Are you ready to take your gardening game to the next level? Choosing the right organic seeds is a pivotal step in making your growing season a reoccurrence.
Maybe your familiarity with buying these seeds is non-existent. Have no fear, fellow plant lover! We’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to selecting the perfect heirloom, non-GMO, and organic seeds for your garden. Let’s get growing!
Table of Contents
What are non-GMO, organic, and heirloom seeds?
- Non-GMO seeds that have not been altered genetically.
- Organic seeds are produced without chemical pesticides and fertilizer.
- Heirloom seeds have been passed down through generations.
Why should you select Heirloom, non-GMO, and Organic Seeds?
Organic, heirloom, and non-GMO lifestyle is beneficial not only to our own health, but to the health of small farming communities and our planet. If we lower the amount we’re using of genetically modified seeds and synthetic pesticides, we can lower the amount of damaging chemicals that enter our soil and water supply. NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council)Â
By supporting the little guy, we can help-
Promote biodiversity
Small seed companies often offer a wider variety of seed options, promoting biodiversity. In turn, the plants we grow will help protect against crop failures.
Build community
You are supporting local businesses and helping to build strong, sustainable communities.
Encourage innovation
Small seed companies are often at the center of innovation in the industry, growing unique seed varieties and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in gardening.
Health Benefits
Organic fruits and vegetables contain higher levels of needed vitamins and minerals, which provide a healthier option for you and your family. (European Journal of Nutrition)
Increased flavor
Heirloom and non-GMO seeds preserve their natural flavors, which have developed over time through traditional breeding methods, making for a tastier eating experience.
Some of the Pitfalls
Unfortunately, organic farming typically yields less than conventional farming. Leading to push the prices of organic products upward.
With non-GMO seeds, a potential drawback is that they may not have the same level of resistance to pests and diseases as genetically modified crops, which can lead to lower yields and increased use of pesticides.
Undeniably, investigation and research into both GMO and Non-GMO is important in order to determine the future use of these products.
12 Best Places to Buy Organic, Heirloom, and Non-GMO Seeds
| Companies | What they offer |
|---|---|
| Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds | Offers an enormous selection of over 1,400 heirloom seeds from around the world, with a focus on unique varieties. |
| Seed Savers Exchange | A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing heirloom seeds, with a catalog featuring over 20,000 varieties. |
| Southern Exposure Seed Exchange | Specializes in offering seed varieties well-suited to the mid-Atlantic and southern US regions, with a focus on organic and heirloom options. |
| Fedco Seeds | A cooperative seed company offering range of organic, heirloom, and untreated seed options, including vegetables, flowers, and trees. |
| Terroir Seeds | A small seed company with a focus on European and Mediterranean heirloom seeds, including a variety of crops that are well-suited to cooler climates. |
| Sand Hill Preservation Center | Sand Hill Preservation Center: Specializes in preserving and offering rare and endangered seeds, with a focus on heirlooms and heritage varieties. |
| High Mowing Organic Seeds | Offers an enormous selection of certified organic seed options, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers, with a focus on high-quality, non-GMO varieties. |
| Seed Library of Los Angeles | A community-driven project dedicated to preserving and sharing local heirloom seed varieties, with a focus on Southern California crops. |
| Wild Garden Seeds | Offers a unique selection of heirloom and wild-collected seed options, including a variety of herbs, flowers, and vegetables that are well-suited to the Pacific Northwest region. |
| Seeds of Change | A leading provider of organic seed options, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and cover crops, all certified organic and non-GMO. |
| Johnny’s Selected Seeds | Provides a wide range of vegetable, flower, and herb seed options |
| Rare Seeds | Rare Seeds: A subsidiary of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, offering a unique selection of rare seed varieties, including heirlooms and open-pollinated options. |
Seeds of Change vs Baker Creek Heirloom
Seeds of Change strive to focus on a variety of certified organic seed options for vegetables, herbs, flowers, and cover crops. They are committed to supporting small farmers and sustainable agriculture.
Baker Creek offers a larger selection of one-of-a-kind and rare heirloom seeds from around the world. This seed company exhibits prompt shipping and excellent customer service.
Conclusion
As a gardener, it is crucial to start the gardening season on the right foot, and selecting the proper seeds is a fundamental step in that direction. Opting for organic, heirloom, and non-GMO seed varieties ensures that your garden will flourish with robust plants. With this valuable advice, choosing the right organic seeds has become more accessible, and now it’s time to embark on a successful planting season. Happy gardening!
P.S. If you like what you read, check out some of my other gardening posts here.
