Non Hybrid, Heirloom, Open Pollination, seeds for survival food growing

By admin • October 6, 2008

Here are some the US sources for Non-Hybrid ( Heirloom ) seeds thanks to Hero4Hire4 and 411man.

Can I use seeds from my local store for long term storage?

Not recommended. The seed supplied in most garden shops and grocery stores are selected and sold for only this current year’s planting. In fact, Agricultural regulations require all seed packages to show date of season packed to protect the consumer from purchasing outdated seed. Storing outdated seed is not a wise preparedness strategy. The germination (ability to sprout and grow) decreases over time and is greatly impacted by moisture content of the seed and temperature of storage. Research shows that long term storage seeds need to be precisely dried to their scientific optimal moisture content to maintain their germination and guarantee seed viability. The two most critical factors for long term storage is temperature (heat decreases germination and cooked seed will not grow) and moisture (too wet starts the germination process or rots the seed, yet without the necessary moisture the growth process can not begin.)

What are Non-Hybrid seeds?

Non-Hybrid seeds are open-pollinating seeds that grow and reproduce true to variety. Our ancestors used these type of seeds for generations as they were very reliable and productive. Modern agricultural methods have produced hybrid or cross pollinated varieties of seeds. When these specialized seeds are collected and replanted, they do not reproduce true to variety and are sometimes sterile. 100% Non Hybrid seeds allow the self reliant gardener the opportunity to collect seed from his mature plants and save for next season. This process becomes a perpetual garden and becomes your life-time supply of garden seed. Think of the money you can save by buying seed just once.

What are Hybrid Seeds?

Hybrid seeds have been genetically altered or cross-pollinated to resist certain types of plant diseases or produce a more attractive uniform looking fruit. The major drawback to hybrid seeds is the need to purchase new fresh seed every year since the altered plants cannot reproduce seed that is true to the parent plant or the fruit of the hybrid variety may be totally sterile, not reproducing any plant whatsoever. To use an analogy, many hybrid seeds are like crossing a horse with a donkey. You get a mule which is sterile and can’t reproduce more mules.

1) Green People

http://www.greenpeople.org/seeds.htm

2) Seeds of Change

http://www.seedsofchange.com/

3) Organica Seed

http://www.organicaseed.com/

4) Heirloom Seeds

http://www.heirloomseeds.com/

5) The Ark Institute

http://www.arkinstitute.com/

6) The Natural Gardening Company

http://www.naturalgardening.com/shop/index.php3