P.O. Box 6356
Traverse City, MI 49696
Phone: 231-631-2171
Email: info@arkseedkits.com

Blog

Four Tips for Summer Garden Maintenance

You planted your organic, heirloom seed kits and watched as they sprouted.  Now what?!  These are the four primary maintenance tips that we follow at Ark Farms. 1. Water, Water, WATER. Most plants prefer about one inch of water a week.  It has been especially dry in the Midwest, so we have had to rely exclusively on our sprinkler systems.  When we water, we focus our efforts in the morning.  Watering your plants in the middle of the day is ineffective because the light and heat cause the water to evaporate before it can be absorbed by the plants.  2…. Read More »


The Importance of Heirloom Seeds for Our Future

Gardening enthusiasts are always on the lookout for ways to enrich their backyard gardens and elevate the quality of their homegrown produce. One such approach is embracing the world of heirloom seeds, which not only adds a touch of history to your garden but also contributes to a more sustainable and healthier environment. Learn more about the importance of heirloom seeds for our future. How Heirloom Seeds Differ From Hybrid Varieties Heirloom seeds stand out from the typical garden seeds, otherwise known as hybrids, because of their unique genetic makeup and rich history. Passed down through generations, these seeds come… Read More »


Build Your Own Seed Kits

ARK Seeds is incredibly excited to start our spring planting (finally!).  We work really hard in April to start our very own heirloom seeds in the greenhouse.  From Brussel sprouts to basil to peppers, our team has been eagerly watching them grow in the greenhouse.  Now the time has come to transplant out to our 40-acre farm.  While ARK Seeds has been planting, growing and seed saving for quite some time, we know that learning and getting started for the beginner gardener can be intimidating – we were once beginners too!  ARK Seeds offers a build your own kit to… Read More »


Spring!

In Michigan, at our ARK headquarters, we had a week of above normal temperatures.  Yet, we know better than to start planting outside, so we began our summer planning and planting indoors (because of course, today, as I write, it is snowing)!  The growing season here is short, so we find huge benefit of starting some of our ARK heirloom seeds in a greenhouse early in the season.  Here is a great resource to understand your planting zone and create your own planting schedule.   The excitement of planting day, for us at ARK, is knowing that we have saved… Read More »


Seeds as Currency

Throughout history, civilizations have entered into various degrees of survival mode. Whether the cause was from war, competing leaders, lack of infrastructure, or disaster, humans have drastically changed their way of life in order to survive.  When studying these periods of history, most times, food insecurity closely followed.  As a result, the value of self-sustaining practices like homesteading and gardening drastically increased and those who have not planned or practiced fall behind.  For example, we saw a marked incline of interest in seeds and organic gardening during the 2020-2022 pandemic.  When food insecurity arises and people panic to find solutions,… Read More »


What sets ARK Heirloom Seed Kits apart?

  Packaging: Our seeds are packaged in a high quality, sustainable container or mylar bag, offering 15+ years of shelf life.  An important staple for emergency preparedness! Seed Count: Our heirloom seed kits include the largest seed counts of high calorie and nutrient dense foods (e.g. beans and root crops) on the market.  Heirloom and Organic: ALL of our seeds are organic and heirloom; they can be harvested, saved, and shared.  Our seeds are all grown and sourced in the United States.  Types of seeds here.  Seed Guide Included: We offer a Seed Guide that educates customers on growing, harvesting,… Read More »


Grateful November

As we enter into the holiday season, we want to take a moment and reflect on our year. Thanksgiving is a great reminder about the power of gratitude – with that in mind, let Ark take this opportunity to say thank you to all of you. We are ecstatic with the number of seeds we were able to disperse this year and further our mission and passion: providing the highest quality heirloom seeds in sustainable storage containers to bring food security and preparedness to our communities. So far this year, we have shipped kits to all 50 states, over 35… Read More »


October in the Garden

Our Ark team is busy as we enter in to fall – it is a family affair – we diligently work on harvesting seeds from our heirloom plants for your seed kits.  Specifically seeds from squash, melons, peppers, tomatoes, beans, lettuce, and herbs will be picked and prepped to be ready for incoming orders.  October in the Garden For some, the last harvest of the summer is a sigh of relief after the watering, weeding and worrying throughout the season.  However, for many of us, the threat of not having fresh produce adds to the feeling of seasonal sadness.  Rest… Read More »


Ways To Prepare Your Garden for the Winter

Unfortunately, the warmth of summer is slowly fading, and soon, fall will be upon us. Before the cold months get here, it’s important to protect your backyard produce. Here are three ways to prepare your garden for the winter. Soil Amending Soil amending, the process of implementing organic fertilizers such as manure, compost, kelp, rock phosphate, and bone meal, is often conducted in the spring. This is because soil amending helps boost the health and effectiveness of your garden, leading to a more productive yield. However, doing this during the early fall can ensure your soil remains fertile and active… Read More »


When Is the Perfect Time To Harvest Your Garden?

Growing and maintaining a backyard garden takes a lot of skill and dedication, and knowing when the perfect time to harvest your garden is requires a bit more experience. Here are a few pointers to ensure a bountiful yield. Season As a general rule of thumb, the best harvest time is two to three weeks after the first bloom. For most fruits and veggies—depending on unique species requirements and planting periods—this harvesting time falls sometime between July and September. This is especially true for outdoor gardens with common produce such as tomatoes and salad greens. Around this time, fruits and… Read More »


Subscribe

Receive emails about ARK,
new products, specials and more!

Newsletter