{"title":"Experimental Farm Network","description":"\u003cstyle type=\"text\/css\"\u003e\u003c!--\ntd {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value=\"{\u0026quot;1\u0026quot;:2,\u0026quot;2\u0026quot;:\u0026quot;The Experimental Farm Network (EFN) facilitates collaboration on plant breeding and agroecological research in order to fight global climate change and ensure food security for humanity into the distant future. Founded in 2013, EFN is composed of farmers, gardeners, plant breeders, and researchers, amateurs and professionals alike. The network's main organizing tool—our social networking website (www.ExperimentalFarmNetwork.org)—is free to use and open to all. We started a small seed selling operation to fund our larger organizing efforts. EFN is administered by a Philadelphia-based 501(c)(3) non-profit cooperative committed to social, racial, and economic justice, and dedicated to practicing organic agriculture along agroecological principles. brief description: EFN facilitates collaboration on plant breeding and agroecological research. Our main organizing tool—our social networking website (www.ExperimentalFarmNetwork.org)—is free to use and open to all.\u0026quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":340929,\"3\":[null,0],\"9\":0,\"10\":1,\"11\":4,\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":9,\"19\":1,\"21\":0}'\u003eThe Experimental Farm Network (EFN) facilitates collaboration on plant breeding and agroecological research in order to fight global climate change and ensure food security for humanity into the distant future. Founded in 2013, EFN is composed of farmers, gardeners, plant breeders, and researchers, amateurs and professionals alike. The network's main organizing tool—our social networking website (www.ExperimentalFarmNetwork.org)—is free to use and open to all. We started a small seed selling operation to fund our larger organizing efforts. EFN is administered by a Philadelphia-based 501(c)(3) non-profit cooperative committed to social, racial, and economic justice, and dedicated to practicing organic agriculture along agroecological principles. \u003c\/span\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"deitrich-s-wild-broccoli-raab","title":"Deitrich's Wild Broccoli Raab","description":"\u003cp\u003eDirectors of the Experimental Farm Network selected this exciting plant from the feral leaf turnips growing at the Deitrichs' farm in Salem County. They assume the plants escaped from an Italian farmer generations ago. Similar plants grow across the southern New Jersey region, but the plants at the Deitrichs' farm had already been informally selected by Chris \u0026amp; Sandy for years when EFN founders Nate Kleinman \u0026amp; Dusty Hinz took over selection. It's known locally as \"wild broccoli raab\", and some folks eat it every day it's in season -- and its season starts many weeks before anything else, often growing through snow. It's delicious raw or cooked (and especially good in scrambled eggs or just sauteed in some olive oil). Thanks to the Deitrichs' wise stewardship of their land -- eschewing herbicides, leaving lots of land unmowed -- and love for this plant in particular, a strong population thrives in their corner of southern New Jersey. These seeds come from the most productive, earliest plants, selected in an effort to re-domesticate it with all of its best wild properties intact. That process will continue, but for now we're happy to offer you this gem. This variety carries the Open Source Seed Initiative Pledge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e See planting and harvesting notes below\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 200\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScatter seeds haphazardly 2-4 inches apart in a prepared block of soil to your liking. No thinning necessary. The soil does not have to be perfectly prepared: this is wild seed that competes in hay fields with wild grasses. Give them a good initial watering and that should be enough to get them going. A biennial, it is best planted in late Spring, but can be planted well into late Summer and still provide excellent \"raabs\" the following Spring. Use the leaves as a cooking green before winter. Raabs are the tender green flower spikes they start shooting up the following spring. In South Jersey, they start producing mid March. Colder climates could expect the raabs to begin 2-4 weeks later; warmer places 2-4 weeks earlier. Come back and cut more raabs every 3-7 days. If you want to \"re-wild\" your own patch, stop cutting the raabs after a few harvests and let the plant go to seed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIsolate by 1\/2 mile from other flowering members of B. rapa, including turnips, napa cabbage, and bok choy to avoid unwanted cross-pollination. Allow seed pods to turn brown and dry before seed harvest. Protect from birds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3525206900776,"sku":"BRA-004","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/products\/deitrich_s_wild_broccoli_raab_SQUARE.png?v=1571609433"},{"product_id":"iraqi-reehan-basil","title":"Iraqi Reehan Basil","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese gorgeous plants somewhat resemble Thai basil or tulsi with a strong basil flavor with notes of anise and an irresistible fragrance, even in the field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe following description comes from Experimental Farm network:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"\u003eThis basil was originally collected in Baghdad's Sadr City at a local market called Al-Mustafa Market. It is traditionally included in a plate full of fresh herbs that are served as a side dish to an Iraqi meal. The Arabic word for basil is \"reehan\" or \"rehan,\" which comes from the root-word for \"smell,\" referring to its flavorful scent. (The prolific pop singer Rihanna’s name is actually derived from this Arabic word for basil!)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"\u003eWe know we still have a lot more to learn about this variety, such as where it was or is traditionally grown in Iraq, when basil became popular in Iraq, and how else it's traditionally used, but we and our colleagues in the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/iraqiseedcollective\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Iraqi Seed Project on Instagram\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eIraqi Seed Collective\u003c\/a\u003e are hopeful that by making it available here we might get some more answers soon. We believe it's likely this basil was grown both for its leaves and its seeds (which it produces in profusion). Basil seeds can be prepared and eaten much like chia seeds, forming gelatinous balls after immersion in water. There's a history of them being used in the region in desserts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60-70\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 86% on 12\/01\/2022\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow seeds on the surface of moist potting soil and keep it evenly moist and in the sunlight until germination. Start indoors, and later transplant in full sun 10-12\" apart. Continually harvest - this plant is a vigorous grower in warmer months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllow seedheads to dry on the plant. Cut the stalks below the lowest seed clusters. If necessary, dry the seedheads further in the sun on a sheet or table away from moisture and precipitation. When fully dry, whack the seedheads in a bucket, allowing the ripest seed to fall. Sift through strainers to remove the largest chaff, and then winnow off the lighter chaff with your breath, a fan, or the wind.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44061984096494,"sku":"HERB-076","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/products\/IraqiReehanBasil_2.jpg?v=1677518709"},{"product_id":"odesa-market-calendula","title":"'Odesa Market' Calendula","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis diverse landrace calendula was collected in June 1986 at the Odesa farmer's market in Ukraine by Kate Rogers Gessert of Eugene, Oregon, who recorded it at the time as a \"local type.\" She donated the variety to the USDA the following year, and they've maintained it since at the North Central Plant Introduction Station in Ames, Iowa. Due to my [Nate's] family history in Ukraine, and Odesa specifically — my great-grandparents fled anti-Jewish violence there in 1905 — I requested a small sample of the seeds in mid-February 2022, along with a number of other Ukrainian seeds. As it turns out, Russia would launch its ignominious invasion of Ukraine eight days later on February 24th.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn growing these seeds out, I had expected to feel nothing but enjoyment and a renewed connection to my ancestors — and I certainly did feel those things. But ultimately it became a much more bittersweet experience, not only because the beautiful calendula was such an incongruous reminder of the ongoing war — but also because the vibrant flowers proved to be a much more potent reminder of my own family's generational trauma than I ever expected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you care to read about that trauma, along with the requisite history lesson, please read a very personal post about this variety with family photos on the Experimental Farm Network seed listing page \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/store.experimentalfarmnetwork.org\/products\/odesa-market-calendula?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=6a85c3482\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDescription and photos by Nathan Kleinman of Experimental Farm Network.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 42-56\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~25\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90% on 01\/01\/2024\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDirect sow after last frost when soil is warm. Sow every 2\", 1\/4\" deep, and thin to 6-12\" per plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-description rte\" itemprop=\"description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSaving seed from Calendula is easy! Wait until the flower dies and the seadhead fully matures, and collect the dry, brown seeds. Lay out on paper to dry further, and store in an envelope within a container in a cool, dry place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44591741567214,"sku":"HERB-087","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/files\/odessacalendula.webp?v=1704909205"},{"product_id":"rhubarb-breeders-mix","title":"Rhubarb Breeders Mix","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhile most rhubarb is grown from clones of known varieties, it is actually quite easy to grow from seeds. Plants need to be protected during their first year from being crowded out by weeds, but by the second year they can generally handle life on their own, and by the third year a good seedling will be ready to harvest from. Rhubarb is a perennial plant that can live for decades. This breeding mix contains seeds from at least four varieties of rhubarb (including 'Tracy', which Experimental Farm Network also sells on its own), in a range of colors and forms, from deep red to nearly all green. Every seedling will be unique, allowing you to find the plant or plants that do best in your situation. You might even find one that is so strong, lovely, and delicious, that you begin dividing and spreading it around yourself, in which case you would have every right to give it a new name! There are very few cultivars of rhubarb available out there on the market, so additions to the genepool are always welcome. We know you'll have fun with these!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhotos and description by Experimental Farm Network.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDays to maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perennial. Harvest in 3rd year. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per pack:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~25\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination rate: \u003c\/strong\u003e93% on 11\/06\/2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \/ harvesting notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStart plants in trays with potting mix. This could be in a greenhouse or outside after it warms up. Transplant to garden maybe a foot between plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSeed keeping notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvest seeds when stalk and seeds have dried on the plant. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44592114696430,"sku":"HERB-088","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/files\/RhubarbBreedersMix1.jpg?v=1704921776"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2406\/3467\/collections\/nate_and_dusty_finel_efn_elmer_photo_dec_2017_ac01d486-7f2c-4c9a-b25d-75916e45ba15.jpg?v=1515453436","url":"https:\/\/trueloveseeds.sbs\/collections\/experimental-farm-network.oembed","provider":"Truelove Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}