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Sign up for a FREE National Young Farmers Coalition membership- sponsored by Johnny's!

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As a Johnny's email subscriber, you will receive emails packed with useful, timely information, including...

• Our monthly JSS Advantage Newsletter
• Seasonal Selection, Planting, Cultivation, Harvest, & Marketing Guidance
• Leading Product Reviews & Recommendations
• Notice of Sales, Special Offers, & Promotions
• Introduction to New Products & Emerging Trends
• Invitations to Regional Conferences, Fairs, Tradeshows, & Other Agricultural Events
• Links to Instructional Videos, Comparison Charts, Calculators, Growing Guides, & Manuals

Sign up for Johnny's Emails Here! 

Have Questions? Ask Our Growers

Save 10% on Selected Season Extension Supplies

Protect your crops and extend your season early in the spring and late in the fall. Season extension methods allow you to not only extend your season, but increase your yield. 

Explore Our Fast-Growing, Diverse Greens

Johnny's is pleased to offer greens from all corners of the globe.

 

All of our greens varieties can be grown to full size and many can be harvested at the baby leaf stage for salad mixes where they add wonderful flavors, textures, and colors.

 

Create your own custom mixes or try one of our popular, easy to grow pre-mixed selections.

  

Jean-Martin Fortier's "The Market Gardener"

Jean-Martin Fortier and
Maude-Helene Desrochas

ABOUT:

Jean-Martin Fortier is a market farmer in Quebec who, along with his wife, Maude-Hélène Desroches, and their two children, operates Les Jardins de la Grelinette. After 10 years of refining their craft, they’re able to support a CSA with over 140 members and attend two local farmers’ markets weekly.

Jean-Martin has clearly been influenced by the writings of Eliot Coleman, as many of his methods are straight out of Eliot's playbooks.  As a result, he employs many tools that were developed by Eliot and Johnny's. He has even named his farm after one of them. 'La Grelinette' is the French name for what we call the Broadfork, a two-handled fork invented in France by André Grelin in 1946.

Andre Grelin

THE BROADFORK:

The Broadfork was redeveloped in 1998 by Eliot Coleman and Johnny's Selected Seeds. For many years now Jean-Martin has been describing his growing strategies and use of scale-appropriate technology on a website and blog, where he promotes the idea of farming with hand tools (i.e., they don't have tractor) as an alternative way of farming professionally.

In 2012, Jean-Martin published Le jardinier-maraîcher, a 200 page manual for small-acreage organic agriculture. The book quickly became a Canadian best-seller and has sold more than 15,000 copies. In it, he describes (in French) the technical aspects of his operation and the tools that they use to make their labor efficient and cost-effective. Many of the drawings in the book illustrate Johnny's tools, including Broadforks (of course), the Tilther, several seeders including the Six Row Seeder, the Bed Prep Rake, Collinear and Stirrup Hoes, and the Wheel Hoe.

Le jardinier-maraicher

His approach is that 'small is beautiful'. That is to say that he keeps his operation small yet profitable, but it is more than that. It is also about enjoying life, enjoying what you do, and remembering to take time off regularly so that your work remains enjoyable. All this is feasible, he stresses, if your operation is super efficient all the way through.

THE MARKET GARDENER:

In 2013, Jean-Martin also set out to publish an English version of Le jardinier-maraîcher, and in January of 2014, The Market Gardener was published.

Our Tools & Supplies Product Mgr., Adam Lemieux, has this to say about the book:

 “Jean-Martin Fortier extols the virtues of being small-scale, and expertly details the use of scale-appropriate tools (such as Broadforks, seeders, hoes, flame weeders, low tunnels, high tunnels, and many other unique tools) designed specifically for this brand of farming. 

Jean-Martin Fortier

He picks up right where Eliot Coleman has left us, applying many of his cotre principles, but doing it in such a brilliant way as to provide beginning farmers with the information they need to start up and become successful small-scale growers themselves.”

Jean-Martin remains a tools collaborator and field tester for Johnny's; we are proud to carry this fine publication in our line of books. 

You can find The Market Gardener on our website here. 

Save up to 10% on Selected Seed-Starting Supplies

Some of our Research Department’s Favorite NEW for 2014 Products

Artisan Tomatoes

 Tastes as good as they look! Try them all; only Johnny's has the entire line up of Artisans.

 

Glow Pepper

 

Sweet specialty peppers from our Breeding Program.

 

Bel Fiore Radicchio

 

Stunning, adaptable, unique, and great for adding flare to a salad mix.

 

Raja and Suraj Eggplant

 

These mini eggplants that can be sold along with Ophelia for a tricolored eggplant container.

KN Bravo Radish

 

A purple daikon- color is inside and out.  Striking and unique!

Babybeat

 

The perfect fit at a time when beets are increasing in popularity and baby vegetables* continue to be trendy.

Adelaide Carrot

 

A true baby carrot*

 

Mini Kabochas

Single serving wintersquash.

*Please note: Babybeat and Adelaide are what we call “genetic minis”.  This means the variety is a mini or baby size at full maturity, as opposed to simply being harvested early/immature. 

Why go with a genetic mini instead of simply harvesting and immature full size variety?  Because the flavors will be fully developed and the tops will be proportional to the roots.

Standard Shipping Now Available for Canadian Customers

Our December Commercial Sales Team blog comes from Chris Siladi, Commercial Sales Rep for Canada. Here’s some background information on Chris:

Chris started with Johnny's in 1998 with over five years of experience working on market farms and in the fresh vegetable retail trade. He has enjoyed growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers for over 40 years. Chris has more than 15 years' experience helping growers in Canada and international markets, during which he has remained current with emerging farming techniques and acquired extensive knowledge of existing markets. He has helped many growers to become more efficient and successful while building a strong relationship between the grower and Johnny's Selected Seeds.

As the Commercial Sales Rep for Canada, Johnny’s recent improvements to our Canadian shipping process are especially important to Chris.

 

“Johnny’s now offering Standard Shipping to our Canadian customers means that they’re able to place an order on our website or through our Contact Center and receive the same rates that we offer our customers in the United States*.  You now have the option to choose the Standard Shipping rate indicated for the value of your order (see chart to the right). This is a huge change for Canadian customers! Before now, you could place an order on our website but a Johnny’s customer service representative would have had to contact you and let you know the various shipping options available for your order. Now, if you choose Standard Shipping as your shipping method, you can simply place your order online, see the applicable Standard Shipping chart, and you can continue to check out on the website with confidence that your order will be shipped via the Post Office and arrive shortly; no phone call is required before your order ships.**

 

 

“In the many years I have been working with Canadian growers, I’ve heard complaints that placing an order was sometimes difficult because a customer had to make a choice of various shipping methods. Now that our shipping process has been streamlined, our Contact Center staff is able to spend more time interacting with you about the things that are important to you, such as your choice of products, rather than the issue of shipping logistics.

 

We are confident this will improve the shopping experience on Johnnyseeds.com, as well as placing an order via the phone or by mail, for our Canadian customers. We are looking forward to your feedback on this new process. This change was prompted by our customer- your input is very valuable to us. Please do not hesitate to let us know how you think this new process is working.”

 To learn all the details about our improved shipping to Canada, visit Johnnyseeds.com now >>>

 

To contact Chris, you can reach him via email at: csiladi@johnnyseeds.com, or Toll-Free: 800-854-2580, ext. 5311.

Otherwise, for general inquiries about Johnny's Commercial Sales, email service@johnnyseeds.com and we will get back to you shortly, or visit our Territory Sales Representatives page at Johnnyseeds.com.  

*Canadian customers are not able to receive free shipping on orders over $200.00

** Please note, we cannot offer Standard Shipping on orders worth more than $1,000

 

New for 2014 Products - See Them Now

See the 2014 Catalog Cover and Explore our New Products

Don't feel like waiting any longer to see our NEW 2014 catalog cover? Well here it is! 

 

You can now also browse all of our NEW products at Johnnyseeds.com.
Let us know which new product is your favorite by leaving us a comment under this blog post.

Learn More About Johnny's Selected Seeds

This 10-minute film serves as a brief overview of Johnny's Selected Seeds. It includes a discussion of corporate philosophy, customer service, plant breeding, company history, employee ownership, product development, marketing, and international sales.

The video features several short interviews with Johnny's Chairman and Founder Rob Johnston, Jr. and Eliot Coleman, along with a few Johnny's customers and employees.  

Learn more about Johnny's Selected Seeds >>>

Preferred Tools for Lettuce Production

Did you know we have a chart that allows you to select tools expressly designed for specific lettuce production practices? Gain efficiency and optimal results in lettuce culture, from sowing to harvest.

You can click on the lettuce types and tool names/images to browse options by cultural stage and practice >>>

Below is a peak at what the Baby Leaf Lettuce section of the chart looks like:

To see the entire chart, which includes Head Lettuce (Transplanted), Head Lettuce (Direct-seeded), Salanova® Lettuce (Transplanted) and Salanova® Lettuce (Direct-seeded), head to Johnnyseeds.com >>>

View all of our current Lettuce offerings >>>
 

 

Interested in learning more about the Quick Cut Greens Harvester? Below are a few facts about this tool:

• One person can easily cut over 175 lb. per hour.
• Powered by a cordless drill, the harvester's 15" fixed and moving serrated blades make a smooth, clean cut.
• A rolling macramé brush pulls individual leaves into the blades and then throws them to the back of the basket.
• The neat, clean surface it leaves behind is perfect for those planning on a second harvest from the same bed.
• Vertically adjustable skids ensure precise, repeatable cutting height. The harvester is just as effective when the crop is more mature or "leggy."
• Comes with an extra serpentine belt to power the brush and has a universal mount which will accept almost any cordless drill; 18V drills work best (not included).

Good News for Our Canadian Customers

Same-Day Shipping

Orders placed weekdays by 1:30 PM Eastern Time will be shipped the same day. Exceptions include orders of products not currently in stock as well as orders requiring additional import documentation.

Standard Shipping

STANDARD SHIPPING CHARGES † (USD) Order Subtotal Add Shipping Charges $ 0.01–10.00 $ 4.00 $ 10.01–30.00 $ 6.75 $ 30.01–50.00 $ 10.00 $ 50.01–100.00 $ 12.25 $ 100.01–200.00 $ 16.00 $ 200.01–999.00 $ 19.25 $ 1000.00+ Call for Quote † Standard shipping rates cover shipping charges only. Duties & Taxes may be assessed and collected upon delivery, and are the responsibility of the recipient. All amounts shown are in US dollars.

When Standard Shipping is selected for a Canadian order, the order will be shipped through the US Postal Service (USPS), via First Class or Priority Mail, and will be delivered in 15–21* days. (Johnny's Selected Seeds will choose the best option for your order.)

Refer to the chart at right for standard shipping charges.

 Orders Valued $1000 or Greater:

 
 
Brokerage fees may be incurred for orders shipped via the US Postal Service if they are worth $1000 or more. All orders placed online equal to or greater in value than $1000 require that a Customer Service Representative contact the person placing the order, before the order is shipped, to discuss shipping options.

If you have any questions regarding orders worth $1000 or greater, please contact Johnny's toll-free at 1-877-564-6697, or email service@johnnyseeds.com.

 

Visit Johnnyseeds.com to get all the information you need when shipping to Canada >>>

• Same-Day Shipping
• Standard Shipping
• Orders Worth $1000+
• Additional Shipping Charges
• Other Shipping Methods
• Fees Collected Upon Delivery
• Backorders
• Payment Methods
• Restrictions
• Questions & Contact Info
 
 

A Word From Johnny's International Sales Department

Johnny's knowledgeable commercial sales team offers region-specific, year-round support to commercial customers. Our territory representatives offer information, resources, and assistance with:

Carmen Pepper

• Crop Planning

• Variety Selection
• Trend Awareness
• Regional Expertise

 We turned to our commercial sales team to offer their insight and expertise on the Blog. Our first commercial sales team post comes from Johnny’s International Sales Representative, Anthony Stevenson. Here’s a little background information on Anthony:

Anthony joined Johnny's International Sales Department in 2007. Anthony holds a Masters in Business Administration and is fluent in Spanish. He is the Territory Sales Representative for all countries excluding the United States and Canada. Anthony works to ensure his customers' success from garden to market by staying up-to-date with gardening techniques, culinary trends, and technical growing knowledge. Every spring he looks forward to starting his own garden — something he has done nearly every year since childhood.

Below, Anthony speaks to the various uses of Peppers throughout his sales territory:

A seed is only the beginning.  Tastes evolve, preferences change, and vegetables can have “a moment.”  In the fall, gardens are anticipated.  In the winter, they get planned.  In the spring, they are prepped and two, even three seasons of enjoyable labor yield a harvest that brings pride and a sense of accomplishment.  But in the beginning, all you have is the seed. 

Johnny’s has always been proud to supply our customers with seeds from our own award-winning breeding program.  My favorite vegetable is the pepper, and Johnny’s has bred many unique and delicious varieties.

Peppers are a very regional crop.  For example, what is grown in the American southwest and in northern Mexico is incredibly different from what is grown in Southeast Asia.  The good thing is that both types are fantastic and their differences should be embraced.

Italian corno di toro types like Carmen are sweet and can be eaten right off the vine or lightly fried or roasted.  Anaheim chilies like Highlander are used in the wonderful Mexican dish, Chiles Rellenos.  Serranos and Cayenne chilies like Red Flame bring a tolerable amount of heat to a dish.  But peppers don’t have to be eaten fresh.  A dried Poblano is an Ancho.  A dried Jalapeno is a Chipotle.  They can be dried and then pulverized or they can be pickled.  Peppers are diverse; with a myriad of different uses.

Gardening should be fun.  Go out and get some pepper seeds and have fun with them.  You won’t be disappointed.

Highlander Pepper

To contact Anthony, you can reach him via email at: astevenson@johnnyseeds.com, or Toll-Free at: 877-564-6697, ext. 5310.

Otherwise, for general inquiries about Johnny's Commercial Sales, email service@johnnyseeds.com and we will get back to you shortly.

What you think of the new Johnny's site?

On December 1, 2009, we redesigned the johnnyseeds.com website. The new site has been online a little over a month. Now we're looking for some feedback.

Tell us what you think of the new site by taking a quick four-question survey on our web site. Thanks!