I work with a group of handicapped individuals and would like to start a small "seed business" to promote self-esteem, help with skills, have fun and generate some money for a field trip or craft supplies. We would sell the seeds in house to parents, relatives and staff and perhaps someday to the community.

I need seeds from the almost "fail proof" catagory that don't need to go through any process but harvesting and making sure they are dry. We are in zone 5a.

I have the simple old fashioned blue columbines in my flower beds that dependably reproduce on their own. I thought I could use them. I'm going to ask staff members what they might have in their gardens to donate. (Maybe I'll ask in the seed exchange forum for donations? hmmmm.)

Hollyhocks? I've got some of the old basic type.

I've got yellow flags around my pond that I started from a clump I dug out along a ditch somewhere. They must reproduce by seed because they really spread. Would these be good for small water gardens?

What about wild daylilies?

Regarding zinnias and marigolds... what kind will produce seed true to their type?

What about milkweed seed for butterfly gardens? There"s plenty of that in the country where I live.

Thank you so much! I look forward to reading your suggestions. And now I think I'll go to the seed exchange and see if anyone would have donations!

Linda Renee

If this flies I will ask for a spot of ground at the job to start a garden for the purpose of seed harvest.