Buying seeds? We list our 5 favourite seed suppliers and discuss F1 vs open pollinated and genetic diversity
Our top organic seed suppliers, why you should avoid F1 hybrid seed and opt for open pollinated, and the important of genetic diversity in veg growing when considering climate change and resilience
Happy New Year
I admit I am a seed-a-holic, especially when it comes to brassicas and tomatoes. Despite saving lots of seed and have plenty of stocks, I still look to see what’s available and pop one seed packet in my basket, and then another and another, and before you know it there are 20 packs…… I sow too many seeds as well and end up with loads of plants …. But, at least, I can give those away.
This year I have seen a few Instagram posts about favourite seed varieties and suppliers, and can’t say that I am inspired or even impressed for a number of reasons. So read on to find out why.
F1 Hybrid seed
As somebody who likes to save seed and, swop it too, I rarely buy F1 seed – i.e. a hybrid seed that has been bred for a specific characteristics, which is usually yield / size. I have a problem with these F1 seeds – they are expensive (the pack may be the same price but inside there are far fewer seeds), and you can’t save seed as they do not breed true. And as you will read below, I …