Before the industrialization of
agriculture, a much wider variety of plant foods were grown for human
consumption. In modern agriculture in the industrialized world, most food crops
are now grown in large, monocultural plots. In order to maximize consistency,
few varieties of each type of crop are grown. These varieties are often
selected for their productivity, their ability to withstand mechanical picking
and cross-country shipping, and their tolerance to drought, frost, or
pesticides.
Heirloom gardening - is a reaction against this trend, heirloom plants are still
widely grown, for example in the home gardens of knowledgeable citizens who
care to preserve the natural traits of the plants they consume. As a result they are able to offer a healthier
variety at the dinner table to their families.
The trend of growing heirloom plants
in gardens has been growing in popularity in North America and Europe over the
last decade.
Our spring 2013 supplies are rolling
in; remember to sign up for our newsletter for the latest heirloom products varieties
as they become available.