Seeds of Change - Seeds of Change is the nation’s oldest 100% certified organic seed company. We offer a unique selection of high quality organic seeds including rare traditional heirloom and hybrid varieties of vegetables herbs flowers and cover crops as well as seedlings

Heirloom Vegetables

Corn Country Gentleman $1.89

Heirloom vegetables are defined in several ways. Some consider heirlooms to be any vegetable cultivars that have been grown for a certain length of time usually for at least 50 years. Other people consider vegetables to be truly heirlooms only if being passed down by a family or group has preserved them. Heirlooms are always open-pollinated, since hybrid seed cannot be maintained by ordinary means.

Heirloom vegetables are a tangible connection with our past. Some varieties of seeds are from plants that were grown as far back as the 17^th century. With the emergence of large scale farming these plants were replaced by hybrid or genetically modified varieties better suited for mechanical harvesting methods and long distance transportation.

Heirloom vegetables are gaining popularity as they generally are more tender and taste much better than their hybrid replacements.. If grown for years in one location they can adapt to the climate and soil conditions of that area and may out produce modern cultivars. Others may be less productive than hybrids but offer greater disease and insect resistance.

Tomato German Green  $1.89

  A more vital reason for growing old cultivars is that heirloom vegetable plants represent a vast and diverse pool of genetic characteristics – one that will be lost forever if these plants are allowed to become extinct. Heirloom gardeners recognize the importance of maintaining genetic diversity and many feel a real sense of urgency and importance in their preservation work.

Heirloom vegetables are a tangible connection with our past. Resources such as Gardening with Heirloom Seeds: Tried-And-True Flowers, Fruits, and Vegetables for a New Generation offer a good introduction into growing heirloom lines.

Until recently heirloom vegetable plants and seeds were difficult to obtain. However with the growing interest in heirloom gardening they have become more readily available as more seed companies and nurseries now carry heirloom stock. There are also specialty houses that carry  heirloom seeds.  Heirloom plants are a viable option to any organic garden as they add  diversity, beauty and practicality.

Live Heirloom Vegetables offered by Nature Hills Nursury

Heirloom Black Krim  $2.50 ea	Watermelon Moon & Stars  $2.50 ea	Cabbage Golden Acre  $2.45 ea