Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Seeds saved on the islands are already adapted to island conditions
• •Local provenance seeds outperform imports from different climates
• •Island gardeners passionate about self-sufficiency and heritage varieties
• •Seed packets are shelf-stable and easy to sell at markets year-round
• •Low shipping weight means online sales are viable

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Learn proper seed saving, cleaning, and storage techniques

   • •Seed quality depends on proper harvest timing, cleaning, and drying
   • •Poorly stored seeds lose viability quickly—proper technique matters
   • •Different crops have different requirements (wet vs. dry processing)
2. 2
   Start with easy-to-save varieties (tomatoes, beans, lettuce)

   • •Self-pollinating crops are foolproof—no isolation required
   • •These are the most forgiving for beginners learning technique
   • •High demand varieties give you immediate market feedback
3. 3
   Maintain isolation distances to prevent cross-pollination

   • •Cross-pollinated seeds produce unpredictable offspring
   • •Squash family, brassicas, and corn need significant separation
   • •Hand-pollination is an alternative for small spaces
4. 4
   Document varieties with growing information and history

   • •Stories sell seeds—customers want to know the variety's origin and characteristics
   • •Growing notes help customers succeed with your seeds
   • •Documentation builds your credibility as a serious seed saver

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Save seed from plants you're already growing for food
• •Simple kraft paper envelopes are charming and inexpensive packaging
• •Print labels at home rather than professional printing
• •Share stock seeds with other seed savers to expand variety
• •Start a seed library to exchange varieties with local gardeners

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Seed harvest happens in summer/fall but sales peak in spring
• •Properly stored seeds last 2-5+ years, allowing gradual sales
• •Low production cost means excellent margins once established
• •Year-round market presence maintains customer awareness

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Save more seed than you need—some batches fail or have low germination
• •Test germination before selling and update tests annually
• •Keep detailed records of isolation, harvest date, and storage conditions
• •Start with easy self-pollinating crops before attempting corn or squash
• •Connect with seed saving networks to learn and share resources
• •Consider Safe Seed Pledge to differentiate from GMO seed companies

Island Economics

San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:

• •Seeds saved on the islands are already adapted to island conditions
• •Local provenance seeds outperform imports from different climates
• •Island gardeners passionate about self-sufficiency and heritage varieties
• •Seed packets are shelf-stable and easy to sell at markets year-round
• •Low shipping weight means online sales are viable

The $500 Experiment

Test this idea before investing heavily:

Getting Started

1. 1
   Learn proper seed saving, cleaning, and storage techniques

   • •Seed quality depends on proper harvest timing, cleaning, and drying
   • •Poorly stored seeds lose viability quickly—proper technique matters
   • •Different crops have different requirements (wet vs. dry processing)
2. 2
   Start with easy-to-save varieties (tomatoes, beans, lettuce)

   • •Self-pollinating crops are foolproof—no isolation required
   • •These are the most forgiving for beginners learning technique
   • •High demand varieties give you immediate market feedback
3. 3
   Maintain isolation distances to prevent cross-pollination

   • •Cross-pollinated seeds produce unpredictable offspring
   • •Squash family, brassicas, and corn need significant separation
   • •Hand-pollination is an alternative for small spaces
4. 4
   Document varieties with growing information and history

   • •Stories sell seeds—customers want to know the variety's origin and characteristics
   • •Growing notes help customers succeed with your seeds
   • •Documentation builds your credibility as a serious seed saver

Where the Money Goes

Expected startup and operating expenses:

Don't Cheap Out On

Areas where quality investment pays off:

Smart Places to Save

Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:

• •Save seed from plants you're already growing for food
• •Simple kraft paper envelopes are charming and inexpensive packaging
• •Print labels at home rather than professional printing
• •Share stock seeds with other seed savers to expand variety
• •Start a seed library to exchange varieties with local gardeners

Cash Flow Considerations

Financial timing and planning notes:

• •Seed harvest happens in summer/fall but sales peak in spring
• •Properly stored seeds last 2-5+ years, allowing gradual sales
• •Low production cost means excellent margins once established
• •Year-round market presence maintains customer awareness

Risk Reducers

Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:

• •Save more seed than you need—some batches fail or have low germination
• •Test germination before selling and update tests annually
• •Keep detailed records of isolation, harvest date, and storage conditions
• •Start with easy self-pollinating crops before attempting corn or squash
• •Connect with seed saving networks to learn and share resources
• •Consider Safe Seed Pledge to differentiate from GMO seed companies