Last year’s attack of late blight may have been due to plant material that came from outside our region. A way to ensure quality and support biodiversity — an important component of a safe and healthy food system — is to be aware of where your gardening supplies come from and to start your vegetables from seed. Here is a partial list of sources for vegetable seeds and plant material produced in New England:

• [1] Fedco Seeds, Waterville, ME (organic & conventional/non-GM)

• [2] [8] High Mowing Organic Seeds*,  Wolcott, VT (organic)

• [3] Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Winslow, ME (organic & conventional/non-GM)

• [4] The Maine Potato Lady, Guilford, ME (organic)

• [5] Turtle Tree Seed, Copake, NY (biodynamic & organic)

• [6] Wood Prairie Farm, Bridgewater, ME (organic)

On a national level, the [7] Safe Seed Pledge is another resource for locating non-GM seeds.

If you’re unsure if the seeds are non-GM (genetically-modified) or where they are from, or maybe just wondering which end to plant up, ask! Whether contacting by email or by phone, you’ll have access to a wealth of knowledge and, more often than not, may find yourself talking to the owner. As an alternative, do remember many local farmers will be offering seedlings for sale as we get closer to Spring.

Note: *We are looking forward to featuring seeds from [2] [8] High Mowing Organic Seeds at our next Winter Farmers’ Market this Saturday, January 23rd, in Rollinsford. Make sure to stop by the Seacoast Eat Local table — all proceeds go to supporting the Winter Farmers’ Markets!