Traditional seeds, also known as heirloom or heritage seeds, offer gardeners the opportunity to save seeds for use year after year.

Jere Gettle of Baker Creek Heirloom Feed Co. discussed the difference between heirloom, hybrid and patented seeds.

“Heirloom seeds are seeds that are passed down from generation to generation and preserved by home gardeners,” said Gettle. “They are open-pollinated, which means they will come back the same every year.”

He stated hybrid seeds and patented seeds have been developed in labs.

“Most stores carry a mix of heirloom and hybrid seeds. Hybrid seeds are typically only good for that year,” said Gettle. “Patented seeds, like those from Monsanto, can’t be grown again, even if it is possible, due to the patent.

“That’s what makes it interesting for farmers,” added Gettle.

Gettle explained that farmers, particularly those who grow big crops year after year, could face lawsuits if the seeds are reused in any way.

Gettle shared how a farmer in Canada that had been growing his own granola seed for decades was sued because his neighbor’s hybrid seed had pollinated with some of his seed.

Even though the farmer had done nothing wrong, he faced a lawsuit because of his farm’s proximity and the cross-pollination.

Heirloom seeds offer a wider variety of choices than hybrid seeds.

“We have about 1,200 varieties in our catalog and that represents around 2 percent of the varieties available in the U.S.,” said Gettle. “There’s an amazing selection of heirloom seeds, because that’s the way people gardened up until the last 50 years. For instance, you can get tomatoes in multiple colors - like white, purple, striped, rather than the few colors of hybrids.”

Gardeners should not find much of a difference in the prices between hybrid and heirloom seeds.

“Prices for all types of seeds are about the same,” said Gettle. “The newest or unusual hybrids can be higher.”

The advantage of heirloom seeds is that you can save the seed to use again.

“You can save the heirloom seed year after year to use,” said Gettle, “which will end up saving you money.”

When selecting heirloom seeds, Gettle advises gardeners to consider soil and climate conditions in their area.

“Consider what you’re growing and when you’re growing it. Pay attention to temperature and soil conditions,” said Gettle. “You can always try things. If you look for varieties that come from your area or from areas that are similar in climate to yours, then you will probably be OK.

“Like any other type of garden, you need to make sure your garden is ready. If you haven’t gardened before, start out small. Don’t plant more than you are going to be able to handle. Then, grow it a little more each year as you can,” recommended Gettle.

What makes heirloom produce different? Flavor!

“One main advantage of growing heirlooms is the flavor,” said Gettle. “People will say, ‘Wow!’ It’s so much better than you can get commercially.”

Gettle cautioned that heirloom produce will not keep as long as the produce you purchase in the store that has been developed for shipping.

“As far as canning or freezing, they will work like just about any vegetables,” added Gettle.

To learn more about heirloom seeds, visit Baker Creek’s website at www.rareseeds.com or contact Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, 2278 Baker Creek Road, Mansfield, Mo. 65704, (417) 924-8917, or by fax at (417) 924-8887.