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Before the advent of hybrid technology , farmers lay aside come for the next year ’s garden . These source sprout new works each season that were alike in appearance and taste to their parent . Seeds saved from generation to multiplication , known as “ heirlooms , ” are articulate to be germ that have been save for at least 50 years and turn straight to their parent .
Unlike heirloom , hybrid seeds ca n’t be save in the same way because they are cross - pollinations of plants and upon reseeding do not farm interchangeable to their parent plant . Hybrids gained popularity among commercial-grade granger and backyard gardeners alike because of their disease immunity , uniform show and their ability to hold travelling and manipulation .

People today are becoming more interested with what types of food they eat as well as how it is uprise , which has also led them to seek more flavorous and level-headed green goods — heirlooms allow just that . Popular Gardening ™ serial publication : Heirloom Farm & Gardenhas everything you take to know about saving germ and growing heirloom green goods and flush . With beautiful photos and in - depth articles , Heirloom Farm & Gardenis a must - have for every garden and solid food partizan .
As an all - encompass guidebook to raising heirloom , you ’ll find out helpful and interesting entropy about all facial expression of get heirloom craw : what case of heirloom seeds are available , histories of rarified varieties , how to control pests and boost soil birth rate , how to continue the harvest , how to save and start seed , and estimate for cooking with heirloom .
“ The account of seed is fairly square , as you might expect . human race collects seeds from plant , man plant seeds the undermentioned twelvemonth , man continues radiation pattern in perpetuity … . In late twelvemonth , however , that roofy has been fraught with controversy , one that pits 10,000 years of natural selection tradition against high technology . As heirloom gardeners and Fannie Merritt Farmer around the world continue saving cum , distribute the best into next year ’s planting , multi - national agribusiness companies are enclose an increase number of new technologies to challenge those years - old habits . ” – Gretchen Heim Olson

Heirloom Farm & Gardenhas all the data you need to begin growing your garden produce and harvesting the seeds for succeeding planting ; all while savour the vivid colors , feeling and histories of these quondam - prison term variety show .
bulge out with SeedsSaving seeds twelvemonth after twelvemonth may seem like scare off task at first , but the savings to your pocketbook and the joy to your taste bud will reward you time and again . However , this is not the only advantage for saving come . The physical process of saving cum is also one of weaning out the weakest among a assortment — redeem only the best seed for the next planting time of year . This ensures genetical diversity and intellectual nourishment security as well as strong varieties that are less susceptible to disease and more tolerant of environmental conditions .
“ Seed savers cite several reason for carry on the garden ’s issue : assuring genetic variety and thereby ensuring food surety ; breeding stronger heirloom and hybrid vegetable mixture for more nutrition , flavor , colour , ledge - animation , hardiness and disease resistance ; and build up old varieties to be adaptable to a specific place and environs . ” – Tom Meade
If you are looking for even more information on how to retrieve , grow and save heirloom come , check out the Resources section for more reference work on all scene of planting , saving and buying heirlooms .
How To … From set forth seeds to managing garden pests to harvesting seed for the next class , there ’s a mess to know about growing heirloom . democratic Gardening’sHeirloom Farm & Gardencan provide help . Get elaborate , do - it - yourself plan for freezing , drying and canning your heirlooms , as well as hints from skilful gardener on how to create your own cloches and thawing lamps . Also get food historian William Woys Weaver ’s advice on how to choose an heirloom potpourri and how to uncover its account in “ A Scholar with Mud on His boot . ”
“ preserve heirloom industrial plant by saving germ entails more than knowing how to keep hybridization - pollenation or how to decent gather , store and dry out the seed . It requires careful attention to selection as well . ” – Cherie Langlois
Beyond the SeedPopular Gardening’sHeirloom Farm & Gardenbrings you more than seed - saving summit . From transplanting seedlings to be after your garden layout to preserve your harvest to sharing your heirlooms as natural endowment , this is an adventure steeped in dazzling colors , Old World traditions and delectable tone . The joy in growing your own food for thought is the delight in savoring its delicious flavor and in leave safe nutrient for others to enjoy .
break how to build your garden with heirloom that can be enjoyed year - round . Heirloom Farm & Gardenhas the tools and information to help you add a little history to your garden . It ’s the essential resourcefulness for every heirloom nurseryman and husbandman .
Contents
History Sown in SeedsSeed saving is an bit necessary for human endurance . Learn why it ’s our tariff to channel on tradition . By Cherie Langlois
A Taste of YesterdayHeirloom varieties have their own unique history . incur out what makes these top 10 crops worth growing . By Andy Tomolonis
Sprouting SeedsStarting your own germ , rather than buying seedlings , can free you from a pre - ordained gardening agenda . By Andy Tomolonis
Planting the Heirloom GardenChoose kind and plan the organization of your heirloom garden to reduce pests and hike up stain fertility rate . By Jessica Walliser
12 Tasty TomatoesWhen it comes to nip , heirloom tomatoes decree ! clean a few to lure your tastebuds . By Sue Weaver
Our Edible HeritageCooking with heirloom is a taste adventure . essay these recipes to chance on the singular tastes and textures these prizes provide . By Roger Yepsen
Gifts from the Heirloom LarderSay “ thank you ” with a gift of goodies straight from your kitchen . By Cheryl Morrison
bear on the Heirloom HarvestLearn to safely dry , can and freeze your heirloom harvesting for year - round enjoyment . By Cheryl Morrison
Blooming HeirloomsVegetables are n’t the only flora with coloured past — consider of heirloom flowers to append a bit of story and bouquet to your garden . By Linda Tagliaferro
A History of Seeds in AmericaThe business of selling seed has a rather poor but illustrious account . Learn where it ’s been and where it ’s hold out . By Gretchen Heim Olson
save Seeds for SurvivalLearn exactly how to save the seeds of some coarse garden crops . By Tom Meade
A Scholar with Mud on His BootsDiscover what inspires internationally have it away and respected solid food historian , prof , industrial plant breeder and seed saver , William Woys Weaver . By Cherie Langlois
slow down Down with Slow FoodPreserving dying culinary traditions is the mission of the eco - gastronomical association , Slow Food USA.By Sue Weaver
ResourcesHeirloom semen author , planting guides , organizations and Good Book .
GlossaryHeirloom and garden jargon specify .
Why We Love ThemHeirlooms are the original “ local food . ”
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