Skip to Content.
Sympa Menu

homestead - Re: [Homestead] Seed catalogs

homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org

Subject: Homestead mailing list

List archive

Chronological Thread  
  • From: "Marie McHarry" <mmcharry AT dtnspeed.net>
  • To: <homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Homestead] Seed catalogs
  • Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2006 23:15:51 -0600

<<Got a question about the type of seeds to buy. I have found "heirloom"
and
"organic" seeds as of late, and the heirlooms are less expensive. I'm now
debating whether to spend the extra money to ensure that the seeds are
clean from insecticides. Any opinions?>>

I can't imagine that the amount of insecticide, or whatever, would be a
realistic concern for seeds.

I don't run an organic homestead (though I don't use any kind of pesticide
or antibiotic without serious consideration, and I use them sparingly), so I
definitely don't have an organic operation. I suspect that many heirloom
seeds are raised under the same conditions. Most of us don't have the
wherewithal to be officially organic. OTOH, we don't pour pesticides on
indiscriminately.

As an aside: even if I decided to become organic, I'm surrounded on four
sides by seriously nonorganic row cropping. I've had my well water tested
for bacteria, but not for chemicals. I suspect that the environment around
here (and around most places in the US) is seriously non-organic. Just for
snicks and grins, I think I'll see what's in the well water this spring, but
I'm not sure what I'll do if it's loaded with pesticides. OTOOH, this area
has about 30 feet of clay between the ground surface and the water table,
and I expect that a lot of organics are bound up there.

Marie, in beautiful Menard County where yesterday's nearly 60 degree (F)
weather has deteriorated into an ice storm and stepping off the front porch
(with it's 1/2 inch of ice) could be a mortal experience





Archive powered by MHonArc 2.6.24.

Top of Page