Every
garden begins with a seed, but the type of seed can vary dramatically from one garden to the next. The seed will eventually play a major factor in the shape, size and yield of your garden plants, so it's important to take the time to consider the differences between heirloom, organic and conventional
garden seeds.
What Are Heirloom Seeds?
Heirloom seeds can be one of the hardest and sometimes most expensive
types of seeds. Most heirloom seeds come from a strain of plants that is over 50 years old. The plants are usually open-pollinated varieties. This type of seed will be fertile and will produce the same plant year after year. Heirloom does not mean organic, but an heirloom seed fall under an organic classification based on the National Standard for Organic Agriculture.
Heirloom Seed Benefits
Most heirloom seeds, like those at
Rare Seeds will produce fruits and vegetables with more flavor than other
kinds of seeds. The taste is often more rich and robust. Another benefit is that there are more varieties of heirloom produce and plants than their conventional counterparts.
Heirloom Seed Drawbacks
The fruits and vegetables of an heirloom seed have a tendency to be less uniform in shape. This can work well for the backyard
gardener, but most commercial farmers get better sales with uniform fruits and vegetables. Heirloom seeds are also not as resistant to drought or disease during their lifecycle. Gardeners often avoid buying
heirloom garden seeds because they cost more and because they often yield less than a garden seeded with conventional starters.
What Are Organic Seeds?
The USDA organic label is upholds the rigorous guidelines of the National Standard for Organic Agriculture. If a seed falls outside the standard, it cannot bear an organic label. Under these guidelines, a seed must come from produce grown in soil free of unapproved fertilizers and unapproved insecticides. The seed must be natural and without genetic modification.
Organic Benefits
The old saying, "You are what you eat," is the main reason behind
organic gardens. Many believe that ingesting something genetically modified or produced with chemicals has a negative effect on the body with long-term consumption. The results for numerous studies have caused organizations to ban the use of past food production practices, and more studies are on going to evaluate today's practices. Organic seeds, like those at
Seeds of Change will give you the right start to produce a healthier garden as long as you stick to organic practices while gowning the produce.
Organic Drawbacks
Organic growing has two major drawbacks. First,
organic garden seeds cost more than conventional seeds. Second, gardeners need to use organic practices during the growth process in order to maintain the benefits of organic seeds. This makes it more difficult to maintain the garden than the conventional seeds.
What Are Conventional Seeds?
Most people use conventional garden seeds. This is the type of seed that you'll find in nearly all stores near the
garden tools. If you don't see an heirloom or an organic label, the seed packet contains conventional seeds.
Conventional Benefits
Conventional garden seeds are the cheapest seeds on the market. They typically produce a uniform product and have a higher yield than the other types of seeds. Many of the genetic modifications will allow the seeds to grow well in your planting zone, even if the crop is not indigenous. Other modifications will protect the plant from certain growing issues and insects, creating a more durable produce.
Conventional Drawbacks
Many of the seeds produce by your crop will be infertile and not produce another crop for you if harvested. If the seed does produce, it will not be exactly like the first seed you planted — it will begin to revert to the original plant it was derived from. Additionally, the produce of these seeds is usually not as tasty as the heirloom and organic varieties.
Finding the Right Garden Seeds
The type of seed you will use in your garden may be more important to you than ever before. If you are not an attentive gardener with the best climate for growing, use a conventional seed. If taste and purity are your main concern, choose heirloom seeds. If you prefer both options, consider an organic seed. It may provide you with just the hybrid that you are looking for. Find more information about
organic gardening at our DIY blog.
