Green Harvest specialises in seeds and plants that are the backbone of organic and permaculture systems. These include
a wide range of open-pollinated, heirloom vegetable seeds, rare edibles, living mulches, green manures and insectary
plants for beneficial insects.
Organically Certified Seeds
We are committed to safeguarding your health and that of the planet. That is why we are an organically certified seed
wholesaler #AQ620162, with AusQual Certified Organic
(
view our Organic Certificate - 159KB), which
allows us to pack and process seed and still maintain its organic certification and integrity. Our range consists of an
ever-increasing percentage of organically certified seeds with AusQual, ACO (BFA) and NASAA as well as non-organic seeds.
Many of the non-organic seeds are grown by us or a network of small growers, using natural methods.
All organic seeds are clearly marked
OG = organically certified.
Seed Quality
We specialise in high quality seed with a guaranteed viability and purity and so we appreciate very much when gardeners
let us if know they have an occasional problem with seed germination. This allows us to further improve our growing
information and triggers additional germination testing to pinpoint any problems. Germination testing is carried out
on a regular basis to check that the viability of seed is being maintained throughout the year.
Open Pollinated Seeds
Our seeds are nearly all open-pollinated and so are able to be grown again from seed you save yourself. Open-pollinated
seeds are genetically diverse treasures that have been passed on from generation to generation. When you buy and plant
open-pollinated seeds you are helping to protect this valuable resource for the future. The loss of genetic seed diversity
facing us today could easily lead to a catastrophe far beyond our imagining. The Irish potato famine, which led to the
death or displacement of two and a half million people in the 1840s, is an example of what can happen when farmers rely
on only a few plant varieties.
"The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reports that 75% of genetic diversity in food crops
was lost in the past century."
From Fatal Harvest, Andrew Kimbrell, Editor.
Seed Saving
Saving open-pollinated (OP) seeds protects our global food heritage. If you wish to save your own seed you need to follow
seed saving guidelines. Growing open pollinated seeds and saving some for next year's crop is a practical and economical
option for home gardeners.
Heirloom Seeds
Most of our open-pollinated seeds are also considered heirloom or heritage seed. These are herb, flower and vegetable
varieties that were bred and handed down by generations of gardeners and farmers. These varieties have stood the test
of time, gardeners have saved them year after year because they were recognised for their superior qualities such as
great flavour, good yield or disease resistance.
F1 Hybrid Seed
Only a small number of our seeds are currently not open pollinated. These seeds are known as hybrids or F1 (short for
F1 hybrid) and are clearly marked
"This is an F1 hybrid so is not suitable for seed saving" on the website and in
the catalogue eg Basil Nufar, Sweetcorn Max, Sweetcorn Legacy and Squash Green Button. Hybrid varieties
can offer an organic grower a particular advantage over an open-pollinated variety eg Basil Nufar is more resistant to
basil fusarium wilt, one of the most devastating diseases for basil growers. Hybrid, organically certified seeds are
acceptable under the National Organic Standard but growers would need to check with their individual certifying
organisation before choosing these varieties. Hybrid seed is the result of cross-pollinating two or more different types
of a variety to produce another. If seed is saved and planted from this hybrid plant, the germinated seed will generally
not grow true-to-type.
GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)
Green Harvest will never sell genetically modified seeds, we have a host of concerns with this dangerous breeding
technique.
Seed Packing
Our seeds are packed in plain paper, 90 mm x 145 mm, re-sealable packets with an inner cliplock plastic bag that is also
resealable. Our intention is to avoid as much as possible glossy paper and full-colour printing due to its greater
environmental impact. The paper packets can be composted. The inner cliplock bag helps greatly to maintain the seed's
viability as it resists moisture far better than just a paper packet alone.
Growing Information
Seed packets are printed with detailed growing information to help you with successful seed raising. In addition a free
leaflet
Successful Seed Raising Guide is provided with your first seed purchase. Or you can
read more here.
Seed Treatment
Please be aware that much of the seed retailed in Australia is chemically treated with fungicides. Green Harvest does
not use chemical treatments, our organic solution to weevils is
diatomaceous earth, the grey, powdery coating on some of our
seeds. Sometimes a hot water seed treatment is worthwhile if you have been having persistent disease problems,
particularly with brassica and tomatoes. This
article
by WA Agriculture is very helpful.
Our Seed Guarantee
We guarantee our seeds to the value of the purchase price for one year from purchase. We are happy to replace the
seeds, give you a credit or refund, whichever you prefer. Other than our guarantee to the extent of the purchase
price Green Harvest gives no other warranty expressed or implied.
Please join us in conserving our genetic heritage while creating vibrant, living ecosystems in our backyards which
will reward us with gardens that are rich and abundant, full of many forms of life.
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The Safe Seed Pledge
Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and
genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an
alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy, sell or distribute genetically engineered seeds or plants. The mechanical
transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological
risks as well as economic, political and cultural threats. We feel genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently
tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically
engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse
agricultural eco-systems and ultimately people and communities.
For further information on the Safe Seed Pledge
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Australian Seed Federation Code of Practice
Green Harvest is a member of ASF and abides by the National Code of Practice for Seed Labelling and Marketing.