Find and plant organic vegetable seeds
Seed choice is an important part of the planning process for the home gardener and large-scale farmer alike. Vegetables come in so many varieties and seeds are sold through so many companies, that you can quickly get lost in the pretty colors and enticing traits promised by the packets. However, if you have decided to reap the rewards of an organic diet, you'll need to take care when you choose your vegetable seeds. The best way to ensure a healthy, organic crop is to start with organic seeds that can guarantee a bountiful, healthy and natural harvest.
Why Organic Garden Seeds?
While you can technically grow organic vegetables with non-organic seeds, they won't always yield a truly organic product. Many non-organic seeds are not only taken from non-organic plants, but their genes have actually been altered in a lab to enhance certain traits. And while genetic modification can bring some benefits like higher yields and natural pest control, it also brings health risks, environmental hazards and economic concerns. Ultimately, the best way to avoid any unwanted organism, chemical or additive in your vegetable plants is to buy organic seeds and use organic fertilizer for their cultivation.
In addition to genetic modification, non-organic seeds can be treated with anti-fungal concoctions that can, in turn, infect your soil. Moreover, the fertilizers used to boost seed production in non-organic plants can lead to smaller, weaker seeds. Finally, not only will organic seeds guarantee a tastier and healthier crop of organic produce, they encourage organic methods in general; if you believe in the organic movement, buy organic seeds to preserve and encourage organic agriculture.
Where to Find Organic Vegetable Seeds
While more companies have begun to sell non-GMO (genetically modified organism) seeds, there are still very few that have committed to certified organic seed sales. However, the number continues to grow with more people turning to organic. Most companies that offer organic seed catalogs sell their stock online—you can find everything from organic tomato seeds to heirloom vegetable seeds on one site. When comparing retailers, take note of the reputation of the company and the price of the seed packets; organic seeds can be more expensive than conventional seeds, but there are some great brands that are reasonably priced.
Once you find an organic seed dealer, consider the varieties of seed that would work best for you and your area. One option is to go with heirloom seeds, which are historical varieties that are not typically grown for commercial use anymore; they offer an unaltered, tasty and interesting crop, and are often hardy enough to resist local pests and weather extremes. Whichever variety interests you, keep an eye out for the terms "non-GMO," "organic" and "untreated," as they will indicate a pure product.