The Benefits of Native and Heirloom Seeds

By Sherry Lyons

There has been a lot of information out there about heirloom and native seeds. It seems that every day there are more and more places to buy them. But what is the reason to use them over commercially available hybrid and non-native seeds? What has prevented me from investing in them is primarily the cost. Both categories of seeds usually cost quite a bit more than commercial seeds, which already cost quite a bit anyway. I thought that if I investigated the reasons to use the heirloom and native seeds that many people seem to be excited about, I might be more motivated to purchase them. Some of you may already know this and I may be preaching to the choir, but I hope some of you may be enlightened by my research.

Heirloom Seeds

Definitions may help. Heirloom seeds have several characteristics in common.

• They

  are open-pollinated, using natural means like wind, insects, and birds. 

• They have been in cultivation for a long time, often 80 years or more, without hybridization or genetic modification.

• They do not lend themselves to commercial production; primarily used by small-scale farmers.

• Those farmers also save and use the seed from one generation to the next.

According to Farmer Flint, There are many important reasons to use heirloom plant seeds. 

• Heirloom gardening is also environmentally friendly, many small-scale gardeners practice organic methods, which is better for the environment, especially pollinators.

• Heirloom seeds are often part of a culture’s history. Sometimes a hundred years old, they may arise from particular cultures or ethnic groups. That history and its fruit is worth preserving.

• “Heirloom seeds offer genetic diversity within a single variety,” which offers the chance that some plants will withstand changes in the weather and environment and thrive where others might not.

• By saving and using your own seeds, you reduce dependence on big corporations and ensure a supply of seeds that are adapted to the conditions in your own garden.

• Heirloom vegetables often have a more complex and rich flavor, color and shape, since they are not bred for ease and durability for transport to market, which may crowd out flavor and encourage uniformity.

  

These are all great reasons to use heirloom seeds, but the one that incentivizes me the most is the fact that I could collect the heirloom seeds from the plants that I grow and use them to grow more.This would save me money, while preserving heirloom species. I know that when you try to grow plants from hybrid seeds, they often do not breed true the second year, or don’t grow very well at all. However, the only time I have tried to use seeds from plants I grew were from pumpkin seeds. It never really went very well, which discouraged me from trying to do it more often. I will need to learn more about how to save seeds, especially from moisture-rich vegetables like cucumbers and from root vegetables like carrots.

Native Plant Seeds

The term native New England wildflower seeds seems self-explanatory, however, the USDA states that 

• “Native flower seeds are defined as seeds of plant species that are indigenous to a specific region or state, meaning they have evolved and occurred naturally in that area before European colonization. 

• These seeds are crucial for maintaining native biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems. 

• They are often preferred for restoration projects due to their adaptability to local conditions and their ability to support native pollinators and wildlife.” USDA+1

• Because these plants evolved naturally, they typically need less water, fertilizer, and pesticides- which many gardeners that plant native seed don’t use anyway. 

• Native plants improve the environment by providing nectar for pollinators and shelter and food for birds, animals, and insects.

•  They also prevent run-off and improve the quality of the air. The Vermont Wildflower Farm

These all sound like very good reasons to buy and plant native flower seeds. However, buyer beware! When you are buying “wildflower” seeds you may just be buying packages of seeds that come primarily from Asia or Europe, as the term “wildflower” is not regulated. Some wildflower mixes contain plants that may be invasive in the landscape if they escape your garden, and others may be detrimental to insect life. For example, black swallow wort is an invasive species that smothers native species and harms monarch butterflies.The butterfly lays its eggs on the plant because it is related to milkweed, but the sap is toxic and kills the caterpillars that try to feed on it. MSU

Be sure that you look for reputable sources of New England native wildflower seeds. Some sources I found when doing my research were 

• Vermont Wildflower Farm

• Wild Seed Project

• Nasami Farm with the Native Plant Trust

• If you know other sources, please share…

Personally, I have found that it is time consuming and difficult to germinate and grow native flowers from seed. The directions seem complicated and a lot of patience is needed. Maybe I am doing it wrong, and maybe I need more information about the process, which is likely that I can get from one or more of the members of this garden club. Looking forward to hearing from you knowledgeable gardeners out there!

Happy New Year!

Sherry