Why Heirloom Vegetable Seeds Are Best & Where to Buy Them

I love to grow rare and beautiful plants in my garden! Starting my own seeds opens up a world of unique plant varieties and cost saving benefits.

Of all the types of seeds (GMO, non GMO, hybrid, organic & heirloom), heirloom vegetable seeds are the treasured favorites that have stood the test of time! Let’s discuss what is so special about heirlooms, why I prefer them, and where to source high-quality heirloom seed.

Seeds of Change

I have seen a positive change in our culture in recent years—a swing towards food transparency and eating real food. This brings heirlooms out into the spotlight where they belong.

Now, more than ever, people want to know where their food and their seeds come from! Growing food ourselves from farm to table helps ensure freshness, quality, and nutrition in the foods we eat.

That’s why we proudly offer our digital Seed Catalog and seed store, where you can buy heirloom garden varieties. With over 750 varieties of top-quality flower, herb, and vegetable seeds, the hard part will be not buying more than you can grow!

What Are Heirlooms

Heirlooms are old varieties that have been handed down for generations through seed saving while avoiding cross-pollination. There’s a debate about how long it takes for a variety to be established as an heirloom; some say 100 years, while others say before 1951.

Either way, the important factor is that they have proven consistent in their flavor and traits over a long period of time. That means you know what you are getting when you grow an heirloom! Their yields, growth habits, disease resistance, and other characteristics can be assessed to reliably predict what to expect when the crop is grown.

Heirlooms are also open-pollinated, which means that they are not hand-pollinated by humans but rather by natural elements and pollinators like insects, self-pollination, or wind. Without heirlooms, we could not preserve our world's amazing biodiversity.

Why I Prefer Heirlooms

The spectacular thing about heirlooms is that you can have it your way! The world of heirloom plants is so varied and diverse. With a little research, you can find a variety that fits your every need.

It is amazing how many variations of plants exist out there, far beyond what you experience with grocery store produce. Because of heirlooms, you don’t need to pigeonhole yourself into growing a specific variety that doesn’t fit your needs.

Instead of just growing plants, try growing more in your garden that fits your exact criteria. It will unlock a whole new appreciation when you are growing exactly what you want, and you don’t have to settle.

Let’s use dill, for example, I grew Mammoth Long Island Dill in my garden this year, which yields large, extremely fragrant plants. If I wanted a smaller, shorter, compact dill plant, I could grow Teddy Dill, which only grows 12 to 18 inches tall.

If I wanted a milder, less pungent dill, I could grow the sweeter Dukat Dill. Or I could grow Bouquet Dill, which produces more fronds and fewer flowers. And this just scratches the surface! We haven’t talked about the subsets of dill yet!

Tomatoes are another wonderful example. At MIgardener.com, we sell over 140 different varieties of heirloom tomatoes, so there is truly a tomato for everyone!

Sourcing Heirloom Vegetable Seeds & Plants

When purchasing seeds and plants, look for reputable seed companies. Do your homework and don’t buy from random sellers. Look for packages that are clearly labeled as heirloom.

Here at MIgardener, we have already done all the hard work for you! We only sell the highest quality heirloom seeds that will yield exceptional flavors and reliable performance.

Here is a little more information about MIgardener seeds:

• 100% heirloom

• All seeds are grown with organic methods

• Germination testing is done prior to packaging to ensure the highest quality seeds

• No GMO seeds

• Each pack contains growing information and information specific to the variety

• 100% post-consumer waste paper

• Choose from over 750 varieties

• You can find MIgardener seeds near you at locations in over 20 states and Canada.

I hope this opened up a whole new love for heirloom vegetable seeds and the heirloom varieties you can grow! Let me know what your favorite heirloom varieties are in the comments box below.