Mr. Johnston, it should be noted, is a fan of heirlooms, which, in the broadest sense, are old varieties of “open pollinated” seeds that will grow the same plant again.
But he argues that his typical customers — small market farmers and avid home gardeners — have better choices. Modern seeds, which are generally hybrid crosses, produce a “more vigorous plant, better resistance to diseases,” he said.
And here’s the heirloom heresy: they often taste better, too.
Leave it to Burpee's (and Bucks County's own) George Ball to dismiss (and miss the whole point of) the public's interest in heirloom seeds.
He's managed to keep our local Ag College in the dark ages as well.
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But he argues that his typical customers — small market farmers and avid home gardeners — have better choices. Modern seeds, which are generally hybrid crosses, produce a “more vigorous plant, better resistance to diseases,” he said.
And here’s the heirloom heresy: they often taste better, too.
- bill 3-28-2011 5:21 pm
Leave it to Burpee's (and Bucks County's own) George Ball to dismiss (and miss the whole point of) the public's interest in heirloom seeds. He's managed to keep our local Ag College in the dark ages as well.
- adman 3-28-2011 8:54 pm [add a comment]