Bit of a random question - I'm getting my seeds ready and just wondered what is the best kind / type of seed for carrots, cucumbers and melons?
Does anyone have any preferences (F1, Hybird etc.)
Everyone will have their favourite type, and prefered supplier. Mine....
Carrots - anything, I start sowing in March, and will sow my last in August
Cucumbers - Lemon cucumber as these are small apple sized umbers which daughter loves
melons - never had a great deal of success, this year have watermelon and canataloupes
I don't use F1s, and many people here don't, others swear by them.
I find Franchi seeds very good, excellent quality and BIG packets.
I don't use F1's, do not want uniformity and for everything to be ready at the same time. F1's IMO are bred for farmers who want to harvest a field in one go. Also believe that the older heritage varieties are what were grown before chemicals and that is how I grow them so they will suite my growing style better.
I don't use F1's, similarly to you Redclanger I prefer heritage varieties.
Crystal Apple / Lemon is my preferred choice, but if you can find it Boothby's Blond is a longer white cuc..... got mine from the HDRA (Grow Organic) heritage seed library!
;D