Of late, I have been interested in landrace varieties of fruits and vegetables, crosses developed over time to better resist local pests and produce better food. I want to try to find varieties that will grow well here in NC. At the very least, it'll be my small way of telling the seed companies where to go, as I am not going to grow a single modern hybrid or GMO.

I am seeking heirloom/heritage varieties of seed, things that maybe someone's grandparents grew (here or abroad) or that is known to be a regional favorite wherever anyone lives. I would like to add these unique genetic selections to my mix, to glean desirable traits, and develop plants that are eventually specific to my plot.

I am interested in corn, melons, squash, peppers, tomatoes, beans, really whatever anyone enjoys eating. We are closing on a property next week; and I will finally have the room to experiment. It's a dream about to come to fruition.

Please PM me if you can help. I can buy or possibly trade. Thank you.

May have what you need, bought from them in past and they been around a long time.

http://heirloomseeds.com/

* All the varieties of seeds we sell are open pollinated (non-hybrid) and untreated.
* None of the seeds we sell are genetically engineered. ALL NON-GMO.
* Selection of gardening books for the beginner or experienced gardener.
* A variety of garden supplies and non-toxic products for insect control.

John, here is one I've bought from before.
Baker Creek Heirloon Seeds who's web site is
www.rareseeds.com

Congrats on the new place. I think I mentioned seed savers before... Other sources for diversity that I like included Jlhudsonseeds.com http://tatianastomatobase.com/ http://gianttomatoseeds.com/ I don't have the space to preserve land races, but am growing (or thinking about it) a few African queen tomato, my favorite tom Painted hill sweet corn Glass gem pop corn I don't have enough of them to share, but other seed savers do ;)

Try good SeedSaversExchange (SSE):
http://www.seedsavers.org/

I have also bought from Baker Creek Heirloom seeds and have had good experiences
Another one is Seed Saver's Exchange- http://www.seedsavers.org, you can buy seeds from them and if you join their membership, they have list of members wishing to trade a huge amount of open pollenated seeds. I am not a member but I have browsed their selection and it is pretty extensive (https://exchange.seedsavers.org/index.aspx)- they claim they have 11,000 vareities
Congrats on the new place and I am in a similar zone to you so I would be interested to hear about your experiments

Thanks, everyone. Great links, many I did not know existed. A lot of the stuff will be set out together to see what happens. I'll also be out there with a paint brush, making sure certain stuff happens.

I have tons of spoon tomato seeds, they do well in SC so I would think they would do well in the aggressive north. They are what most modern tomatoes came from. Here is a picture and some info, I have red and white.
http://store.tomatofest.com/Spoon_Heirloom_Tomato_Seeds_p/tf-0464a.htm

I have purchased from heirloom seeds and rareseeds (only grain varieties) but by far the best seed source is http://www.seedsavers.org 

It’s really more of a seed exhange program and the veggie varieties are quite unique

Also Sandhill Preservation. Their catalog is just B&W print, nothing like Baker Creek (which, by the way I saw was selling for $7.95 at my local health food store). Sandhill's prices are great and so is there product!!!

John.

Just now seeing this thread. I must confess. I was a seed saver years before I was a fig grower.

I have 50+ varieties of seed from heirloom tomatoes. I also have a few types that are being referred to as "designer" tomatoes. They are open-pollinated, stabilized crosses of heirloom tomatoes. Also have just a few heirloom peppers and beans. I would love to work out some trades with you. I know I just sent you some cuttings but it looks like I need to shoot you an email so we can talk trades on seeds for figs maybe ;) .

Figs are the only thing that was able to push my love for tomatoes into second place :-) .

BTW, all the suggestions above are good ones. I've bought from seedsavers and was very happy with what they sent.

Another excellent suggestion is http://amishlandseeds.com/ I've also bought seeds from her. Very rare heirloom seeds. She's a one woman operation though. So you need to order early if you want the seeds by spring.

Bill, PM sent. Still looking for seeds.

John,
Victory Seeds has open pollinated seeds available for purchase online. I've never had a problem with their seeds or service and they have many rare heirloom open pollinated varieties. Good Luck.