Heirloom Seeds & Seed Savers
Heirloom plants are diverse, genetically unique and naturally resistant to many diseases and pests. Heirloom seed savers help ensure the survival of heirloom plants by preserving the seeds and educating people about their importance. Seed Savers Exchange and the Southern Seed Legacy are two examples of nonprofit organizations helping preserve heirloom plants by supporting seed exchange groups.
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History
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The world's edible plants developed over thousands of years. Plant species adapted to their ecological surroundings. Farmers used selection methods to reproduce the best crops. This resulted in genetic diversity which helped protect plant species from being destroyed by disease and pest infestations. Modern farming methods began using monocultures of the same crop species, which contributed to the loss of diversity. Seed savers began seed saving practices and seed exchanges to preserve the heirloom crops.
Significance
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Commercial farms rely on large amounts of synthetic pesticides and fertilizer, because the plants have lost some of their natural resistance to pests and diseases. Genetic erosion of diverse and stable plant species makes them more susceptible to large outbreaks of diseases or pest infestations. Destruction of entire food crop breeds could result in a reduction in food supplies.
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Tips
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You can save your own seeds for the next planting season. Swapping seeds with friends or neighbors who enjoy gardening helps preserve heirloom species. Join a local seed exchange to find seeds for rare heirloom vegetables. You can start a community seed swap to give and receive seeds and to educate the public about heirloom plants.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Basket of Garden Vegetables image by Karin Lau from Fotolia.com
