All about heirloom seeds

Using heirloom seeds . It’s becoming an increasingly popular style of gardening. So what are they and why should you choose them?

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are are old-time seeds that have been handed down through multiple generations. They have been open-pollinated instead of hybrid and usually cost less. They tend to more hardie, adaptable and have great flavour.

Why use heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds range from fruits vegetables, plants and also flowers. Unlike commercial seeds that are used to produce quantity, heirloom tend to have unique colours, textures or tastes. Growing from a seed can also be a large money saving unlike propagating.

Are they organic or GMO?

Heirloom are not always organic as presumed. Many varieties are however they can be produced utilising fertilisers or pesticides. Check with your seed supplier first.

Are heirloom seeds organic or GMO?

A common misconception is that all heirloom seeds are organic. While many varieties are organic, some heirloom seeds may be produced utilising fertilisers or pesticides so it’s best to check with the producers of the seed.

You can be sure however that heirloom seeds are not GMO (genetically modified). GMO have been altered and modified whereas heirloom are natural and passed down through generations of growing.

Heirloom vs hybrid

Heirloom seeds are open-pollination naturally by nature. By bees, birds, insects, the wind. Hybrid are produced manually with the notion of cross breeding two genetically different varieties of seeds together to gain positive traits from both plants.

Growing heirloom

Varieties of herloom you may want to grow might include tomatoes, capsicums, pumpkins and potatoes, all of which are ideal for growning at home.

Planting heirloom

Plant heirloom the same as any other vegetable. Add compost to the soil to prepare. Dig a small hole for the seeds a couple of inches from the surface and cover. Water and use liquid fertiliser as needed.

Happy planting!

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from Garden force http://www.gardenforce.co/all-about-heirloom-seeds/