chard and Tomatoes 


HELPFUL LINKS: 
INDOOR SEED STARTING

Build Your Own Raised Bed Garden

NEW Heirloom Seed Varieties Announcement
NEW Wildflower Seeds Announcement

Plant for Pollinators and Increase Crop Yield
Growing Tomatoes from Seed to Harvest
Organic DIY Pest Control Recipes
Growing Peppers from Seed to Harvest

All of the seeds listed are open-pollinated, non-gmo and non-hybrid,non-patented, untreated, heirloom seeds.
Mary has signed the Safe Seed pledge.  
Most seed orders placed Monday-Thursday are shipped
within 24 hours
, except for holidays.
 
$10 Order Minimum with Free Shipping on Heirloom Seeds within the 50 United States as well as US Territories.  
There you have it!!!  What are YOU planting in March?
-Mary                                      Like us on Facebook

Mary's Heirloom Seeds 

Tuesdays with a Twist #99 is LIVE!

Good Morning and welcome to another No Rules Party! 

It's been a WILD ride these past few weeks but I'm starting to get back on track.  Did you read Our New Homestead?  
We also post an UPDATE.  We LOVE our new place! 

Last week I shared Indoor Seed Starting

I have been sharing LOTS of ideas and healthy info here. 
In January I shared Plant for Pollinators and Increase Your Crop Yield.

Are you ready for the party?   We're your hosts 

Back to the Basics

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Saturday at 11:59am.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 
Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!
*Pictures should be your own* 
By linking up you give us permission to use these photos
 (with proper link backs) in our features.   And now for the party!