If you have read this blog for any length of time, you know how much container gardening we do throughout the year. I’m always looking for excellent sources for organic seeds, particularly when we are trying new crops. Not surprisingly, I paused when I saw the announcement that seeds from one of our favorite companies, Baker Creek, might help Jamaica recover from Hurricane Melissa.
What is the Company?
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. (aka rareseeds.com) has been our source for spinach, five color Swiss chard, scarlet kale, Roma tomatoes (among other varieties), numerous bell peppers, and edible flowering plants. Many produced well in the last two years, with the clear star this year being the Romas, which yielded enough for multiple jars of sauce.
Baker Creek’s website celebrates the company’s more than 27 years of sharing heirloom seeds and creating growing stories for urban gardeners like us, as well as those of you with enviable plots of land (love seeing your pics!!).
Why is Baker Creek Jumping into Action?
We watched in horror as Hurricane Melissa’s Cat 5 winds and rain destroyed once lush fields, homes, and, in some cases, entire communities. Families are struggling to get short-term food, water, and shelter, and the country faces long-term questions.
Baker Creek explains their special connection to Jamaica: “At Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co., we feel a deep connection to Jamaica. For years, we’ve partnered with a small team there on seed production and research. Thankfully, our team — based in Kingston and Portland Parish — is safe and already helping their neighbors. Now, we want to do more.”
How can Baker Creek Help Jamaica Recover from Hurricane Melissa?
Baker Creek is starting by donating 50% of their daily online seed sales to trusted organizations. This takes some of the guesswork out of donating in areas where we personally might not have trusted connections to get aid to the people who need it most.
Here are the details directly from Baker Creek:
From now through Friday, November 7, 11:59pm CST, we’re donating 50% of our daily online seed sales to trusted organizations providing food, water, medical aid, and shelter across Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Every order this week makes a real difference.
Did You Miss the Deadline?
Baker Creek also gives you the list of the organizations they work with, including World Central Kitchen, World Help, and the Jamaica Red Cross, so you can pick an organization and donate funds directly to them.
Our Final Thoughts
It might seem like a small thing we have chosen to do to help Jamaica in a great time of need. But then, so are most seeds. And we’ve seen amazingly nourishing change come from letting one seed back into the world. Even the tiniest efforts can yield great things.