Seeds to have for SHTF

That's a excellent idea and great questions,

So first, the climate does need to be considered, how you store the seeds is going to make a difference to lifespan and germination rate, there are seeds that were stored in clay in hot dry climates that are good and will grow a hundred years later, but ontario with its damp in the summer, and its cold in winter, are different matters.

Second, different seeds have different rates, so while some seed are typically good for ten years, others are only typically good for two or three years before you see a large decline in germination rates. In some cases with the summer heat, I have seen it get hot enough that with improper storage, seeds cook and won't sprout at all at a later date.

Good quality non-GMO, non hybred-1, hertiage seeds are not cheap, a single season's worth of seed for a average row will currently cost you low end 3 dollars, high end six dollars and if you want to feed your family, you will need dozens of them.. Even for a basic seed bank, I would not consider starting at less then hundred in the budget, which I guess by some could be considered cheap.

Ideally, you need to grow each of the plants and the breed you have choosen for a good number of years in your soils, in your climate area, you should ideally also know how to save seed from them, and how to long term store them for future use for you and yours.. be it curing, drying, canning or freezing etc.

On average we put 500 per year into the budget for the gardens/seeds/fruit tree's, fruit bushes etc etc

We just bought our seeds from http://www.cottagegardener.com/ and I especially like the way they place your cart on the right hand side and it remains there throughout your surfing process. They are also Pro-cert Organic Certified with producer certificate and process certificate. They not only have custom seed packs as well as an on-line catalogue. I also really like the selection from the menu, some very interesting varieties of fruits and vegetables with their opinions of how each f/v will taste and perform attached to each.

if you find issue with the site I am sorry for your troubles. This is my personal opinion I am not involved in anyway other way than as a consumer of their products. I am not trying to promote the site for any personal gain other than to offer another resource to my fellow preppers.

There is one fella that I knew that planted in rows, and the last 12-20% would be left to seed so that he would have some to plant the next year instead of having to buy them.

That is a cool idea...I shall take note. Thank you.