Heirloom Seeds: What They Are and Why They're Important

Have you ever stopped to think about what "heirloom" seed actually means and why it matters? Joe Lamp'l explains what makes a seed an heirloom and why they're so beloved by gardeners, farmers, and seed starters.
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[@heirloommountainseedswoman4444]

That’s why I teach people how to save their own seeds. It seems counterintuitive for a seed company to teach people this, but I came to understand the relationship generations of home growers have with circling seeds back to the seed companies, before I opened my farm. I have a special story about Early Wonder beets, I knew they could go away just like any other variety that was popular 100 years ago, and I never wanted it to disappear.

[@KitchenGardenTours]

Saving my own seeds is a big goal for this year. I haven’t been the best at getting them at the right time but I’ll keep trying! Do you have a favorite plant to collect from?

[@tezrahthomas1097]

Love this video❤

[@joegardenerTV]

Thank you! 💚

[@queene8380]

Love Heirloom

[@jakelewis36]

This has nothing to do with gardening but you are so handsome. 😊

[@joegardenerTV]

Thanks! 😃

[@bigwooly8014]

What is that little seed dropping device you've got there?

[@tomatocyclist7855]

I have watched your seed saving video and I understand the method but I still have a question. Do I need to isolate Heirloom tomato seed verities from other Heirloom verities in order so they do not cross pollinate each other? if they cross pollinate would that not make them a new hybrid verity. Do you need to isolate a bloom and they are pollinated by flowers from the same heirloom verity? Thus that fruit would have seeds that would come true to the selected heirloom verity? Just trying to understand genetically how to accomplish the saving of true heirloom seed. Your thoughts?

[@KitchenGardenTours]

I think it depends on the way the plant is pollinated. Peppers and tomatoes don’t usually cross pollinate as easily in the garden as other plants like flowers. But I’m a beginner as saving seeds too.

[@jonschmidt1545]

Joe, do you ever plant garlic? I am having problems. Not sure where to turn.

[@joegardenerTV]

Hi, Jon. Joe does plant garlic and he's got a great guide on the joegardener® blog here joegardener.com/grow-garlic/.