Not exactly, you cant get seeds on Amazon and as the OP's article says "Michigan has not banned the sale of American flags in the state. While the governor is now requiring that large stores cut off some sections of stores concerning gardening and home improvement, these supplies can still be bought online. We rate this claim false because it is not supported by our research."
You can't buy it on Amazon but the article says you can. "Usually ships within 3 to 5 weeks." is the result when you get seeds on Amazon. If you want to seed for this year you need to do it now beacuse its spring. This is why the stores need to sell the damn seeds. Have you seen the food bank lines or is that propaganda?
16,500 Non GMO Heirloom Vegetable Seeds Survival Garden 40 Variety Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017YET9K6/ref=cm_sw_r_apap_o6ldvOKW3UUX9
I bought this, this year. Last year I bought from herloomseeds.com they grew awesome but I'm still pretty new so picking was hard, this year I'm checking an easier route. The seeds from heirloom were amazing though, after transplanting tomato plants in solo cups I set 4 on the edge of my garden because I had too many. I neglected them, but all 4 fruited with big tomatos I couldn't believe it!
Thanks for the advice...15k seeds is quite a bit...what was more surprising is it was only $14 or so....Here is the link if you are curious. I can't wait to get started!
The link to your photo is not working.
It is hard to answer most of your questions without that link.
But a few I can answer.
As far as herbs go. You can do a lot of these in doors on a window. Only grow herbs that you are going to use, mint is really easy, so is basil, so are chives and garlic.
I just bought these seeds for my garden for this coming fall, winter, and spring 2017.
I have never used this company before but they have good reviews. If you plan on going organic I would get some neem oil right off the bat as it is a great natural defense for your plants and it is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
What kind of fruit are you thinking? Strawberries?
I've had by far the best luck going to my local tractor supply and grocery stores. Grocery store usually has a few packs of ball jars we can pick up. Our local tractor supply or hardware stores have seeds, even if they're not the fancy Baker Creek varieties.
Also, Amazon! I bought an heirloom seed variety pack for like 25 bucks. It's still in stock: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017YET9K6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Haven't sprouted any of the seeds yet but seems like a good enough deal.
I got this kit from Amazon and was pleased (mostly) with it. 16,500 Non GMO Heirloom Vegetable Seeds Survival Garden 40 Variety Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017YET9K6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6WNQPY5MTWYCT502B0GJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
So did you buy this?:
http://www.amazon.com/Heirloom-Vegetable-Seeds-Variety-Pack/dp/B017YET9K6
There are some seeds you can still start right now, like all the lettuces or the radishes.
I just googled for a vegetable sowing calender which fits you climate zone, this one should be perfect since you say you're living in Zone 8a: North Carolina:
So there are many vegetables you can still plant directly outside into your beds.