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.
This story is from the Garden&Home; Febraury 2024 edition of South African Garden and Home.
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This story is from the Garden&Home; Febraury 2024 edition of South African Garden and Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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