By Margaret Gilmour

We’re rounding out our seed week with a seed feast for your senses, found at  D. Landreth Seed Company. This local seed company celebrated its 225th birthday last year, making Landreth the oldest seed house America. It all began in 1784 when David Landreth started his first garden center on High Street–now 1210 Market Street–in Philadelphia.

For three centuries the company provided us with one of the most extensive selections of seeds in the world. It’s said that they sold packs to every U.S. president from George Washington to Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Seven years ago Barbara Melera purchased D. Landreth Seed Company and moved it to rural New Freedom, Pa. Her plans then were to rebuild the company to its original greatness (by the time she purchased Landreth in 2003 the company was selling mostly grass seed).

A huge endeavor, for sure, but I’d say Barbara has succeeded. If you love seeds, both rare heirlooms and new varieties, check out their catalog and I guarantee you’ll be placing an order for one or two seed packs (if not more).

That’s because nowadays Landreth is selling heirlooms famous in past along with seed collections that Barbara introduced, including an African American collection based on the foods and heritage of the African people.

And perhaps just as exciting as the new assortment of seeds is the reintroduction of the zinnias the founders brought to the U.S. centuries ago. I experiment with a cut-flower garden each year and can’t wait to see my Landreth zinnias in bloom.

So, it’s time to gather your seeds, get out the grow lights and a bag of soil, pots or peat pellets, and plan your garden. Really, is there any better way to celebrate spring? Which, by the way, happens in just a few, sunny days.

Some growing tips for tomatoes from Tim Mountz of Happy Cat Organics:

• start seeds indoors 5-6 weeks before planting out, or buy healthy seedlings from a local source (big box stores may sell diseased plants unknowingly); (more…)