Seeds do not only provide us with food to eat, but they represent the future and also allow us to reflect on our history. They are heirlooms, a connection to our ancestors and their stories. In this episode, on Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate stories of Asian culture and connection to nature and food through seeds, with YC Miller from Kitazawa Seed Company. YC walks us through the importance of preserving our heritage through seeds and the stories we share and tells us heartwarming stories from Kitazawa customers on how a simple vegetable can carry so much family history and pride. Let's dive in!Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society!The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection.Click here to join us!Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast,so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up!In this episode we learn:[00:49] Have you heard about this MAJOR announcement?[02:34] How YC became the plant person she is today[05:24] How growing food can reconnect us with our heritage[09:56] Maria shares her family’s history with food as Italian immigrants[12:28] How two brothers built Kitazawa Seed Company[14:32] Why preserving seed diversity is an important part of the immigrant experience[17:44] Where and how does Kitazawa source their seed varieties?[22:45] The best potting mixes for your spring garden![24:25] Get your spring garden started with high-quality seeds[26:00] What are the differences between Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino eggplants?[28:05] What does the process of bringing a new seed variety to the market look like for Kitazawa Seed Company?[28:35] Touching stories on food and Asian heritage from Kitazawa’s customers[32:51] Different Asian recipes for bitter melon[36:21] YC’s recommended Kitazawa varieties for starters[38:01] How to grow gourds in your garden[41:00] YC’s current favorite plant to grow and their favorite recipes with it![44:20] Why you need to grow pak choi or bok choy[45:41] Where to get in touch with YC and Kitazawa Mentioned in our conversation:Kitazawa Seed CoEggplants (Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino)Korean peppersPerilla plantOkinawan bitter gourd or Okinawan bitter melonHerbs (Chinese leeks, Thai basil, bunching onion)Gourds (wax gourds and bottle gourds)Japanese cucumbersThank you to our episode sponsors:Territorial Seed CompanyExcited for this year's growing season? If you’re looking for plants for your garden, skip the lines at the garden center and let Territorial Seed Company deliver top-of-the-line, healthy and hardy vegetable plants right to your door! They have a great line of pre-grown plants, an expansive seed catalog, and over 40 years of experience delivering the best seeds and plants for everyone's garden. They are offering an exclusive discount just for listeners of Bloom & Grow Radio, use code GROW10 to get 10% off your first order. Order now at territorialseed.comEspoma OrganicEspoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To learn more about their pet safe indoor and outdoor gardening products, visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.Follow YC: WebsiteEmail: seeds@kitazawaseed.comFollow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio:PRE-ORDER LINK: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet!Take the Bloom and Grow Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadioTiktok: @bloomandgrowradioSubscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /BloomandgrowradioWebsite: www.bloomandgrowradio.comJoin the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club