Non GMO Seeds

Non GMO Seeds are seeds that are not genetically modified in any way. Using them ensures that all kinds of plants will continue to be diverse, unique, and retain their natural strengths.

GMOs in food crops have become a common practice. It is increasingly harder to find conventional products that are not genetically modified in some way.

Some of the seeds and other products that are commonly GMO are:

• Alfalfa
• Corn
• Cotton
• Hawaiian papaya
• Soy
• Sugar beets
• Tobacco
• Yellow squash
• Zucchini

The concern with the increase in GMO produced seeds is that there could easily be cross pollination with non modified seeds--effectively causing non GMO plants to become obsolete.

What are the differences between the two types of seeds?

Non GMO seeds are as they were created. They have all of the nutrition that the human and animal body needs for optimum nutrition and growth. Traditional seeds develop into plants that organisms have been eating for thousands of years. The results and effect on the body are predictable.

If the plant cross pollinates with another plant, then the results are natural. They pose no threat to anything.

Are you wondering GMOs are bad? Seeds which have been altered are quite new in the history of man. The results of eating plants that are grown from seeds that have been modified with materials from animals, other plants, medications, and even plastics can't be accurately predicted.

If your neighbor has tomatoes growing from GMO seeds in his garden, there is a potential that the tomatoes could cross pollinate with your non GMO tomato plants without your knowledge. If you were to collect and save the seeds from your tomatoes and plant them the next season, you would be growing genetically modified tomatoes without even knowing it.

Birds that eat genetically modified seed can spread GMO plants with the seeds that are undigested in their droppings. In the same way a raccoon, rabbit, or deer that eats from genetically modified plants can change an entire eco-system quite quickly.

Most companies that sell heirloom seeds also have pledged to keep GMO seeds out of their inventory. They feel that the concerns outweigh any positive aspects of GMOs. Still, it is important to read the fine print and call the company to ask questions about anything you are not sure of.

Victory Seeds has joined with many other companies in a pledge to not carry any genetically modified product. They carry many heirloom seeds and open pollinated varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Seeds of Change is another company that fully supports biodiversity. They carry a number of unusual varieties of organic seeds. Their site is full of information for the organic gardener.

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange specializes in unique heirloom, non GMO seeds. They emphasize varieties that grow well in the Mid-Atlantic area of the United States. The company sells not only traditional vegetable seeds but cotton, Wonderberry, and other garden seeds that may be difficult to find elsewhere.

Heirloom, organic, and non genetically engineered seeds will probably be a little more expensive than what you might pay elsewhere. There are several reasons for this:

• Heirloom seeds are harder to find.
• The seeds take more individualized care.
• There are only natural fertilizers and insect controls used.

Although vegetable seeds that are not genetically engineered may be more expensive initially, over a period of time they become less expensive.

• Heirloom seeds are fertile; you can save seeds for subsequent growing seasons.
• Once the plants are established, they need little specialized care.
• If you are selling heirloom produce, you can get a higher price at market.

When you choose seeds that have not been modified you are protecting biodiversity. Having many varieties of a type of plant is important to the health of the eco-system.

• Pictures of Organically Grown Food
• Kids Organic Bubble Bath
• USDA Organic Goat's Milk Bar Soap
• What is Organic Farming
• What is Organic

• How to Make Organic Hair Products
• Organic Bamboo Fabric
• How to Make Organic House Cleaning Products
• 100% Organic Vitamins and Supplements
• Best Organic Shampoos