Planting a garden with heirloom tomato seeds, fruits and vegetables helps create a sustainable lifestyle. For generations people have planted and harvested crops, saving seeds for replanting in the spring, however with the introduction of hybrids and genetically modified crops this has become more difficult. These plants have been developed so their seeds will either be sterile or will revert back to lesser quality parent plants. This has led preservationists within the gardening community to increase their focus on heirloom tomato seeds.
Consumers who purchase their tomatoes in the store often complain about their lack of flavor and pale color. These are often grown by commercial growers using chemical based fertilizers,herbicides and pesticides some of which contain carcinogenic compounds. While this type of farming has become large scale and may to some extent be necessary to produce a large quantity of food for the world, it is not without risks.
As consumers become more health conscience, they pay more attention to the food they consume, including the method of production. Certified organic heirloom tomato seeds are a starting point for developing a healthier lifestyle. Certification of organic seeds is granted by the USDA through the Certified Organic National Program. When ordering seeds with this distinction documented proof should be available on the company’s pages.
Heirloom tomato seeds are adaptable to a variety of climates and growing conditions. Gardeners can select from canners, slicers, cherry tomatoes and those best adapted to sauces and salsas. Caro Rich Tomato Seed, Organic Purple Tomatillo, and Toma Verde Tomatillo are well suited for dry farming methods.
The basics of organic heirloom gardening include the following:
- Employing water conservation methods.
- Avoiding the use of chemicals in the garden including fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, although natural products can and should be used if necessary.
- Planting certified organic heirloom seeds.
- Learn the basics of savings seeds to plant the following year. This may require hand pollination and planting more than usual to optimize pollination and to allow extra plants to go to seed rather than picking them for consumption.
Choosing to begin or continue a sustainable lifestyle through growing varieties of heirloom tomato seeds and organic vegetables has led many to a love of gardening. Returning to a simpler time for a few hours a week while peacefully weeding, mulching and learning composting methods allows families the ability to eat healthier, get exercise and pass these skills down to their children and grandchildren.
I enjoy gardening using organic seeds http://sustainableseedco.com/certified-organic-heirloom-vegetable-seeds/ of all varieties, vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers. Adding edible flowers to salads adds amusement when I cook for friends.
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