Why it Matters to Buy Heirloom Plants and Seeds

[jimLE]

Why it Matters to Buy Heirloom Plants and Seeds
The loss of genetic seed diversity facing us today may lead to a catastrophe far beyond our imagining. The Irish potato famine, which led to the death or displacement of two and a half million people in the 1840s, is an example of what can happen when farmers rely on only a few plant species as crop cornerstones.

One blight wiped out the single potato type that came from deep in the Andes mountains; it did not have the necessary resistance. If the Irish had planted different varieties of potatoes, one type would have most likely resisted the blight.

We can help save heirloom seeds by learning how to buy and save these genetically diverse jewels ourselves.


http://www.care2.com/greenliving/why-buy-heirloom-plants-seeds.html

 

[QuietH3art]

Why it Matters to Buy Heirloom Plants and Seeds
The loss of genetic seed diversity facing us today may lead to a catastrophe far beyond our imagining. The Irish potato famine, which led to the death or displacement of two and a half million people in the 1840s, is an example of what can happen when farmers rely on only a few plant species as crop cornerstones.

One blight wiped out the single potato type that came from deep in the Andes mountains; it did not have the necessary resistance. If the Irish had planted different varieties of potatoes, one type would have most likely resisted the blight.

We can help save heirloom seeds by learning how to buy and save these genetically diverse jewels ourselves.

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http://www.care2.com/greenliving/why-buy-heirloom-plants-seeds.html[/quote

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The only thing left out here is there is another important reason: genetically modified seeds are one and done. You get one crop out of them and don't bother to save the seeds because they won't produce or won't produce the same thing they came from. And of course, genetically modified vegetables are killing off our honeybees so what are they doing to our bodies?

 

[jontte]

and usually these heirloom seeds are resistent and sturdy ones..they'r adapted to your climate...just took my first potatoes from my garden,they look and feel so good and tomorrow,well I will know how they taste..

 

[Silent Bob]

I think wasn't Quiet or someone who had a discussion on heirloom seeds. Anyone have a good company website that actually sells heirloom in larger bulk quantities rather than in a number 10 can or box, for better storage and protection?

 

[QuietH3art]

I think wasn't Quiet or someone who had a discussion on heirloom seeds. Anyone have a good company website that actually sells heirloom in larger bulk quantities rather than in a number 10 can or box, for better storage and protection?

I am really impressed with Sustainable Seed Company, Bob. http://sustainableseedco.com/
And I am completely unimpressed with Heirloomseeds.com. None of the seeds they sent to me did anything this year. I couldn't even get them to germinate indoors under a grow light.

 

[Silent Bob]

I am really impressed with Sustainable Seed Company, Bob. http://sustainableseedco.com/
And I am completely unimpressed with Heirloomseeds.com. None of the seeds they sent to me did anything this year. I couldn't even get them to germinate indoors under a grow light.

Thanks Quiet...I'll check it out. I've got a fee heirlooms stocked away in 10 cans, they are placed in the freezer to sustain them for a few more years. One of my cans will have it shelf life expire next year, so I am going to do a scientific study on their pollination, growth and see how the grow. Then I will harvest a bit for future seed and plant them in a second round...see how they grow. Going to try four different ways to grow the plants too...see how that does.

 

[QuietH3art]

Thanks Quiet...I'll check it out. I've got a fee heirlooms stocked away in 10 cans, they are placed in the freezer to sustain them for a few more years. One of my cans will have it shelf life expire next year, so I am going to do a scientific study on their pollination, growth and see how the grow. Then I will harvest a bit for future seed and plant them in a second round...see how they grow. Going to try four different ways to grow the plants too...see how that does.

Ha! You sound like me. How many different ways can I do this? I just started collecting seeds last year, so I don't have to worry about that expiration date. I think I'm going to buy just enough to do my own 5 year rotation. I've already gotten more seeds than I planted this year, so I'm not real worried about running out.

 

[Silent Bob]

Ha! You sound like me. How many different ways can I do this? I just started collecting seeds last year, so I don't have to worry about that expiration date. I think I'm going to buy just enough to do my own 5 year rotation. I've already gotten more seeds than I planted this year, so I'm not real worried about running out.

That's a great start Quiet on 5 year. I read somewhere some years ago, to plan to store a 10 year rotation, so next year will be the first year of the 10 year mark that I started collecting heirloom. Seems like it was yesterday though...retiring from the military, working the new government job...how time flies, and we moved that seed not once, but twice since that time...to Minnesota and then back to Texas.

a 5 year rotation is great though. You seem to be able to use it, rather than me.

 

[jimLE]

here's where i buy mine.in which they have them in the packets and cans alike.and so far im happy with them..

http://www.mypatriotsupply.com/

 

[Silent Bob]

here's where i buy mine.in which they have them in the packets and cans alike.and so far im happy with them..

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Thanks Jim.