Our Seed Packets Get An Eco-Friendly Artistic Upgrade (and We Couldn't Have Done It Without You!)

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Hello, fellow gardeners and seed enthusiasts! We have some incredibly exciting news to share. After years of careful planning and saving, we're finally making a big change to how we package our seeds. Say goodbye to our generic tiny plastic bags and hello to our new stunning, custom-designed envelopes!

The Importance of Your Support

Before we dive into the details, we want to take a moment to thank you, our amazing customers. Your unwavering support is what made this dream a reality. As our seed company has grown over the years, we've been able to reinvest in our business, including the purchase of our very own commercial printer. This opens up a world of creative possibilities: i.e printing our own envelopes, printing custom envelopes for customer's special events (weddings, parties, etc.) packaging our own hand blended teas (coming soon), printing our own catalogs (also coming soon), and much more!

Our Vision: Watercolor Wonders

We believe seeds come with a promise of beauty and abundance. That's why we wanted our new packaging to reflect those values. Our envelopes will feature unique, eye-catching illustrations crafted with a blend of digital and traditional watercolor techniques. Think lush botanical details with a soft, artistic touch.

Our vision is to set ourselves apart from competing seed companies in retail spaces and to add an extra touch of magic to our customer's gardening experience. Growing seeds should be exciting and adventurous, we are hoping our new envelopes will capture those feelings.

The Design Journey (We Want Your Input!)

While the designs aren't completely finalized yet, I'm getting close! I've sent out a couple dozen so far so we could receive feedback. Since we'll be printing the envelopes ourselves, we have incredible flexibility. This means we can easily incorporate your feedback, ideas, and suggestions during the design process. Do you prefer the thin stripe on the bottom or the thicker one? Do you like the colors, or the layout? Let us know your thoughts.

Information on the back will include the botanic name, weight, type of utilization for the pumpkin, general information, disease info, maturity days, etc.

Starting with Pumpkins, Then Expanding

Our pumpkin varieties are some of our biggest sellers, so that's where we'll begin our envelope revamp! Expect to see those gorgeous gourds in their newly designed packaging first. I'll continue working through our other seed varieties over the next couple of years, transforming our entire collection.

Stay Tuned & Get Involved

I hope you're as excited about the new envelopes as I am. I will continue to work on them in between completing orders. I'll also share updates as new designs become available. And remember, please leave a comment below with any thoughts and feedback you have.

Let me know your thoughts, suggestions, or feedback.

Changes and Growth: Blue Pumpkin Seed Co. Update

Hello everyone! I'm thrilled to share some exciting updates and completed projects from our seed shop. As a one-person team, I've been hard at work to bring you an even more diverse and user-friendly platform. I was able to complete about 70% of what I needed to get done, but I will continue to work hard throughout December to get more completed. Let's dive into the details of what's been done.

1. **Blue Pumpkin Seed Co: Variety Expansion: 90 New Varieties Added!

In our relentless pursuit of providing you with the finest seeds, I'm delighted to announce the addition of 90 new varieties to our collection. This includes an array of pumpkin, flower, herb, and vegetable seeds that are sure to add a pop of color to your garden. I've also added some new additions including Salsify and Tabaco (coming soon) Stay tuned, as I still have 36 varieties left to be listed!

Ou new arrivals section featuring the Spark F1 pumpkin as the main image.

2. **Seed Count Customization And Vine Type Addition

To cater to your unique gardening needs, I've made adjustments to the seed counts across the majority of our new varieties. I've added smaller counts (5 seeds) and larger counts (50, and 100) Please bear with me as this is a big project and I'm wearing all the hats for now, so bear with me while I work on extending this customization to our remaining pumpkin seeds.

I've also begun to add the different vine habits in the information section of each of our pumpkin, summer squash, and winter squash varieties. I know this will help you determine what to container, what to trellis, or what to grow in a more limited space. A lot of the new ones include this, I will continue to add this information to the other seed varieties over December. I will also be adding a disease-resistant section to each seed variety, this is also a project that will take some time, but I will work on it one variety at a time as I update information.

One of our seeds varieties with the new layout./

3. **Website Visual Overhaul

To create a more visually appealing and seamless browsing experience, I've refreshed some of our site images and added smoother transitions. I also changed the layout of the items screen to a more organized layout for each product. I didn't get as much done as I would have liked, but I will continue to add enhancements while the site remains open.

A screenshot of the new seed quantities we will be offrering.

4. **Changes in Canadian Shipping

We understand the importance of smooth shipping processes, especially for our Canadian customers. Due to the complexities involved in Canadian customs, Canada Post requirements, and tax regulations, we've made a strategic decision. Canadian customers are now directed to our Etsy site for ordering seeds.

A link at the top of our page redirecting Canadian customers to our Etsy site.

A 2nd link in our banner at the top of our site for our Canadian customers to click on to reach our Etsy site.

5. **Why Etsy?

Navigating Canadian customs, import taxes, harmonization numbers, provincial taxes, and varying tax rates for different provinces is no small feat. Unfortunately, our current website platform (WIX) lacks the customization capabilities required to comply with these intricate Canadian tax regulations.

By partnering with Etsy, we can ensure that all the necessary paperwork and tax obligations are met efficiently, as Etsy does all this for us. While we do incur Etsy fees, it's a more cost-effective solution than hiring a bookkeeper to handle these complexities individually. Every variety we offer on our website, we offer on Etsy with the exception of some seed varieties varieties that are considered noxious and are prohibited on the Etsy platform.

In essence, this shift to Etsy for Canadian orders allows us to focus on what we do best—providing you with top-quality seeds and exceptional service—while ensuring a hassle-free experience for our Canadian customers. Links are provided for our Canadian customers to visit our Etsy site to order seeds.

A screenshot of the main page of our Etsy shop.

6. **Clearance Extravaganza: Making Room for New Seed Varieties

Our cozy haven may be small, but it's bursting with possibilities. We operate out of a 10' x 15' temperature and humidity-controlled finished shed, with limited space. To make way for exciting new varieties, we've put a lot of our inventory on clearance. Check out each section on our site for incredible deals on quality seeds – it's a win-win as you get fantastic seeds, and we make space for what's next!

An advertisement for our clearance sale.

7. **Catalogs: A Project in the Pipeline

I've heard your requests for printed catalogs, and it's a project close to my heart. However, printing costs are substantial, and I'm working out the logistics. To make printing cost-effective for us, we would need to print a large volume of catalogs, more than what we anticipate sending out. I have started working on a pdf. version that will be available for download on the site in the future.

Progress on our catalog at this moment....

8.**Donations and Free Seeds: Growing to Give Back

While I'm not yet at the stage to provide free seeds on request, I'm actively working to grow our operations. Currently, I'm proud to support two local libraries – The Manitou Public Library in Manitou, Colorado, and Pikes Peak Library in Colorado Springs. If you're in need, check with your local library; many have seed banks willing to share the joy of gardening.

The front of the Manitou Public Library in Manitou Colorado.

The front of the Pike Peak Library in Colorado Springs, Co.

9.**Wholesale Dreams: A Work in Progress

Building a wholesale mini-site has been on my radar, but the journey has its challenges. Despite my efforts with WIX, a dedicated wholesale option is proving elusive. To streamline wholesale orders, I'm offering higher seed counts at discounted rates. Tax-exempt? Click on the wholesale option on our website, fill out the form, and let's grow together.

The wholesale main page on our website.

10.**Artistic Touch: Watercolor Illustrations for a Seed Packet Project

In the vast world of seeds, standing out is key. My enormous seed packet project is in the works, albeit a couple of years away. Bright watercolor illustrations will adorn our packets, a choice inspired by the desire to captivate attention, especially in the competitive retail space.

11.**Educational Endeavors: Seeds of Knowledge

The journey of gardening is filled with learning, and I'm committed to enhancing your knowledge. While time constraints have hindered immediate progress, I'm still working on expanding the free/learning section of our site. Stay tuned for valuable resources to nurture your green thumb.

Progress on our learning section of our website.

12. **YouTube Chronicles: "How to Start Seeds" Series

Videos speak louder than words. My YouTube channel is set to feature a series on "How to Start Seeds." From mimosa pudica to coffee, strawberries, lavender, and more, each video will guide you through the intricacies of growing different seed types. I had run out of time to complete the videos, but this upcoming gardening season is the perfect time for me to work on these as I start our seeds.

Some of the videos on our Youtube Page.

13.**Collaborators

Collaborating with partners across diverse social media platforms has been a learning journey. While the experience has been enriching, we've noticed that the anticipated returns, particularly through the use of provided promo codes, haven't met our expectations (negative ROI). Moving forward, we'll be offering gift cards based on the number of customers who navigate to our site through mentions made by our valued collaborators. We will offer an initial gift card (value depending on the number of followers). For every mention, we will offer additional gift cards calculated by the visitors who use the code. Equally, we can also discuss fees or sponsorships. It's our way of cultivating a mutually beneficial relationship. To enhance the collaborative spirit and express our gratitude for your support, we're introducing a fresh approach. and acknowledging the impact your engagement brings to our community.

In Conclusion:

Thank you for taking the time to explore the latest chapter in our seed-filled journey. Your engagement, curiosity, and support are the nutrients that nourish the growth of Blue Pumpkin Seed Co. I'm immensely grateful for your patience and understanding during our brief closure in November.

Running a small business is a labor of love, and I'm truly fortunate to have your unwavering support. As I navigate the seasons, I wear many hats – from fulfilling orders to counting and labeling seeds, tending to the garden, managing finances, overseeing our online presence across various platforms, and answering messages on FB, IG as well as several emails and messages on the website. It's a year-round endeavor, and your encouragement fuels my passion for what I do.

During the busy season, I'm fortunate to have a helping hand, but the off-season is a solo act, and I embrace each task with dedication and enthusiasm. Your understanding of the intricacies involved in every aspect of this venture means the world to me.

As I move forward, I invite you to share your thoughts, suggestions, and opinions. Your feedback is a crucial compass that guides our growth. Whether it's a seed variety you'd love to see, insights on our content, or any other ideas, your voice matters.

In the garden of Blue Pumpkin Seed Co., every seed planted is a shared endeavor. Thank you for being a vital part of our community. Let's continue cultivating this green dream together.

New Update USDA Hardiness Zone Map

Check your zip code to see if your hardiness zone has changed. This could impact when to start your seeds indoors, how long your growing season will be, and more. A link will be provided for you to check, read for more information below.

The New 2023 USDA hardiness zone map

Navigating Change: Exploring the New USDA Hardiness Zone Map

As the seasons shift and climate patterns evolve, gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike find themselves faced with new challenges and opportunities. One significant tool guiding our understanding of these changes is the recently updated USDA Hardiness Zone Map. Join us on this exploration as we delve into the nuances of this updated map and uncover what it means for your gardening endeavors.

Understanding the USDA Hardiness Zone Map:

The USDA Hardiness Zone Map serves as a valuable resource for gardeners, providing crucial information about the climatic conditions in specific regions. Recently, the map underwent an update in 2023, reflecting the evolving climate patterns across the United States. This update introduces changes in zone boundaries, presenting a more accurate and current depiction of the temperatures plants are likely to encounter in different regions.

Implications for Gardeners:

For gardening enthusiasts, this update brings both challenges and opportunities. Plants that were once considered borderline in certain zones may now find more favorable conditions, expanding the range of species that can thrive in your garden. On the flip side, some traditional favorites may face new challenges as zones shift. Understanding these changes is vital for successful gardening, as it helps you make informed decisions about plant selection, care, and overall garden planning.

Pros:

• You may have a longer growing window to try new varieties that take longer to mature.

• You can get a later start on your garden if you don't have it planned out yet.

• You can also get an earlier start on your seeds if you are starting them indoors.

Cons

• If your zone has changed to a lower number, you will have a shorter growing zone.

• Varieties you were able to grow before may have a shorter growing window.

• You may have to wait longer to start your seeds indoors if your last frost date has moved to a later timeframe.

Adapting to Change:

As stewards of our green spaces, adapting to the shifting hardiness zones becomes a key aspect of responsible gardening. Embracing resilient plant varieties, implementing sustainable gardening practices, and staying informed about local climate trends are crucial steps in navigating these changes successfully.

Practical Tips for Gardeners:

1. **Review and Adjust Plant Selection:** Take a closer look at the new hardiness zone map and reassess your plant selection accordingly. Choose varieties that align with the updated zone recommendations for your region.

2. **Stay Informed:** Keep an eye on local climate trends, and consider joining gardening communities or local horticultural groups to share insights and experiences with fellow gardeners.

3. **Experiment with New Varieties:** With the changing climate, now is an excellent time to experiment with plant varieties that were once considered marginal in your zone. You might discover new favorites that thrive in the evolving conditions.

We learned that we changed from 5A to 6A. This opens up a longer gardening season for us which means we have several new varieties we can grow.

Click this link to access the USDA's website to find out if your hardiness zone has changed.

https://planthardiness.ars.usda.govhttps://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov

Conclusion:

The updated USDA Hardiness Zone Map is more than just a tool; it's a reflection of the dynamic nature of our environment. As gardeners, embracing change and staying informed allows us not only to adapt but also to contribute to the resilience and beauty of our green spaces. Explore the possibilities, experiment with new varieties, and let this updated map be your guide in navigating the ever-evolving world of gardening.

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After Checking Your Hardiness Zone, Did Your Zone Change? Are There Any New Seed Varieties You Can Grow Now?

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