Woman-Powered Farm by Audrey Levatino

Author:Audrey Levatino
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Countryman Press
Published: 2015-08-10T16:00:00+00:00

Seed Terms

HEIRLOOM Open-pollinated varieties that either predate or are unaltered by modern breeding work

OPEN-POLLINATED Varieties that result from pollination by insects, wind, self-pollination, or other natural forms of pollination and produce seed that is genetically “true to type,” meaning that the seed will result in a plant similar to the parent

HYBRID Results from the deliberate crossing of two different parent varieties from the same species. “F1” refers to first-generation offspring from these two distinct parent varieties. Plant breeders began producing hybrids as a way of combining the best traits of separate varieties into one. Hybrid varieties are usually bred to offer greater disease resistance, vigor, and uniformity than open-pollinated or heirloom varieties.

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM (GMO) Refers to varieties that contain a genetic trait not normally occurring in the plant’s DNA. Genes from one species are artificially implanted into the DNA of another species, the seeds of which contain combined genetics that would not exist in nature. GMO seeds are not allowed in organic practices.

ORGANIC Seeds are grown strictly without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, sewage sludge, irradiation, or genetic engineering. Seeds labeled as organic must be grown and processed in accordance with the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP).

My local agricultural cooperative extension agency’s website was most helpful when I began my vegetable gardening in Virginia. I found comprehensive and detailed information on vegetables specifically recommended for my region of the state, complete with planting and harvesting dates. Getting your plants started and planted at the right time is an important part of having a successful garden season.

The websites of seed and plant companies are another great resource to assist you in your gardening. Peaceful Valley (www.groworganic.com) has how-to videos as well as articles on many relevant topics. Johnnyseeds.com has a “grower’s library” that includes downloadable planting charts to help you plan out your season of plantings. Be sure to explore these sites as they are reputable and free.

You don’t have to order seeds from a catalog, but catalogs are a good source for learning what is available and getting a sense of pricing. You can purchase seeds as well as transplants, or starts, at your local gardening venue. If you are buying starts, I recommend purchasing them from local farmers. Most starts at garden centers have been grown in huge quantities and may have traveled hundreds of miles before arriving at the shop. You don’t know who actually grew them or their growing conditions. Buying from a local farmer means you can talk to the person who actually grew the plant and get any information you need right from the source. Also, you are supporting your local community and economy. Buy fresh, buy local.

Many vegetables (especially root vegetables, such as carrots and beets) and flowers do well when direct seeded in the garden. Greens (spinach, lettuce, mustard, etc.), cucumbers and squash also germinate and grow well when direct seeded. Sunflowers and most wildflower varieties (bachelor’s buttons, love-in-a-mist, larkspur, etc.) are also happy to be direct seeded. Other vegetable and flower crops need to be planted as seedlings or starts.

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