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What does it mean when seeds are heirloom?
Heirloom varieties are open-pollinated–meaning that unlike hybrids, seeds you collect from one year will produce plants with most of the characteristics of the parent plant. Many heirloom varieties were preserved by home gardeners who saved seed from their family gardens from year to year.
How do I get heirloom seeds?
Heirloom seeds are often available at your local nurseries. When you purchase seeds locally, you can be assured that your seeds are appropriate for your growing region. Heirloom seed companies are easily accessed online, too. When ordering online, be sure the seeds you order are compatible with your region.
Can you save seeds from heirloom plants?
Heirloom vegetables are, by their very definition, rooted in gardening history. By collecting and storing ripe seeds of at least easy-to-save vegetables – the likes of self-pollinating tomatoes, peppers, peas and beans – you can do your bit to keep this history alive.
Are heirloom seeds hard to grow?
Basically, heirloom seeds come back true to their original form year after year. Take, for example, the Brandywine tomato, an heirloom that has probably the best flavor of any variety but can be a challenge to grow. It lacks disease resistance, making it susceptible to wilt that can wipe out the crop.
Do heirloom seeds expire?
For short-term storage, such as for next year’s garden, storing the seed jar in a cool, dark, moisture-free environment is sufficient. Heirloom seeds stored this way will last for 3-5 years. For longer storage, place the jar in the refrigerator and the seeds should be good for 10-15 years.
Can you grow heirloom tomatoes from their seeds?
How to Grow Heirloom Tomatoes From Seed. Heirloom tomatoes are easy to grow from seed. Use moist, sterile potting mix, and press the seeds lightly into the soil. Germination takes place in about a week if temperatures are between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is a seed exchange?
A seed exchange is a great way to get free or low cost seed. It is also a way to get seed that you can’t buy anywhere else.
What is seed saver?
In agriculture and gardening, seed saving (sometimes known as brown bagging) is the practice of saving seeds or other reproductive material (e.g. tubers) from vegetables, grain, herbs, and flowers for use from year to year for annuals and nuts, tree fruits, and berries for perennials and trees.
What is seed swap?
Seed swap. Seed swaps are events where gardeners meet to exchange seeds. Swapping can be arranged online or by mail, especially when participants are spread out geographically. Swap meet events, where growers meet and exchange their excess seeds in person, are also growing in popularity.
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