With the cold weather and snow, a gardener is not thinking of planting a summer garden. Then there are some nice warm sunny days and a gardener starts dreaming of that summer garden. Whether thinking or dreaming of that garden, now is the time to start planning.
If you are planning to plant garden seeds or plants, now is the time to order. Many seed companies are sending out their catalogs now or have posted them on their websites. Companies had a shortage last year of certain varieties of flowers and vegetables and it is predicted they will again this year. The shortage was mainly with new varieties, introductions or popular varieties. So stop dreaming and start ordering, but expect higher prices than previous years.
This article will deal with some terms a gardener needs to be familiar with when purchasing. The terms treated and untreated refer to whether a fungicide has been applied to the seeds. Treated means the fungicide has been applied. You can tell by looking at the seeds; many will have a pinkish or yellow color. Also, the label on the packet should tell what the fungicide is. Some seed catalogs will give you a choice of treated or untreated seeds. Many times, treated seeds are for the commercial grower and not the average home grower. Seeds with a USDA Organic Certification must be untreated.
Certified Organic on a seed packet means that you are buying seeds from plants that have been grown in compliance with the USDA’s Organic program. Growing requirements are very strict as to the use of pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers. These are disallowed for three years prior to harvest. The use of irradiation, sewage, sludge and genetic engineering are also not allowed.
Have you read or heard the terms GE and GMO? GE refers to the use of biotechnological techniques to genetically manipulate organisms. The organisms in the case of plants do not exist naturally in nature; they never would without human intervention. GE seeds are used by agribusiness or farmers. You have heard the terms “Roundup Ready or Bi-corn.”
GMO refers to genetically modified organisms. GMO plants have been bred through any type of genetic modification, whether it is biotech or human. That includes the selection of vegetables, flowers and fruits for certain traits. These traits are usually disease resistance, fewer seeds, thinner skins, flavor, color, larger flowers, etc. Whether organically or conventionally grown are the results of GMO by plant breeders. On the market now, Proven Winners flowers and shrubs would fall into this category.
If a flower or vegetable is marked F1 behind the name, it is a hybrid. Hybrids have two different parents of the same species. The parents have been selected for certain traits in a controlled environment. The seed produced will not be genetically identical to the parent plants. Not all hybrids are genetically modified but simply bred to exhibit certain traits.
Heirloom refers to plants and seeds that are through natural selection. Natural selection means open-pollinated by insects, wind or self-pollination. Generally, heirloom plants are defined as those that are over 50 years old in age or were developed in the 1940s or 1950s. This would be prior to the modern hybrids today. Plants and seeds saved from heirloom plants have the same characteristics as the parent plant. Seed and plant catalogs tell you if it is an heirloom plant or seed. Heirloom vegetables are often more diverse and flavorful than modern varieties.
As you buy seeds this year look for the above terms. More information to come in the next article.
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