Soggy summer, increased demand in US, Europe could lead to seed shortage for home gardeners
By APMonday, February 1, 2010
Wet summer, more demand could create seed shortage
DES MOINES, Iowa — Home gardeners might have a hard time finding some seeds this year.
Seed dealers say wet weather that made for a poor growing season last year and increased orders from Europe could result in a shortage of seeds this spring for the most popular cucumber variety and some vegetables.
Bill Hart is in charge of seed purchasing at Chas. C. Hart Seed Company in Wethersfield, Conn., and he says his company hasn’t been able to get seeds for sugar snap peas at all.
Others say open-pollinated cucumbers seem most scarce, but carrots and onions also may be in short supply.
Kathy Gocke of Bondurant, Iowa, says she orders her seeds early and advises other gardeners to do the same because there’s always a good supply before Jan. 1.
