The Importance Of Non-GMO and Heirloom Seeds
Our mission to make people become more self-sufficient, sustainable and resilient strongly informs our seed selection. While non-GMO and Heirloom are distinct categories, they are also very similar and of vital importance in making your garden and the planet more resilient, delicious and full of biodiversity!
Heirloom
Heirloom seeds are those passed down through many generations and are usually at least 50 years old. The seeds produced by heirloom plants are almost identical to their parents, meaning every time they are planted, they will create consistent results. It also not only preserves heritage but the genetic diversity of the plant, which is key to maintaining a biodiverse ecosystem and planet.
One of the great benefits of heirloom seeds is that they are often more nutritional and flavorful than their hybrid counterparts. This is due to them being more pure in form in addition to the lack of interference from unnatural sources that store-bought vegetables typically have. Additionally, the extra time and care taken in growing heirlooms allows for the vegetable to fully develop its nutrients, creating a more beneficial harvest.
Our heirloom seeds are also certified organic meaning they have been grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals. This means that you get all of the nutritional goodness without any of the perceived risk!
Non-GMO
Non-GMO means that our seeds have not been bred with chemicals or genetically modified for specific characteristics. This is important as it is not only beneficial for you, our customer, but also for the environment and global ecosystems.
Due to the foreign chemicals used in developing GMO seeds, when they are sown they often cause contamination, diminishing not only the quality of the seed, plant and its harvest, but the natural environment too.
One of the ways this occurs is through the unintentional cross pollination of other wild or non GMO plants in the area. By supplying non GMO seeds we are helping prevent this from happening and encouraging a natural, biodiverse ecosystem.
As the genetic modification of plants is a relatively new practice, there is some debate surrounding the safety of using such methods. Some research suggests that it is perfectly fine, while others point to potential health problems developing in the future.
We want to provide an option that is healthy, nutritional, low-risk and beneficial to the natural environment. Non-GMO seeds allow us to do this, with heirlooms also contributing to the promotion of biodiversity.
Convinced? Try out our Kitchen Garden Starterpack (product page link) for yourself! At selfstead, our seeds are both non-GMO and heirloom, as well as carefully-selected companion varieties that are naturally highly productive. This ensures quick, bountiful yields that care for the biodiversity of the planet. Most importantly, you will learn an essential skill that will allow you to take better care of yourself, your future, family, community and planet!
