Seed Ordering for the Self-sufficient gardner

[Alan Halcon]

We have another good article on ordering seed for your self-sufficiency

http://dirttime.com/?p=1298

[damon1272]

Alan,
Good article but it left a few questions. What should people look to plant for which zones? Who are the better, more reputable dealers to go with? What tools and equipment should people need to have on hand to cultivate these crops and what kind of soils grow what best? Lastly, for southern california what is a less water dependant and heat tolerant crop?
Thanks

[Alan Halcon]

damon, all good questions.

I didn't write the article. It was written by Steve Gregersen as a primer to get folks interested in growing their own.

there are countless sites that can help with tools, techniques, etc.

What I will say is this, I know people who have amazing crops in areas that by definition should not support said crops. You would be shocked to see what a friend of mine has in Arizona... Unbelievable!

You want to see something awesome, here in Southern California, Pasadena to be exact?

The Dervaes family really has something special going

http://urbanhomestead.org/

there's also youtube videos of their home

[Chaparral]

Well for coastal LA County, I,ve had good luck with onions, garlic, chives, potatos including "red lasoda", blue, russets as well as sweet potatos(actually a different plant family) parsnips and all sorts of carrots. Fava beans, bell beans, garbanzos, black beans, lentils, polr neans including "romano, kentucky wonder" and "blue lake".

Jerusalem artichokes I havent tried yet but they seem to be a top choice.