You've found the famous Dave's Garden website! Join this friendly global community that shares tips and ideas for home and gardens, along with seeds and plants!
Check out the DG homepage for a brief overview of what you'll find in this gardening mega-site.
Login
If you don't have an account yet, visit the registration page to sign up.
I wonder if any one of you know about heirloom vegetables from the Scandinavian settlements in US. A lot of Norwegians, Swedes and Danish settlers did start a new life in Wisconsin, Minnesota and other areas where they could have a peace of land and stand on their own. Stories that I have heard says that quite many of them brought with them vegetable seeds from home.
I am involved in preserving old vegetables here in Norway, but have also connections in Denmark and Sweden. In Norway there are really not much to be found, most of the seeds on the list that I get offered from the Gen Bank are bred commercially after 1900, or even as late as the 1960. I have managed to find a really old pea, brought from Norway to Denmark in 1893 by a girl who went over to get married. Her granddaughter, who is still alive, groves this pea. But there are not many stories like this. I think we only have like 3 really old peas in the collection, the one I mentioned included. That's why I thought someone of you might know about anything.
I chase the old seeds, often preserved by pure luck. But also the stories of the people growing them, from were they came, any facts, would be most welcome. I can't offer any big rewards for the help, I do this on my own expense, but if someone wants to send me seed, I can send back other heirlooms, or a souvenir from Norway.
I keep my fingers crossed!
Gunn
This thread has 15 replies. This forum is accessible only to subscribing members of Dave's Garden. There are many free features here, and about half of our forums are completely open to all members. Take a tour of our site and learn more about Dave's Garden, and explore the benefits of becoming a subscribing member.
