RSS
Home
Start your garden with responsible seed buying
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Flowers as well as vegetables can be
purchased with social responsibility.
Photo: Renee's Garden
Buying seeds to start indoors or for early planting (as in now) for the garden (peas, kale, cabbage, lettuce, radishes) can be as easy as picking up a packet from your local big box hardware store or more deliberately, by selecting sustainably selected seeds that are organic and non-genetically modified.
The Council for Responsible Genetics lists a safe seed sourcebook that provides state by state lists of seed retailers who have taken a pledge to not knowingly sell genetically engineered seeds. Why would this be important? Simply put, biotechnological advances are allowing scientists to mix genetic materials between animals, plants and microorganisms that would not have occurred in nature. The offspring may be a strain that has undetermined effects on human who consume the product. Studies have shown that allergies can be exacerbated by eating foods containing substances foreign to the original genetic code.
Jere and Emilee Gettle
Photo: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Buying a bean that is only a bean is what the consumer expects, but labeling does not always reflect the bioengineering. Do you really want a fish gene in your tomato? Especially if you are a vegetarian!
Accessing the websites of seed purveyors who have signed the “Safe Seed Pledge” also connects a gardener to global communities. Many growers pass along unsold seed (and encourage retailers to do the same) to rural communities and non-profits who will make good use of them. It’s the pay it forward theory.
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds is a company that’s crazy about heirloom seeds. Founded by Jeremiath Gettle (Jere for short) only eleven years ago, it’s grown into a small cottage industry based in Southern Missouri. This quirky fellow enjoys his calling and is building a mini-empire complete a village and music festivals. Along the way, he’s got thousands of varieties to select from, helping to create a global seed bank.
Heirloom tomatoes
Photo: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Renee’s Garden sends its product in lovely watercolor illustrated packages and Renee personally writes very specific planting instructions. Personal experience shows germination rates are awesome.
Victory Heirloom Seeds reports a backlog for orders which also corresponds with Renee Shepherd’s report of a 30% increase in seed sales. These are just a few that can be accessed through the safe seed list. Check it out and know from whence your seed cometh.
Related Articles:
Comments
