Available In New Zealand Only

The Catalogue is set out in the following order
Vegetable, Herbs, Flowers then Miscellanous

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to our catalogue. We hope that you are able to find the varieties you need of open pollinate (non-hybrid) seed. For ordering, availability of stock and additional information please continue to browse our web site.

We at wish you the very best for the coming season and look forward to supplying products to enhance your organic ventures.

SEED SUPPLY
Some varieties may become unavailable. Limited stocks will be noted in the catalogue. Please order early. If we are unable to supply, we will try to indicate when expected. We try to dispatch your order as soon as possible, generally within 3 or 4 days. If however there is a delay we will contact you, preferably by fax or email.

ABOUT THESE SEEDS...

ALL OPEN POLLINATED VARIETIES
(NON-HYBRID).
So you can save seed from your own plants and expect it to grow "true to type" - provided it hasn’t cross pollinated. This contrasts with the hybrid varieties which are becoming increasingly common. Seed from hybrids will not grow true to type. - You have to buy new seed each year.

 
OLD AND UNUSUAL TYPES
Throughout the world, the older, more specialised or less "commercial" varieties of vegetable and fruit are ceasing to be available. Organic growers seek flavour, high nutritional value and resistance to pests and diseases. We already have a number of varieties not available from major commercial seed companies and aim to supply more. Increasingly these are being replaced by varieties bred for the supermarket trade and grown by ‘chemical growers’ who demand uniformity, tough skins for ease of handling, ‘eye appeal’ and high response to chemicals and water
soluble fertilisers.

G. E. Free Status
requires written confirmation that any and all seed supplied to us is free from possible Genetic Engineered contamination, free of chemical applications and are open pollinate. We also source seed from non-certified organic growers who supply G.E. Free seed. Our OrganicFarmNZ Certified OFNZ 1135 seed is by nature G.E. Free
Dave Treadwell.
CEO

SOWING & STORAGE

Very fine seed can be mixed with a medium such as sand to help with even dispersal and also indicates where seed sown.

Fast germinating seed (e.g. radish) can be sown with slow germinating seed to show locations - remove all radish seedlings as the desired seed emerges. Hard coated seed benefits from pre-sowing soaking. Some seed needs light to germinate. Sowing instructions are on the packets.

Seeds enjoy two essential items to germinate - warmth and /or moisture, closely followed by light. Minimising these aspects goes a long way to ensuring viability of seed. Keep the seed well labelled. Store in a air tight container where the temperature is fairly constant (in a wardrobe on cool side of house). Keep contact with the seed dry (even at sowing), e.g. hands, seed pack.

ORGANIC CERTIFIED SEED

We are pleased to be able to supply organic certified seed, as a continuing effort to be part of and support the expanding organic horizon in this country. Supply of organic certified seed is limited and we will forward as long as they are available. All ecoseeds are Open Pollinate and therefore are Non Hybrid. Some varieties are Organic Farm NZ Certified. OFNZ seed is the only organic seed we sell. ecoseeds recognises our organic range of seed as Organic Farm NZ, our License OFNZ 1135. These seeds are identified on the ecoseeds web site, in the catalogue and on the ecoseeds packs.

SEED PACKET INFORMATION

We have been able to expand sowing & growing information as well as indicating companion plants and crop rotation guide-lines. With the herb seeds, any information as to the medicinal properties are for interest only and we strongly recommend seeking professional assistance for the use of herbs in the treatment of ailments.

Prices
Catalogue $2.50
All Seeds Packets $3.50
Freight - Quantity Dependent
Cover Crops $6.00 per Kilo
Freight per Cover Crop Kilo $8.00
Note: There is no P O Box delivery for Cover Crop

Vegetable

Artichoke
(Cynara Scolymus)
Likes light, moist, well- drained soil with high organic content. During first season remove all flower heads to encourage strong future growth. For harvest cut buds when heads are tight and flat 5-cm below bud. The inner "heart" is the best part and do not eat the "bristles". It should produce for at least 4 years.
Green Globe - SA100 -
Perennial. Tall (1.5-2m) rapid growing with attractive deep green foliage with purple tinge. Use in garden as a windbreak. It produces up to 15 heads per plant in second/third year.

Bean - Broad
(Vicia faba)
A very hardy cold-weather and easy to care for crop. It prefers light, slightly acid soil manured from a previous crop. Ensure good water at flowering / pod growth time. A legume which transfers nitrogen from the atmosphere to the soil.
Companions: cabbage, carrot, cauliflower and summer savoury (repels aphids)
Incompatible: onions.
Rotate: after brassicas.

Coles - SB030
Good home variety.Plants 1-1.5m tall. Medium sized pods 20-25cm long. Seeds small and tender.

Imperial Green - SB040
Bold green colour when cooked. Children enjoy the mild flavour from the long, plump pods. High in protein. It grows to 1m high.

Bean - Climbing
(Phaseolus coccineus)
Sow in early spring . Provide a support to two metres in height (strong poles, canes, strings.). Harvest from approx. 70 days. 8-10 plants per person should provide surplus for freezing.
Interplant with sweet peas to encourage pollinating insects.
Companions: cabbage, carrot, cauliflower and summer savoury (repels aphids)
Incompatible onions.
Rotate: after brassicas.

Scarlet Runner - SB220
Annual in cooler, perennial in warmer climates. An older variety and a very productive plant.

Bean - Dwarf
(Phaseolus vulgaris)
Successive sowings from spring through to mid/late summer ensures a continuous supply. Harvest 60-90 days. Eat pods when young.
Companions: cabbage, carrot, cauliflower and summer savoury
Incompatible: onions.
Rotate: after brassicas.


Supreme (green bean)- SB097
Produces crisp round, dark green stringless pods approx. 16-cm long. Has wide adaptability.

Beetroot
(Beta vulgaris)
It prefers full sun in well-drained, light soil manured from a previous crop. Keep well-watered during dry spells. Quick growing is the key to tender roots.
Same species as silverbeet of relatively "modern" origins. Matures 55-60 days. Roots can be boiled, steamed or grated and eaten raw. Tops rich in vitamin C and A. Can be eaten in salads or soups.
Companions: bush bean, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, dill, lettuce, onion, pea and silverbeet.
Interplant: lovage and marjoram.
Incompatible: pole bean and tomato.

Cylindra - SB320
Long cylindrical uniform dark red in colour to 20-cm. Best variety for winter storage. Tender, easy to slice and to remove the skin. Bolt resistant.

Detroit Dark Red - SB304
Tender global shaped with uniform blood red colour.

Broccoli
(Brassica oleracea var. italica)
It likes rich fertile soil in full sun with plenty of compost and water well. Cool weather is essential once the flower heads start to form. Partial shade helps prevent bolting.
Companions: aromatic herbs like thyme, lovage and hyssop are said to deter cabbage white butterflies - one of the main pests. Other vegetables like onion, leek, beans and peas.
Rotate after root and legume crops.

De Cicco - SB405
Early sprouting variety that is good to use in home gardens. Produces flat, dark green heads 10-cm across and many edible side shoots after main head is cut.
  
Brussels Sprouts
(Brassica oleracea var. gemnifera)
It prefers rich fertile soil in full sun, though partial shade helps prevent bolting. Stake in windy areas. 100 -130 days to harvest.
Companions: aromatic herbs like thyme, lovage and hyssop are said to deter cabbage white butterflies - one of the main pests. Other vegetables like onion, leek, beans and peas.
Rotate: after root and legume crops.

Catskill Mountain - SB490
Good home garden variety with bold green sprouts. It gives a large harvest from small areas.

Buckwheat - SB 600 - OFNZ 1135
(Phagopyrum esculentum)
Hardy annual to 1m. It tolerates a wide range of soil in a cool moist climate. Seeds ripen in 70 - 80 days. This makes it an ideal second crop in a rotation of two crops. The nutritional grain can be ground into flour (buckwheat is not a cereal grain) and the amino acid content is above that of all other grains. The flour provides an pleasant earthy flavour to breads. It attracts the bee. You may grow as a green manure crop to provide fast cover protecting a slow growing crop and used for rebuilding depleted soil.

Cabbage
(Brassica oleracea var. capitata)
Plant in rich well drained soil.Thin or transplant with care to spread roots helping to avoid club root Hand pull weeds as has shallow roots and mulch to keep soil moist. Avoid uneven watering as causes head to split.
Companions: aromatic herbs like thyme, dill, marjoram and hyssop. All beans, lettuce, peas and tomatoes. The allium family (onions and leeks) help deter the cabbage white butterflies (one of the main pests) that have caterpillars that damage the cabbage.
Rotate: after root and legume crops.

 

Chieftian Savoy - SC132
Savoy type of cabbage in the old style.

Golden Acre SC120
Old home-garden variety. With a solid compact head with few outer leaves. Particularly suited to cooler areas.

Grey Hound - SC122
Hardy dwarf favourite variety with pointed head, firm heart and excellent flavour. It can tolerate early spring sowing and planted close together.

Red Acre - SC127
Deep red globe shaped variety that has early maturing.

Cabbage -Chinese
(Brassica oleracea var. capitata)
Transplanting Chinese cabbabe is not recommended as it often sends seedlings into shock and the plant bolting to seed. Sow direct.

Pak Choi - SC110
Hardy fast growing non heading type. Harvests over a long period.


Capsicum
(Capsicum annum)
Great for spot planting around the garden in well drained slightly acid soil with plenty of sun. You may need to provide shade in the heat of the day if temp. very high. The lack of water can cause bitter fruit. Support may be needed. Rich in vitamins A and C. It requires a longer growing season than tomatoes. Harvest approx. 75 days from planting.
Companions: basil, eggplant, lovage, marjoram and parsnip.
Rotate: after brassicas.

Long Red Cayenne - SC220
Annual - Slim very hot fruit that changes red when mature. Use either red or green. It is good for drying, bottling and preparing hot sauces. A cold tea spray used against aphids. Powdered, dried Cayenne pepper said to deter rabbits and caterpillars.

California Wonder - SC245
Green to red bell shaped fruit that has chunky walls with a distinct sweet crisp flavour. Excellent for stuffing or eating raw.

Sweet Banana SC235
An early ripening sweet pepper. Light green that turns to yellow, orange and finally red. Great for pickling or eaten fresh in salads.

 

Carrot
(Daucus carota var. sativus)
It likes a sunny spot in rich well-drained friable soil fertilised from previous crop. Main pest is carrot root fly.
Companions: bean, cucumber, lettuce, lovage, marigold, peas, radish and tomatoes.
Interplant with chives, leeks, onions, sage or rosemary.
Incompatible: dill and parsnip.
Rotate: after brassicas.

Manchester Table - SC325
Excellent Sweet Crisp Carrot With A medium-long cylindrical root.

Royal Chantenay - SC320
A vigorous high yielding carrot with a large diameter conical root.

Scarlet Nantes - SC321
Cylindrical shaped, sweet and tender.

Top Weight - SC340
Early adaptable heavy yielding good all round carrot. Some resistance to carrot fly.

 
Cauliflower
(Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)
it likes well-drained soil in a sunny spot. Usually sown in beds and transplanted later . Quick-maturing 3-4 months.
Companions: aromatic herbs like chamomile, lovage and hyssop. All beans, lettuce, peas and tomato. The allium family (onions and leeks) help deter the cabbage white butterflies (one of the main pests) that have caterpillars that damage the cauliflower.
Rotate after root and legume crops.

All Year Round - SC400
Good reliable home garden variety with tight heads which hold in good condition.

Celery
(Apium graveolens var. dulce)
Slow germinating. Sow indoor and transplant later. It matures 120- 140 days.
Companions: dwarf beans, cabbage, cauliflower, dill, leek, lovage, pea and tomatoes.
Incompatible: potato and parsnip.
Rotate after brassicas.

Utah- SC515
Good variety for home gardens.
 
Corn
(Zea mays)
A very heavy feeder that needs well manured well-drained soil and plenty of water. Maturity in 70-115 days when the silks have been out for 3 weeks and a kernel produces ‘milk’ when squashed. If growing more than one variety even if not for seed, keep the blocks of different varieties well separated as cross-pollination can be detrimental.
Compatible: all beans, cucumber, melons, parsnip, pea, pumpkin, radish and squash.
Interplant with lovage and marjoram.
Rotate after legumes and/or green manure.
Early Gem - SC624 - OFNZ 1135
Annual early maturing variety to 1.5m tall.
Very Limited Supply

Cucumber
(Cucumis sativus)
Grow in early summer. Grow along the ground or train up a support if space is a premium. 60 days to maturity.
Companions: beans, carrots, corn, peas, radish, turnips and sunflower.
Incompatible: potatoes and aromatic herbs.
Rotate after brassicas

Crystal Apple - SC710
Annual - Heavy yields of round white skinned fruit with crisp flesh. Keeps good eating qualities longer than most other varieties.

Marketer - SC750 -
Annual- Popular early dark green variety. Fruits 20 x 6-cm.

White Wonder - SC790
A white skinned variety, skin is very easy to eat. About 20 cm long. Needs warm summer to fruit well.

Fennel
(Foeniculum vulgare)
It likes well drained fertile soil with plenty of organic matter to ensure tender growth. Extremely free of pests and diseases. Grown for the bulb. The fern-like leaves and fine stems may be added to salads for seasoning. It tolerates the cold but not the frost. Plant away from the Dill in particular or will cross-pollinate. Mature 80-100 days.
Companions: - none - grow alone.
Roman Florence - SF183 Unavailble till further notice
Hardy perennial known as sweet fennel for it's sweet aniseed flavour. Used in salads and in cooking. Low in calories.

Kale
(Brassica oleracea var. acephala)
Good as a garnish when young, also like lettuce, slice finely for use in colesaw, etc. Older leaves used cooked as a vegetable. Sow direct or transplant. Frost tolerant. High in vitamin A
Companions: aromatic herbs like thyme, chamomile, dill, marjoram and hyssop. All beans, lettuce, peas and tomatoes. The allium family (onions and leeks) help deter the cabbage white butterfly (one of the main pests) that have caterpillars that damage the kale.
Rotate after root and legume crops.

Dark Green Curled- SK100
Good reliable home garden variety with tight curls, great for garnish.

Russian Red - SK101
Produces well. Attractive red variety.

Leek
(Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum)
One of the easiest vegetables to grow on a wide variety of soil though does best in crumbly rich loam. Maturity 110-120 days.
Companions: carrots, celery, onion, parsnip.
Interplant : throughout the garden as Allium family will ward off pests or with lovage and marjoram.
Rotate: after brassicas

Musselburgh - SL100
Particularly good for home garden. Vigorous and hardy, resistant to pest and disease. Medium green leaves with long thick white stems up to 500g each if fertilised well.

Lettuce
(Lactuca sativa)
Most popular salad vegetable. Plant in rich well-drained soil that can hold moisture.
Companion: beans, beets, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, onions, parsnip, pea and radish
Interplant with chervil, lovage, marjoram, parsley.
Rotate after brassicas or use as catch crop.

Buttercrunch - SL110
Annual - Dark green loose leaved with small, compact head. Heat tolerant and bolt-resistant.

Great Lakes - SL125
Annual - Large head with crisp crumpled leaves. Main summer variety. Very adaptable but prefers warm weather. Resists early bolting.

Green Cut and Come Again -SL120
Annual - Large green lettuce with tall upright crisp crunchy tender heart. Excellent taste. Best sown in autumn and spring. Cos lettuce does well in winter.

Red - SL145
Annual - A red non bitter tender type of lettuce. Grows year-round in most areas.

Webbs Wonderful - SL150
Annual - Crisp solid large popular garden variety.

Mesclun Mix SM040
Mesclun originated centuries ago in the south of France. The word mesclun means "a mixture" and makes a mild salad mix of greens and reds.Mesclun mixes are grown to be harvested for the young leaves and the plants chosen for both their flavours and textures.
This mix brings together Endive, Corn Salad, Rocket, Chicory/ Radicchio plus Oakleaf, Curled Green and Curled Red Lettuce.

Mizuna SM050
(Brassica juncea var.japonica)
Known as Japanese Greens or Chinese Lettuce. Bright green mild crisp vegetable. Cold tolerant plus pest and disease resistant. Sow late summer, autumn and winter in warm areas and in cooler areas sow summer, autumn and early spring. Use young leaves in salads and cook the older leaves in stir-fries or with meat.
Companions: aromatic herbs like thyme, chamomile, dill, lovage, marjoram, hyssop and also allium family that help deter cabbage white butterfly - one of the main pests. All beans, lettuce, peas and tomato.


Onion
(Allium cepa)
It prefers light rich free-draining friable loam that is not too rich otherwise the tops will do all the growing. Generally tops grow in cool weather and the bulb in hot weather. Excellent for storage up to 10 months.
Companions: - beets, cabbage, chamomile, carrots, lettuce, parsnip, silverbeet and tomato.
Interplant throughout the garden as the Allium family will ward off pests and with marjoram, parsley and savoury.
Incompatible: all beans and peas.
Rotate: brassicas.

Pukekohe Long Keeper - SO230 -
Developed in NZ with a strong flavour. Slow to bolt.

California Red - SO210
Early maturing flat variety with burgundy coloured skin. Popularity used in salads.

      Onion - Spring Onion
(Allium cepa)
It prefers light rich free-draining friable loam. Plant different varieties for continuous use.
Companions: beets, cabbage, carrots, lettuce and tomato.
Interplant: throughout the garden as the Allium family will ward off pests. Ring apple trees for codlin moth control.
Rotate: after brassicas.

Crimson Red SO245
A bunching variety that produces long red stems. Very attractive in salads.

White Bunching - SO250
Perennial. Non-bulbing type. Grows several shoots from each seed.

White Lisbon - SO270
Popular in NZ with a long thick white stem. Eat when pencil-thickness. Can be sown all year round in the warmest areas of New Zealand.

Parsnip
(Pastinaca sativa)
Organic gardeners delight as is relatively free of pests and diseases. Sow autumn, winter (warmer areas) or spring. Seed often slow and uneven to germinate and has a short life-span. It prefers deep, free-draining soil that has been manured from a previous crop. Can leave in the ground during winter until required.
Companions: bean, caraway, chive, corn, cucumber, lettuce, onion, pepper, radish and tomato.

Hollow Crown - SP105
Up to 25cm long white tapering root, 5 to 7 cms thick at the shoulders. Being exposed to outdoor frost adds extra sweetness.

Pea
(Pisum sativum)
Soil best to be light and free draining. Provide support for plants to grow up. Maturity 70-110 days. Pick regularly to encourage more production.
Companions:-beans, brassicas, carrots, celery, celeric, lettuce, parsnip, radish, squash and turnip.
Interplant sweet peas to attract pollinators, lovage, marjoram and sage.
Rotate: after brassicas.

Greenfeast - SP110
Annual - Standard maincrop. Very sweet and adaptable pea in curved 9 cm long pods with 8-9 peas per pod.

W F Massey - SP115
Annual - Early dwarf variety with dark green pointed pods. It does not need to be staked.

Sugarsnap - SP135
Annual - a popular early maturing and edible podded variety. It grows to 1.5 m tall.

Pumpkin
(Curcubita maxima)
It does best in rich well-drained soil, high in organic matter. Frost sensitive. The older plants can tolerate cold weather.
Companion: bean, pea, radish, sunflower and sweetcorn.
Interplant: with lovage and marjoram.
Rotate: after legumes and or green manure crops.

Whangaparoa Crown
Annual - Popular longkeeping pumpkin. Bred in New Zealand. It grows into large flat fruit with thin pale grey skin and it has an orange flesh with a sweet flavour.

Radish
(Raphanus sativus)
It likes rich light soil. Easy to grow all year in most areas although it is a cool weather crop. Mature in 25 - 45 days.
Companions: beans, beet, carrot, lettuce, parsnip and pea.
Incompatible: hyssop
Rotate: after brassicas.

Champion - SR110
Annual - Tubular fast growing with bright-red exterior and crisp white interior.

French Breakfast - SR130
Annual - Elongated oval fast growing red root with a white tip. It has a fine mild flavour.

White Icicle - SR150
Annual - Tender fast growing white root to 15-cm with a mild flavour. Best as a summer variety. Does not go pithy when mature as other varieties.
 
Rhubarb
(Rheum rhababarum)
It likes an acid soil that is not too wet that has been prepared with plenty of mature manure. It takes a lot of space so give it a corner by itself in a sunny sheltered spot. Do not harvest until the second year. Harvest by pulling stalks. Three to six plants per house.

Victoria - SR180
A perennial with fast vibrant growth and a very long grower with crimson coloured stalks. Excellent for organic gardeners as it is not prone to pests or diseases.

Rocket - SR900
(Eruca sativa)
Annual. Easy to grow hardy salad plant with a distinctive nutty spicy flavour that is less peppery than other cress varieties. Known as Italian cress or Arugula. Eat young leaves raw in salads or use in hot dishes to give flavour.It prefers a rich friable loam soil and it is a cool weather plant. Sow in spring, summer and autumn.

Rockmelon
(Cucumis melo)
It requires rich free draining soil in a warm sunny spot that has been prepared with well made compost before planting. Cut fruit leaving 2-3 cm. of stalk attached at full ripeness to ensure sweetness. Not recommended in coldest areas.
Companions: beans, carrots, corn, peas, radish, turnip and sunflower.
Incompatible: potatoes and aromatic herbs.
Rotate after brassicas.

Hales Best - SR210
Annual. Compact growing vine producing small fruit 15-18-cm long with orange flesh. Mildew resistant.

Silverbeet
(Beta vulgaris var. cicla)
Very popular leaf vegetable. It prefers very acidic soil that should be limed and it tolerates the shade. Known as Swiss Chard. Break leaves off and leave plant growing for continuous picking. Eat both the leaves and the broad, white midribs. Boil or stir-fry or use young leaves as like lettuce. Maturity from 65-70 days.
Compatible: beetroot, lovage, marjoram and onion.
Rotate: after legume and root crops.

Fordhook - SS111
Hardy biennial. Popular variety that is a vigorous grower of dark green leaves with white stems.

Ruby Red - SS120
Dark green leaves with red stems.

Spinach Beet
(Beta vulgaris)
Perpetual Beet - SS180 -
One of the most useful vegetables in the garden. It has a fine flavour when leaves are cut young and lightly boiled. Cut individual leaves off and leave the plant in the ground. Harvesting encourages further growth it will last all year. Use as like silverbeet - boil or stir-fry or use young leaves as lettuce.
Compatible: broad beans and most fruit trees.
Rotate: after legume and root crops.

Spinach NZ
(Tetragonia expansa)
Native NZ plant - SS170
Half hardy perennial that is a vigorous silver/green that develops sprawling growth. Pick top 10 cm of new growth to encourage further growth and branching. Thrives in hot dry conditions and more heat tolerant than European spinach. It is a native plant with vitamin C that was introduced to Europe by Joseph Banks. Use young tips in salads and boil the older leaves.
Compatible: broad beans and most fruit trees.
Rotate: after legume and root crops.
  
 
Squash
(Curcubita maxima)
Best grown in rich well-drained soil, high in organic matter. Frost sensitive. It has a trailing habit. Mature approx. 120 days - cut from vine on dry day with a sharp knife.
Companion: bean, pea, radish, sunflower and sweetcorn.
Interplant: with lovage and marjoram.
Rotate: after legumes and/or green manure.

Buttercup - SS220
It grows a flattened globe-shaped fruit 12- 14 cm with a dark green skin in summer that matures to orange/brown in winter. The dry textured mid-orange flesh has a sweet, slightly nutty flavour. Skin softens and eaten when cooked. Pleasant to eat raw.

Waltham Butternut - SS210
Small, pear-shaped variety with a light orange dry very tasty flesh. Reliable grower. Good keeper.

Tomato
(Lycopersicon esculentum)
Soil needs to be well drained and quite fertile with plenty of well rotted manure/compost added before planting. Plant in full sun.
Companions: basil, brassicas, borage, carrots, chive, marigolds, onions and parsley.
Incompatible: potatoes.
Rotate: after brassicas and/or green manure.

Beefsteak - ST100
Annual. A very large firm tasty fruit (up to 600g each) that is semi-late maturing. A popular tall variety that needs staking for the home gardener. Harvest 90-120 days.

Golden Jubilee - SC120
Annual. Bright golden orange, globular shaped fruit with a sweet mild flavour and a low acid content. It is a favourite among people who cannot tolerate the high acid content tomatoes. Tall Plant. Needs to be staked.

Grosse Lisse - SC101
Annual. A tall plant that grows well in most areas and needs to be staked. The name Grosse Lisse is French for large smooth.

Moneymaker - ST123
Annual. Tall variety that needs staking. Early mid season production giving medium-sized deep-globe fruit with a good flavour.

Roma - ST130
Annual. Good container plant and it does not need to be staked. Produces acid free pear shaped fruit. Recommended for warmer areas. Tolerant to fusarium and verticillium wilt disease.

Russian Red - ST131 - OFNZ 1135
Annual. Very good outdoor variety. More tolerant of cool conditions but is still frost sensitive.

Scorsby Dwarf - ST132 - OFNZ 1135
Annual. A dwarf plant that is good to plant in a container. Mid-season production giving medium size firm flat global shape fruit. Popular variety for the home gardener.

Sweetie - ST135 - OFNZ 1135
Annual. Cascades of Sweet Cherry tomato approx 10g. Great for kids. A tall plant that needs to be staked.

Turnip
(Brassica rapa var. glabra)
It appreciates well-limed soil with a good depth. It does well in raised beds and thrives in cool weather. Quick maturing. Harvest when sized between a golf ball and an apple. Eat as soon as they reach this size or they will become tough. Grown in New Zealand since at least the 1900s.
Companions: pea.
Rotate: after potatoes

Snowball - ST410
Older variety. Also called "white stone". Flat white global shape with a smooth skin.

Watercress - SW820
(Nasturtium oficinale)
Good in salads, soups and as a garnish. It does not need constant running water but must always be kept moist. Water daily.

Watermelon
(Citrullus vulgaris)
It requires rich free draining soil in a warm sunny spot. Save the seed from ripe fruit as you eat. Not recommended in the coldest areas.
Companions: beans, carrots, corn, peas, radish, turnip and sunflower.
Incompatible: potatoes and aromatic herbs.
Rotate after brassicas

Crimson Sweet - SW120
Annual. Popular, large oblong melon that grows up to 10kg with deep red flesh and light green skin with dark green stripes. Grows well in a variety of climates. Resistant to fusarium wilt and anthracnose.

Sugar Baby - SW130
Annual. Smaller round fruit with very sweet bright red flesh and a thin tough dark green skin. Tolerant to powdery mildew.

Zucchini
(Cucurbita pepo)
It grows best in rich well-drained soil, high in organic matter and it requires a high level of feeding. Frost sensitive. Will grow into marrow if left but less productive.
Companion: bean, pea, radish, sunflower and sweetcorn.
Interplant: with lovage and marjoram.
Rotate: after legumes and/or green manure.

Black - SZ110
Annual. A popular quick growing bush type plant producing prolific early maturing cylindrical black/very dark green fruit.

 
Herbs

Basil approx. seed per pack 100
(Ocimum basilicum var. minimum)
Aromatic popular culinary herb. Native to India. Introduced to Europe in the Middle Ages and very popular in the Mediterranean. Make successive sowings throughout spring and summer in a warm sheltered spot.

Dwarf Bush - SB840
Annual to 25 -30 cm with small scented white flowers. Iideal for growing indoors in a pot or window box.

Large Sweet - SB850
Annual to 50 - 60 cm. A good round popular basil.

Sweet Genovese - SB860
Annual to 35 - 40 cm. A very productive basil used for its taste and aroma in pesto.

Borage - SB900
(Borago officinalis)
Hardy annual to 90 cm with blue star-shaped flowers with grey-green, bristly leaves. Use young leaves and flowers in salads that impart a "mild cucumber freshness". It will restore vitality after illness. It will grow in a wide range of soil and it will self-seed readily. A compost activator.
Companion : broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, squash, tansy and tomato.

.
Catnip - SC820
(Nepeta cataria)
Perennial of the mint family to 1m height, 60 cm across. Plant in full sun in good soil. Drought tolerant. Good bee plant. Very attractive to cats. Care may be needed to protect seedlings. Pleasant-tasting tea used as a beverage. Medicinally used against chronic bronchitis, diarrhoea and upset stomach.

Chamomile German SC830
(Matricaria chamomilla)
Annual to 50 cm. Known as "True Chamomile". Dried flowers used to make a pleasant-tasting tea which aids digestion, being effective against gastric-intestinal disorders or as a general tonic and is used for conditioning fair hair. Also used in Bio-Dynamic preparations. Grows in dry, light, sandy soil as a rich soil produces lush growth but fewer flowers. Position in full sun and start early in season.

Chervil - Plain SC840
(Anthriscus cerefolium)
Annual, sometimes biennial to 50 cm tall. It grows in a wide variety of soil in a sunny spot or in semi-shade and it will grow well in a pot or window-box. Easy to self-seed. A classic "fine herb" with a very mild aniseed flavour. Known as French Parsley. Used in French cooking especially in stews and soups. Medicinally used as a diuretic and for blood - cleansing. Poultices used for boils, bruises and other skin problems.
Interplant with other crops such as corn and tomatoes.

Chive
(Allium schoenoprasum)
Hardy perennial with flat, solid leaves. Leaves good in salads and stir-fry’s or as a garnish on soup. Flowers can be used to make chive blossom vinegar. It grows in an average garden with well drained soil. Cut clumps close to the ground frequently to encourage fresh growth.
Interplant: throughout garden, especially the base of apple trees to assist control of the codlin moth.

Garlic - SC875
(Allium tuberosum)
Mild garlic/onion flavour.

Plain - SC870
Produces leaves all winter in all except the coldest areas. Known as Chinese Chives.

Coriander - SC900
(Coriandrum sativum)
Annual to 40 cm. Native of the Middle East area. Leaves and seeds used in cookery. Seeds as a flavouring for pickles and curry and leaves as a flavouring for pork or lamb. Leaves rich in Vitamin C and concentrates calicum. Loved by bees. Medicinal uses include aiding digestion, reducing gas and promoting appetite. Can be a narcotic in extremely high doses.
Companion: anise, brassicas, carrot, dill and parsnip. Disliked by aphids so plant for prone varieties like roses.
Incompatible: fennel.

Dill - SD900
(anethum graveolens)
Hardy annual to 90 cm.
Aromatic mainly culinary herb. The flowering heads are used in pickled cucumbers, hence the name "Dill Pickles". Leaves, flowering heads and leaves used as a flavouring in many types of dishes in cooking. Sow directly into average garden soil in a sunny sheltered spot. Medically it has calmative and diuretic properties.

 
 

Lemon Balm - SL850
(Melissa oficinalis)
Perennial. It grows easily to 1m. in a ferile dry position in full sun or partial shade. Frost sensitive. Known as a "bee herb" for it’s ability to attract bees. It gives a delicious fragrant lemon flavour and is used in teas, cold drinks, soup and sauces. Use fresh rather than dried. Medicinally has a calming affect on a nervous stomach, colic or heart spasms. It is gentle acting and often suggested for children and babies. Hot lemon balm tea is good for colds. Use with discretion - lemon balm is potent.

Marjoram Sweet - SM820
(Origanum majorana horensis)
Annual to 60 cm. Known as Knotted Marjoram. Transplant to a warm, sunny location in well-drained soil. Flowering shoots can be dried for winter use. Medicinally said to be particularly helpful for gastritis. Oil used for varicose veins and rheumatism. In cookery, add at the last moment to adds its pleasant aroma and distinctive taste. Particularly useful for tomato, cheese and red-meat dishes.
Companions: very wide application for all beans, brassicas, curcubits, alliums, asparagus, beets, carrot, celeriac, celery, chive, corn, eggplant, lettuce, parsnip, pea, peppers, radish,
spinach, tomato and turnip.

Oregano - SO900
(Origanum vulgare)
Perennial. A good fragrant ground cover. Prefers warm dry position in chalky gravelly soil in full sun. Also called Wild Marjoram. Widely used in Spanish, Italian, Mexican cookery. Good accompaniment for all types of meat, tomatoes, potatoes. Particularly associated with Neapolitan cookery and gives the distinctive flavour to pizza. It is said to improve digestion, reduce muscle spasms, inflammation and it is indicated to have some ability in removing intestinal worms. Diluted oil is sometimes used on insect bites, toothache and skin fungi. Used in a bath and as an inhalant steam for respiratory congestion.

Parsley
(Petroselinum hortense)
Popular culinary herb as an ingredient and a garnish. It likes a rich moist well drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Once established it will self-seed. It stimulates the appetite and blood flow to digestive organs.
Companion: asparagus, carrot (repels carrot root fly) and tomatoes.

Triple Curl - SP830
Most recognised and popular variety for fresh use. Known as Moss Curled.

Italian - SP820
Biennial. Flat leaves with strong flavour that is known as Continental, Plain or French Parsley. Used for commercial dried parsley. Less decorative than curled varieties as garnish.

Rosemary - Bush - SR901
(Rosemarinus officinalis)
Perennial. An attractive shrub with dark green leaves and blue flowers that is grown for ornamental and culinary qualities. It prefers well-drained, limey soil. Used as a flavouring for meat like lamb. Retains flavour well when dried.
Companions: beans, cabbage, carrot, parsnip and sage.
Incompatible: tomato.

Sage - SS30
(Salvia Officinalis)
Hardy perennial evergreen shrub with pale grey-green leaves that grows to 60cm tall. Useful culinary herb in salads, punches, stuffing's and particularly in seasoning pork. Retains flavour well when dried. Widespread medicinal/cosmetic use as dark hair rinse; mouth-wash / teeth-whitener and for rheumatism. Attracts bees. It thrives in full sun and light sandy soil.
Companions: bean, cabbage, carrot, parsley, pea and rosemary.



(Tanacetum vulgare)

Tarragon
(Artemisia dracunculus)
Russian - ST830
Perennial to 70 cm. It likes very well drained, fairly rich soil in a warm sunny sheltered spot but will grow well in poor soil. Flavour is regarded as inferior to French Tarragon due to lack of anise like taste. This does improve as the plant ages. Leaves are used as seasoning. It relieves digestive problems,catarrhal difficulties and when chewed relieves toothache. As a tea it helps overcome insomnia and stimulates the appetite.
   
Thyme - Garden - ST850
(Thymus vulgaris)
Perennial to 30 cm. It likes dry sunny spot, chalky soil. Grow in a bright spot indoors for continued supplies in winter and convenience. Probably originated in the Mediterranean and introduced to Northern Europe by the Romans. It retains flavour well when leaves dried or used fresh. Use with meat dishes and stuffing, shellfish, in cottage or cream cheese, salad dressings, sauces and soups. It aids digestion of fat and contains Vitamin C. Main medicinal role is as an antiseptic used externally on wounds or internally for respiratory and digestive infections, an expectorant, an antispasmodic and a carminative. An excellent cough remedy, easing sore throats and soothing irritable coughs. As a tea use as remedy for headaches and other nervous ailments, plus it prevents mildew.
Thyme - Wild - ST860
(Thymus serphyllum)
Known as creeping or mountain thyme. A low growing aromatic perennial ground cover with fragrant flowers and it is smaller than garden thyme with a milder flavour. It likes dry sunny spot with chalky soil in a well-drained position. Use fresh leaves for salads and vinegar's and use dried thyme to season meats, poultry, fish, soups, sauces, cheese dishes and stuffing's. Main medicinal role is as an antiseptic, an expectorant, an antispasmodic and a carminative. An excellent cough remedy, easing sore throats and soothing irritable coughs. It helps to destroy intestinal worms. As a tea use as remedy for headaches and other nervous ailments.

Eco Flowers

Alyssum
(Lobularia Maritima)
Likes to be in full sun / partial shade in well drained soil. Very important companion plant because it encourages other beneficial insects.
Interplant in all areas. Can carry over seasons in sheltered spot.

Snow Crystal - SA045
Annual. Provides flowers of white, pink, rose and violet. Dwarf variety. Height 6 cm.

. Calendula - SC805

- OFNZ 1135
(Calendula officinalis)
Hardy annual. Very easy to grow. Known as Garden or Pot Marigold. It tolerates a wide variety of soil in full sun but prefers loam. The yellow-orange flowers and leaves have a wide range of medicinal uses. Petals and flowers can be used in salads. Very important companion plant as encourages other beneficial insects. Interplant throughout the garden. Self seeds.

Chamomile - Lawn - SC835
(Chamaemelum nobile)
Hardy perennial. Sometimes called Roman Chamomile. Excellent for small or large areas. Establishes quickly in 5-6 weeks with a spreading root system. 300 plants to approx 8-10m2. Can be mown every 3-4 weeks or left to flower from mid summer to autumn. Flowers up to 30 cm high. Enjoys foot traffic that releases fragrances.

Marigold African SM090
(Tagetes var. erecta)
A tall growing plant to 80 cm. A very easy plant to grow and ideal for children. Enjoys a wide range of soil and sow in spring after the frosts. Plant as a border or interplant throughout the garden or in a greenhouse near the openings. Attracts predators like the hover fly and other beneficial pollinators to the garden. Scent confuses other insects especially white fly in greenhouses thus hiding your crop. May need staking and care that it doesn't shade other plants.

  Nasturtium - SN100

- OFNZ 1135 (Tropaeolum majus)
Annual. It is very easy to grow. It likes full sun or partial shade. The yellow, orange, red range of coloured flowers will bloom all summer. Its other name is Indian Cress. You use the flowers, young leaves and fresh seed pods in salads or sandwiches to give a refreshing, peppery taste. As a sacrificial plant, it will attract the black aphid from other crops. It grows to 30 cm.

Phacelia - SP150
(Tansy Leaf)
(angietifolia)
Annual. Very hardy. It grows to 60 cm producing masses of lavender blue flowers. Attracts bees and hoverflys. Hoverflys particular enjoy eating aphids. Very easy to establish in light or poor soil and has a high organic mass for soil conditioning.

Sweet Pea
(Lathgrus Odoratus)
Good for interplanting with crops such as peas to enhance pollination. Allow space between food and flower crops to avoid competition. Enjoys the full sun.

Mammoth Mixed - SS414
Annual. A mutiflora mix with long stems and large flowers.

Perfume Delight - SS416
Annual. Highly fragarant small flowers are a delight.

Royal Mixed - SS415
Annual. Vigorous early flowering with large flowers on longer stems. Eight colours.

 

Fruit

Cape Gooseberry - SC190- OFNZ 1135
(Phyalis peruviana)
Perennial to 1m. Produces marble-sized golden fruit with a unique taste. Each fruit is individually encased in a netted skin which is easy to remove. Originally from South America and introduced to New Zealand. It fruits in Autumn. It produces heaviest crops in first and second year.

Passionfruit - SP400
(Passiflora edulis)
Perennial vine that requires trellis or similar growing frame. It grows to 6 metres with deep green foliage producing round purple or black fruit 5 -10cm across. It requires a pretty much frost-free climate. Gross feeder.

Tamarillo- ST300 approx. seed per pack 15
RUBY RED
Tree Tomato. Perennial shrub to 3 meters. Requires warm situation with shelter. Extremely frost sensitive. Attractive indoor plant for first 1-3 years. Produces vibrant red coloured egg shaped fruits. White fly can be a problem, treat with garlic spray.

Crop Cover
The green manure is a great aid to improving soil fertility by raising the organic matter and fixing the nitrogen from the air to the soil using legume plants. Use to replenish the soil mainly when wintering the garden or between crops as part of crop rotation. Sow in the autumn after the summer crops finish or you may sow it in the spring. When sowing by hand - broad-cast and lightly rake in. In early spring, chop the green manure into small pieces. Either you incorporate it into the first 5 cm. of soil or leave as mulch and plant seedlings through it. Harvest for use in your own compost. The soil needs regular rest and green manure crops make an ideal bed. ecoseeds works to provide a bio-diverse seed mix formulated to suit the basic soil types. It contains seeds of plants: Clover, Mustard, Oats and Blue Lupin that build organic matter into the soil and/ provide nitrogen. There are three grades to best suit your soil type.
Light Soil - CC100
Medium Soil - CC105
Heavy Soil - CC110

Information Notes
Information from lectures given around the Wellington region covering the following:-
LI010 - Propagation - Seed, Cuttings, Division
LI020 - Companion Planting
LI030 - Compost
LI040 - Pest and Disease Control
LI050 - Organic Garden Design
All are easy to follow outlines for the acquiring organic gardener. Good for introductory purposes.
$3.00 per paper, $12.00 for all 5).

Composting
The art of composting is as interesting as it is varied. The diverse end result can be determined by the initial materials used, processing the composting material and length of time from making to using.
Organic material has a carbon / nitrogen ratio (c:n). This is a prime factor in composting as nitrogen is used by micro organisms to break the carbon material down. The c:n ratio can therefore determine the quality of the final product and the time taken to achieve it. For example, sawdust has a very high carbon content that requires additional high nitrogen material and for this reason grass clippings mixed in would assist.
Air (or the oxygen) is a vital component as micro organisms require this as well as the nitrogen. This is why a compost is turned and causes the heating-up process.
Most home gardeners have trouble collecting enough material to provide the bulk necessary for the heating to start. One solution could be with neighbours or friends who garden and compost building would happen at each others house on a roster system.
The container for a compost can be just about anything that allows air flow and holds about a cubic metre or more - chicken mesh or similar about 1 metre diameter. pegged into the ground would suffice. Remember to cover to stop the rain leaching the compost.
Several containers can then be used to turn the composting material and the final container providing a clean rich loam.
Worms are extremely beneficial and will find their way into the compost if there is contact with the ground. If not introduce them once the compost has cooled down
- otherwise they will cook!.
A well made compost should not smell. If it does try turning the compost and if wet add dry material.

Crop Rotation Information
Crop rotation, where space is available can be very helpful in avoiding crop specific diseases and pest build up while also helping to balance soil nutrients. Some of the vegetable families are susceptible to soil-borne disease which once established can take years to remedy. Club root in brassica crops for example.
Weed suppression is enhanced when the crop changes each year and the growing conditions are different. Soil nutrient depletion is lessened as different plants require different nutrient levels. It is best to leave at least two, preferably three or more years before returning the same crop to the same plot.
It is also wise to follow heavy feeding crops with perhaps a green manure crop that will return organic matter and nitrogen (via legumes) to the soil. The more complex the rotation and the longer the time between the same crops gives a better crop.
It can be seen that record keeping is essential to maximise crop rotation as an organic management tool. The two diagrams show the most basic of rotations and they can be far more complex. Note the addition of compost throughout the cycles and this shows the importance of adding organic matter. Compost should be well matured.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rotation Drawing


Extracts from the Information Notes

Introduction to Companion Planting
Organic gardening is the emulation of nature and the natural on-going process, enhanced and maximised within these natural parameters. This can be based on a few basic principles which when carried out correctly produces a garden that provides without the intervention of chemical application. Probably the easiest way to relate the concept of an organic garden is to think of a natural forest where a balance is the occurring process. For example as new growth is on-going so is the decay process and all natural activity is giving life or indicates the life force or life energy.
Bio diversity is a main key to successful organic gardening. Bio diversity means the number of different flora and fauna in the garden and how they interact with each other. To help achieve and manage an organic garden, successful companion or interplanting is another main area to look at. In association with this concept of companion planting are areas such as crop rotation. This is where specific crops follow each other thus providing microclimates suitable for the following crop especially in regard to soil conditioning. Another area is compost making to ensure the soil balance is correct and able to support the garden.
Companions: To Attract Predators And Pollinators
Early flowering plants encourage pollinators to the garden and as most plants rely on pollination, the longer the flowering period the better. Pollinating plants can be utilised to enhance the pollination rate of less attractive flowers e.g. sweet pea planted amongst pea and beans. Around the vegetable garden and fruit trees, flowering plants attract pollinators.
Flowering companions plants such as the poached eggplant encourages the hover-fly and other predatory insects.

Introduction to Composting

The art of composting is as interesting as it is varied and can be seen as the essence of organic gardening. Nature uses composting as the method for the renewal of life with the constant decay of material falling on the ‘workshop’ floor creating a continuous composting operation. In our gardens we interrupt this normal cycle when we take out some of the organic material (vegetables, fruit, flowers, even weeds). Using a compost system allows us to return humus to the soil. The single most important element to fertility.
We participate in this natural action when we make compost and activate a process that involves a notable interaction of billions of microscopic life forms. If we can imagine our composting as a cake making exercise, then the raw ingredients should have suitable relative amounts of nitrogenous and carbonaceous materials, oxygen and water that are mixed well. Once prepared the work force can set to work. This army of bacteria, fungi and various other life forms then ‘bake’ the mixture. The result looked for is a beautiful sweet smelling brown/black crumbly compost The diverse end result is determined by the initial materials used, the processing of the composting material and length of time from making to using the compost.
Aerobic
Gaining enough material for the aerobic heap can be a problem. Storage of material may be possible as one solution or a roster system with a few friends and neighbours may be another (gather materials from various gardens at one area each weekend, this could be on a revolving system, from property to property. Be sure that invasive material is left out).

 
Introduction to Garden Design
Styles

Apart from nature's design there are two basic garden designs - the formal and the informal. Formal gardens tend to exhibit classical symmetry with garden beds, pools, terraces, paths and other features having straight lines and sharp (right angle) corners. Formal gardens need not be complex and grand but can be in a simple form and quite often the simple is the most striking. Informal gardens tend to mold into the natural environment with garden beds, terraces. In a curved form which can sweep along the lands features. Gardens and lawns, paths and walkways can be irregular in shape and size and one gentle arc can lead to another.

Basic Design Principles
Well-designed gardens make use of three basic design principles - balance, proportion and repetition. These three are used to gel the garden and help create a harmonious whole.
Balance
Balance is achieved when two sides to a central point are similar in size or visual weight. Balance lends to the viewer a higher sense of peacefulness and rest. This is not a mirror image situation of identical plant and/or planting’s. Rather for example it is when a clump of several good-sized plants balance one large plant.
Proportion
The features in a garden such as plants, beds, lawns and includes garden buildings such as sheds and greenhouses. They should be in good scale in relation to each other in size.
 
Limitation Of Liability
We take care to supply goods as described. However we can only extend the same degree of liability offered to us as our suppliers. All sales are made on the following conditions:
The liability of ecoseeds limited for any loss, damage or injury arising directly or indirectly from any misdescription defect or non compliance of the goods supplied or for any failure to produce crop desired is limited to the retail purchase price of the goods.
If such liability is accepted by ecoseeds limited, ecoseeds limited will at its option either replace the goods or pay damages not exceeding the retail price of the goods. ecoseeds limited will not be liable for any consequential damages or loss of any kind whatsoever. Any mention of the medicinal properties of plants is for information only and is not to be taken as a recommendation of suitability in any particular case. If you are intending to use herbs medicinally, we urge you to consult a qualified herbalist or medical practitioner. However, having said that, we do not wish to appear unreasonable and if you are in any way disappointed by the quality of any product supplied, please contact us.