Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
A GMO is an organism produced by any means of genetic modification, whether by modern genetic
engineering or age-old plant-breeding methods. For thousands of years, plant breeders have manipu-
lated organisms to improve quality and productivity, making the same kinds of selections that could,
technically, also occur naturally. Seedless watermelon and plucots are examples of modern GMOs.
A hybrid is created when a breeder cross-pollinates two pure plant lines to produce a seed with de-
sirable traits—such as disease resistance, uniformity, or color—from both parents. Popular home garden
hybrids include 'Sungold' and 'Better Boy' tomatoes. Production methods for hybrids are highly con-
trolled and must remain consistent from one year to the next. Seeds can be saved and planted from
hybrids, but there's no guarantee that plants grown from these seeds will contain the desirable charac-
teristics of the parent plants.
On the other hand, seeds that are saved from open-pollinated varieties and then planted in subse-
quent years will produce plants with the same characteristics of the parent plant. Open pollination oc-
curs naturally, without human intervention, via insects, wind, or self-pollination (when both male and
female flowers reside on the same plant). The term heirloom describes any open-pollinated variety ex-
isting prior to the 1940s and '50s, when plant breeders began producing modern hybrids. As the name
suggests, many heirloom varieties have been passed down through generations of gardeners. Heirloom
seeds, like hybrid seeds, are grown on a commercial scale and sold to seed distribution companies.
Any seed packet labeled Certified Organic has been produced in strict accordance with the USDA's
National Organic Program. Organic seeds are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesti-
cides, sewage sludge, irradiation, or genetic engineering. In addition, the land on which organic crops
are grown cannot have had prohibited substances applied for three years prior to harvest.
Do you have to buy organic seeds? No. When it comes to organic gardening, how plants are grown
matters more than using organic seeds. Organizations that grow organic seeds are doing good work and
need support. But if that special variety your gardeners want is only available as a conventionally raised
seed, encourage them to get it!
SEEDS TO SHARE
Most seed packets contain more than enough seeds for one season. Let your gardeners know that they
don't have to feel obligated to plant a whole packet at one time. Encourage them to plant only what's
needed, saving the rest of the seeds for next year or to share with gardening neighbors.
Seeds can last up to five years if stored properly. It is best to store them in their original packet,
inside an airtight container, away from warmth and humidity (avoiding humidity is more important than
avoiding heat). Germination rates of stored seeds will gradually decrease over time, but gardeners can
compensate for this by planting a few seeds instead of just one to ensure that at least one seed will
sprout.
Seed Lifespans for Popular Plants
Popular Plants
Years Seeds Can Be
Stored
Corn, onions
1-2
