Upstarts

Sara and Basil Machado
P.O Box 7176
Santa Cruz, CA 95061
831-458-4167
www.upstartsorganicseedlings.com

Markets: Aptos

Products: A variety of high quality, organic herb and vegetable seedlings, including hot and spicy oregano, holy basil, African blue basil, lemongrass and patron peppers. The varieties that Upstarts carry are either heirloom or hybrid and are selected for flavor and quality. The local growing conditions, as well as the vigor and disease resistance, also play a part in their seed selection.

History/Philosophy: Upstarts is located on the West side of Santa Cruz overlooking Monterey Bay. Sara and Basil are the first generation of growers and they have been in business growing and distributing organic seedlings since 1990. They raise their seedlings in seven greenhouses. Upstarts' primary focus is supplying seedlings to wholesale buyers at nurseries in the San Francisco, Napa and Monterey Bay areas. However, they love interacting with and selling their seedlings to people at the farmers market. Upstarts also does some contract growing for certified organic farmers who are required to have certified transplants. Sara and Basil are always looking for new varieties to grow, and watching for trends in the culinary and nursery industries.

Certifications: Upstarts is one of the first bedding growers to be certified organic. They have been certified by CCOF since 1990.