Heirloom Gardening

by John Yazo

Heirloom gardening is a type of gardening that is in a class of it's own. There are many unique features in the heirloom varieties of both vegetables and flowers. This method of gardening is one that has usually been passed down from generation to generation along with the seeds.

Once you start heirloom gardening and discover all the unique features that heirloom varieties have over hybrid varieties you will most likely be hooked and never change back. The flavor, juiciness and sweetness of heirloom vegetables have no comparison to hybrid varieties.

The seeds used for this method of gardening are open pollinated. This means that the plant will produce seed naturally. When replanted the seed will reproduce the same plant as it's parent plant for generation to generation to come. Hybrid seed will not reproduce the same plant when there seeds are saved and replanted. This means the gardener is dependent on the seed companies every year.

All heirloom gardeners have one thing in common. They choose this type of gardening to keep these types of crops and flowers from going extinct. Every year more and more varieties of heirloom flowers, fruits and vegetables are lost. There are plant seeds that were brought to our country by our ancestors from all parts of the world.

When we save heirloom seeds we are saving a part of history and culture. When choosing seeds that you want to plant, you can trace back your family tree and choose varieties that were the ones your ancestors would have planted.

Choosing to grow heirloom vegetables in your garden will give you the assurance that your crop is pure and natural. They are not produced by genetically changed hybrid seed.

There is a growing interest in heirloom gardening. There are seed companies that are devoted to just heirloom seeds along with many seed exchange groups. These groups are where you can share your seeds with others along with your experience.

Organic gardening is a way of gardening in harmony with nature. Growing a healthy and productive crop is a method that is healthier for both you and the environment.


John Yazo is a gardening enthusiast and enjoys organic gardening with heirloom plants. Organic gardens, flowers, herbs and vegetables, grown with organic methods is a healthy and environment friendly way of gardening. Making compost, compost tea and organic fertilizers that greatly benefit a garden.