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Mostly just wanted to let you know that I had read and enjoyed your article. But also, I have been looking around DG for some more information about Heirlooms versus Hybrids because I have been teased recently for using Hybrids. And I wanted to let you know that one of the themes that really came through to me in your article was your custodial attitude towards maintaining the BEST cultivars and passing them on to other folks.
I applaud you for doing that and hope that I will be able to do something similar when I'm a bit more skilled in my growing techniques. I'll get the bees in line and stop growing every seed packet I see in front of me soon but until then please know that your posts are very appreciated!
Jeff
A bigtime THANK YOU, Jeff! I always like hearing positive words and talk about future gardening! You just covered both of those topics! Thanks!
Regarding Hybrids vs Heirlooms, don't let the teasing bother you. Although my preference is to grow out heirloom/open-pollinated varieties I also am open to a few hybrids. As a matter of fact one of the best-tasting tomatoes I've grown in the past 20 years was a hybrid called Johnny's 361 (get a load of that, eh? Didn't even have a real name, just a number!). Unfortunately it is no longer available on the market. Ah, yes, another reason to grow OP varieties, eh...so we can save the seeds and help keep them available.
I would recommend you grow both hybrid and heirlooms. That way you can be more familiar with both areas and have a better grasp of what is involved. And, of course, I'm going to encourage you to go heavy on the heirlooms! (Last year I didn't grow any hybrid tomatoes but the year before grew one variety, just to see it in action!) (I also prefer a hybrid corn, called Kandy Korn, very sweet!) As for most everything else I prefer the heirloom/OP varieties I am either familiar with or ones that I'm growing out for seed banks/friends.
As for encouraging you to save the best "cultivars" (don't get me started on the term 'cultivar' as it has many meanings) I think that will be an individual preference. Some folks will continue a variety because of its taste, others because of its growth habit, still others because of its earliness or its disease tolerance. The best part is all those decisions are totally up to you, the grower.
And yes, passing them on to others is a biggy, too. I'm very happy to hear you have that as part of your goal! Thanks!!
You strike me as one who is very interested in your gardening and growing. I love that! I think you'll do great! And if I ever come down your way I hope we get a few minutes to chat in person. Please feel free to holler, anytime.
Again, many thanks!
Happy Growing! Happy Gardening!
Shoe
