Tag Archives: seeds

Hybrid and Heirloom: A Botanical Tapestry

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Hybrid plants are created through controlled pollination by humans, which combines the best traits of related parent plants. On the other hand, heirloom plants have been passed down through generations, keeping their lineage and flavor. They are a piece of family lore and a connection to the past.

Growing hybrid vegetable plants offers several advantages. They are often bred for:

  • Better disease resistance that can lead to healthier plants and higher yields.
  • Hybrids can be more resilient to weather changes and harsh conditions.
  • They tend to grow more robustly, which can result in more produce.
  • Both the plants and the fruits or vegetables they produce can be larger than heirloom varieties.

However, it’s important to note that hybrids might sometimes have different nutritional values or flavors than heirloom varieties. Also, saving seeds from hybrids for future planting can be impractical due to their genetic complexity.

Heirloom plants are not just plants, they are living pieces of our history. They are the same varieties our ancestors once cultivated and enjoyed in their gardens. These seeds have been lovingly nurtured and passed down through generations, being a rich tapestry of our past. Heirloom vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers are the cherished legacies of gardens, offering a unique connection to our roots. They stand in stark contrast to the hybrid varieties found in big box stores or grocery markets.

These plants have a long lineage and have been preserved for decades through careful choice and seed saving. Heirlooms are open-pollinated, unlike hybrid plants resulting from controlled human pollination. This means they reproduce naturally, pollinated by insects, birds, bees, and wind. Their seeds consistently produce the same plants year after year. One of the most celebrated attributes of heirlooms is their remarkable taste. Over time, careful selection has nurtured their unique flavors.

Heirlooms offer a tantalizing array of plants in the garden, from juicy tomatoes to rare flower varieties treasured by generations of gardeners. Growing heirloom plants is like tending to living treasures. It not only connects us to history and preserves biodiversity but also offers a culinary adventure. Whether it’s a Pink Boar heirloom tomato or an antique flower variety, heirlooms promise flavors and experiences that modern agriculture sometimes overlooks. So, if you’re ready to embark on a flavorful journey in your garden, consider planting some heirloom seeds.


In summary, hybrids offer practical benefits, while heirlooms are cherished for their rich history and exceptional taste. Both have their place in the diverse world of gardening and agriculture. True magic lay not in choosing between hybrid and heirloom but in honoring both—the legacy of yesterday and the promise of tomorrow.

Writer/Digital creator: Tom Myrick

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@urbangardening4u2day17

View on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555328057879

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Understanding Diurnal Variation in Your Garden

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Extreme temperature fluctuations can be a rollercoaster ride for your garden. From seedlings to mature plants, day-to-night temperature swings can cause stress for your garden.

We wanted to share some information about the temperature difference between night and day at the Veggie-Bed. Over the years, this difference has been quite extreme, especially during this time of year. This temperature difference is called the diurnal temperature range.

Unfortunately, an extreme diurnal temperature range is not just a statistic; it poses a serious threat to gardens and can affect every stage of plant growth. From delicate vegetable seedlings to mature flowering and fruit-producing plants, all can be affected by its potential devastation.

It’s essential to be aware that temperature swings between day and night can significantly stress your plants. Vegetable sprouts and seedlings are particularly susceptible to the impact of extreme diurnal temperature ranges. Seedlings and young plants are sensitive to rapid temperature changes, which can stress them. During the day, high temperatures can cause excessive transpiration, leading to water loss. At night, cold temperatures can hinder metabolic processes and slow growth.

Just as we need a stable environment to thrive, wide temperature swings can also affect root development, reducing nutrient and water uptake and impacting overall plant health and vigor. Extreme temperature variations can also disrupt photosynthesis, limiting photosynthetic activity and affecting energy production and growth.

To help mitigate this problem, especially with our fruit-vegetable sprouts and seedlings, we germinate and grow them indoors until the temperatures stabilize. We are fortunate to have a room set aside just for this purpose. This process works well with our small backyard suburban garden. It ensures the young plants are healthy and strong when they arrive in the garden.

Remember, gardening is a delightful journey, and each plant has its unique requirements. Enjoy the process, observe your garden, and adapt your care routine accordingly!

Writer/Digital creator: Tom Myrick

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@urbangardening4u2day17

View on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555328057879

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Growing Success: The Benefits of Starting Vegetable Plants Indoors

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Whether you’re tending a cozy balcony garden or a sprawling backyard plot, indoor plant starting is a valuable practice for every vegetable gardener.

At The Veggie-Bed, we’ve discovered that starting our vegetable gardening plants indoors offers a wealth of advantages, especially for our small-scale garden. Let’s delve into the reasons why indoor plant starting is a game-changer:

When we start plants indoors, we provide them with the best conditions for germination and early growth. This results in faster development compared to direct sowing in the garden. Indoor plant starting allows us better control over light, warmth, and moisture. As a result, seeds tend to germinate more successfully, leading to healthier seedlings.

By keeping seedlings indoors, we shield them from outdoor pests and diseases. This protection ensures that our plants get a strong start without interference. Indoor environments are more stable than outdoor conditions. We can keep consistent temperatures, crucial for seed germination and early growth.

When we start plants indoors, we can closely check their progress. This consistency helps ensure uniform growth and healthy plants. We can track their growth, adjust care as needed, and address any issues promptly.

Starting plants indoors provides a head start on the growing season, allows for better control, and ultimately leads to more successful harvests. Whether you have a small garden or a larger plot, starting plants indoors is a valuable practice for any vegetable gardener!

Writer/Digital creator: Tom Myrick

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@urbangardening4u2day17

View on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555328057879

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Nurturing Green Dreams- The Veggie-Bed’s Indoor Seedling Saga

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At the Veggie-Bed, we’re just a bunch of green-thumbed enthusiasts running a cozy little seasonal vegetable garden. Our team? Well, it’s just enough to keep things manageable and fun.

Photo by: Tom Myrick

Now, let me spill the beans (or should I say, seeds?) on why we’re all about starting our plant babies indoors:

Extra Growing Time: By kickstarting our seeds indoors, we snag a few precious weeks of growing magic. You see, warm-season veggies like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants can be a bit finicky. They’re not too keen on chilly soil temperatures early in spring. So, we pamper them indoors until they’re ready to brave the great outdoors.

Germination Galore: Indoors, we play matchmaker between seeds and soil. We monitor moisture levels and temperature like seasoned detectives. The result? Stellar germination rates! Our seedlings get the VIP treatment, and they strut their stuff as strong, sturdy plants.

Healthier Sprouts: When we germinate our own seeds, it’s like being plant parents from day one. We fuss over them, whisper encouraging words, and make sure they have all the TLC they need. The payoff? Healthier, happier seedlings—way better than those store-bought transplants.

Budget-Friendly Moves: Seeds are like the frugal superheroes of gardening. They’re way cheaper than nursery plants. So, we save some green (both literally and figuratively) while expanding our veggie repertoire. Plus, we get to grow funky heirloom varieties that don’t hang out at the garden center.

Weather Warriors: Our neck of the woods dishes out wild weather—extreme heat, frosty mornings, and everything in between. Starting seeds indoors is our secret weapon. It lets us grow veggies that would otherwise throw in the towel outside. Variety is the spice of life, after all!

So, fellow gardeners, let’s raise our trowels and toast to indoor seed-starting. May your sprouts thrive, your harvests be bountiful, and your dirt-stained hands wear their badges of honor proudly!

Writer/Digital creator: Tom Myrick

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@urbangardening4u2day17

View on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555328057879

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A Cosmic Connection

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Leap Years and Vegetable Gardening- A leap year, occurring every four years, adds an extra day to our calendars—leap day, which falls on February 29th. But how does this astronomical adjustment impact vegetable gardening?

The rationale behind leap years lies in the Earth’s orbit. Our standard calendar year of 365 days is approximately 365.2422 days long. Without leap days, the seasons would gradually shift over time. Imagine the months we associate with each season changing—spring crops planted in what used to be winter or fall crops sown in what used to be spring!

Here’s how leap years affect vegetable gardening:

Seasonal Alignment: Leap years help maintain the alignment of seasons. Adding an extra day keeps our calendar in sync with the Earth’s orbit. This consistency ensures that planting and harvesting times remain accurate.

Crop Planning: Gardeners rely on seasonal cues for planting. Leap years prevent these cues from drifting over time. For instance, if we didn’t account for the extra day, spring planting might gradually shift into winter, disrupting the natural growth cycle of crops.

Frost Dates: Knowing the last frost date is crucial for successful gardening. Leap years impact this date, affecting when to start sowing and planting tender crops. The temperature of the soil also matters for seed germination, so monitoring it is essential.

Variety-Specific Timing: Different vegetable varieties have specific sowing and planting times. Always refer to the instructions on seed packets, as varieties may have varying requirements, even within the same vegetable type.

In summary, leap years are vital in maintaining the rhythm of seasons, ensuring that our vegetable gardens thrive at the right time. So, as you plan your garden, remember that those extra 24 hours matter!

Writer/Digital creator: Tom Myrick

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@urbangardening4u2day17

View on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555328057879

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If you would like to be a part of Urban Gardening’s mission of encouraging and sharing information about vegetable gardening throughout the world, please join our group on Facebook: