Organic vs non organic seeds?

metta2006

14 years ago

Hi,

I wonder if organic seeds are worth it. I want to grow veggies organically but wonder if it is worth to buy organic seeds, which are more expensive. Would non-organic seeds be contaminated with pesticides? Thanks!

Comments (6)

sinfonian
14 years ago
It is all about the parent plant as far as I know. Was that plant and it's predessors grown organically? I buy organic whenever available.
greenbean08_gw
14 years ago
Some people say the organic seed will grow better organically than conventional seed because the parent plants were grown without chemical "help". I do not know for sure if this is true.

I purchased some organic seed and some conventional seed this year. I am beginning to buy more organics - more of a "speak with your wallet" than any absolute knowledge that there's much difference with the seed.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tales of a Transplanted Gardener
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My experience is that the progeny of organically grown plants are stronger and healthier--Last summer, my husband & I planted 3 types of potatoes from the supermarket--not recommended, but we did it anyway:). 2 were non-organic, the other was organic. The organically grown seed potato jumped out way ahead of the conventional seed potatoes. We used the same organic methods growing all of these. According to Camille Kingsolver (Barbara's daughter) in Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, this is because plants that have to fend for themselves are genetically stronger than plants that are dependent on heavy loads of synthetic chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides) to do the work for them. Thus, the justification for the higher price is a naturally genetically stronger plant. But the choice is yours--couldn't say how many generations of seed saving it would take to build that strength back into the plant, but it's got to happen eventually. You may need to be more vigilant about selecting seed from the more vigorous plants if you decide to go the conventional seed route. I prefer organic seed when I can get it purely for results. Here is a link that might be useful: About Animal, Vegetable Miracle
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I'm not quite sure what is the point of this thread. In this one meta analysis, they reviewed 343 previous studies done, examining and measuring nutritional content of organic vs non organic vegetables. Is that right? Yet, after 343 studies done, they still find very little difference in the nutritional value of both groups. No difference that would actually support recommending one over the other for nutritional content. After 343 studies. That to me is a very large waste of time and money to do that many studies when the first 50 probably told you all you needed to know. I also have to wonder, who was paying for these studies? Is some organization trying to gain support for their point of view with 'scientific studies showÃ¢ÂÂ¦'? At any rate, I haven't expected that organic produce has significantly higher amounts of nutrition over non organic produce. I simply understand that pesticides and fungicides actually are designed to kill bugs and fungus. Why would I want to eat foods that were sprayed with any kind of agent that can kill, even if it is just a small bug? And had them repeatedly applied? And that the soil that they are growing in has had years and years of them being applied? The other reason I choose organic gardening, is because an ecological system clearly exists. Why ignore that rather than try to understand it and work with the system rather than against it? None of these studies address either of those reasons why I choose organic.
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A lot of people might use organic methods but live right on top of large farms that use lots of chemicals so these chemicals are within an 1/8 mile or less. I believe as this is just my opinion that this negates any claims that their stuff is chemical free. Runoff is water from rain and melted snow which is not absorbed and captured by the soil, but runs over the ground and in and out of loose soil. Farm runoff is water leaving farm fields because of rain - melted snow - or possibly irrigation methods. As runoff moves, it picks up and carries pollution, which it can deposit into rivers,small ponds, lakes, coastal waters, and underground sources of drinking water. Agricultural runoff include,s pollution from soil erosion, livestock feeding systems, grazing, plowing, animal waste, and herbicides-pesticides, irrigation water, and fertilizer. Pollutants from farming include soil particles, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, salts, and nutrients such as excessive nitrogen - phosphorus. Large levels of nitrates from fertilizers in the runoff can infiltrate drinking water I wonder if these so-called organic method gardeners that say they are chemical-free explain this to their customers. All certified organic growers are the proper distance away from farm fields that use lots of different chemicals to prevent cross contamination or at least they should be. When I choose to grow produce for sale I do not mention anything even close to the word organic because I am NOT certified and tested and inspected and licensed ORGANIC If people ask me what chemicals I use for my operation they get all of my information. If they don,t ask I do not say anything because the weed/bug sprays that I use are available over the counter and are legal to use without special fed, or county-govt. permits. Nick
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A grocery store is generally not the best place to buy healthy transplants. Not that they're chemical filled, but just forced and unhealthy, as they're meant for harvest, not growing. Now, there are stores where I've had good luck. For me, the local Whole Foods have good organic ones (and I've been to the farm). Had good luck with Sprouts Farmers Market Grocery herbs too, but it really depends where you are, and you didn't list. GMO is primarily used in cash crops. I don't know of any GMO herbs--anyone else?. I have noticed that one of the brands of herbs at local greenhouses has changed their tag to mention NON-GMO, but figured it was just marketing and not switching seeds or so forth. Personally, the only things I avoid are "wetting agents" and mixes with added fertilizer, other than minor nutrients from vermicompost, or other Organics. But, I don't stick to only "certified organic". I do lots of potted herbs, both indoor and out and a mix overwintering in. It is possible, but as Fata says, it's not always easy and you really need to know your plants. Most herbs want a lot more light and pot size than a kitchen counter or windowsill garden. Without enough light, the flavor oils will not develop. Bugs--aphids, whiteflies, and powdery mildew are common in my indoor ones. And fungus gnats, but I ignore them. I use dishsoap spray or neem. When possible, outside with a good shot from the hose does wonders. If you're really concerned, then stick to certified or learn to grow your own from seed. Some are easy, some more difficult, and many are slow growing perennials. Lots of research involved (but fun). Never heard of losing half strength in 30 min.
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Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
14 years ago
The seeds of non-organic will not be "contaminated" with "pesticides". If you want to feel better you can wash them before planting.

Dan
heather38
14 years ago
It would be more important if you are a Organic Farmer, I would guess, in order to be accredited, I have a mix of both organic and non organic seed, mainly cos a lot of stuff I wanted was only available organic? but I am a Brit so maybe I am looking for strange stuff or I have been buying organic for years and not known it?
I think the important thing is, if you feel comfortable with it? if you are going to be organic how far are you willing to go and the answer I feel lies in the question! you wouldn't have asked if you really want to be 100% organic, so buy the seeds that you want and don't worry, I use as much "natural" stuff as I can but am not adverst to chemicals when I need them, But I really, really have to be pushed to the extreme to do this, as in this year, I have admitted to myself I can live without cauliflower, egg plant and lettice this year all all have been gobbled up!, I will try again in the fall! but now wait!!! today I found a lettice in what I thought was a previously defunked row going strong...Yah!
heather38
14 years ago
the row was the first thing I planted out the day before I found Sq foot gardening! I am a convert.
tishtoshnm Zone 6/NM
14 years ago
I would consider why it is you prefer to grow organically. Do you wish to have organic produce to limit your exposure to chemicals? If so, I would not worry about conventional seed. I would question how much chemical could be stored in a seed that would then sprout to become a large plant.

If you prefer organic for the overall health of the earth, then organic seeds may be preferable because the production of the parent plant did not any chemicals to the ecosystem.

On a personal level, I am a mix of 2 but also a person who has to maintain a budget. Many things are not available organic. Also, organic seed is double the cost at the local discounter. Per packet, the extra buck does not make much difference, but when spread over say at least 24 packets, that is $24 I can spend on something else (like gardening gloves which never make it a whole season).

Organic vs non organic seeds?

Comments (6)

sinfonian

greenbean08_gw

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Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)

heather38

heather38

tishtoshnm Zone 6/NM

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