Heirlooms

Heirloom seed suppliers have increased dramatically over the last few years, providing home-growers with a far wider choice of interesting vegetables and herbs. Choosing heirlooms also means we keep seeds alive and adaptable

- JANE GRIFFITHS

HEIRLOOM SEEDS

An heirloom is a treasured item that's been passed down through the generations. And that's exactly what heirloom seeds are. Seeds that have been saved and replanted, generation after generation, because they have the best flavour, yield, diseaseresistance or other standout qualities. Some have histories going back 300 years or more, with tales of being sewn into refugees' jackets or smuggled in shoes.

An heirloom seed is not necessarily produced organically, but most are and all are open-pollinated. When you sow an heirloom seed in your garden, save seed and repeat that pattern - it adapts to your climate and environment.

SEED SAVING BASICS

When saving seeds, choose open-pollinated varieties. Seed from a hybrid will produce an unpredictable mixture of characteristics, often inferior to the parent. Save seeds from the healthiest and strongest plants. If you want to develop a particular trait, tolerance, such as heat select seed from the last plant to bolt.