During my teenage years, I found joy in assisting my parents with tending their vegetable patch. However, once our bountiful yield filled up the house, and Mom started her exhaustive process of handling what seemed like endless vegetables, I couldn’t help feeling apprehensive. The tedious job of boiling jars full of tomato sauce under the scorching August sun was particularly disagreeable.
Later on, when I visited my acquaintance Will Bonsall—a farmer, writer, and distinguished keeper of seeds—I observed something intriguing: lines upon lines of unripe plums stood tall even as fall approached at month’s end. It turned out these weren’t just ordinary tomatoes; they belonged to an older cultivar known as ‘Royal Chico,’ which ripens slowly. This trait allowed Will to bypass the discomfort of laboring near a blazing oven throughout July. Instead, he let whole plants mature further before hanging them in his cool basement until late October, making the subsequent preparation much more bearable. Unlike many modern hybrid types designed for quick yields, this traditional variety catered precisely to those seeking relief from stifling kitchens during summertime.
Heirloom garden plants consist of older varieties that undergo open pollination. This feature enables amateur gardeners to harvest seeds and maintain the distinctive traits, tastes, and looks of these plants over numerous generations. While modern hybrids offer several advantageous characteristics for household growers, they fail to generate offspring consistent with their parent types and necessitate reliance on suppliers who might discontinue popular strains down the line.
The global consolidation in seed production has led to an efficient system that has phased out numerous traditional and specialized types of seeds. The focus now is on providing seeds that cater primarily to large-scale farmers, prioritizing traits like earlier harvesting and simpler transportation logistics. This frequently overlooks the specific requirements of smaller gardens or various cultural applications.
We seldom use the word “extinction” when referring to garden plants; however, the dire situation faced by well-known large animals such as black rhinos also affects rare strains of potatoes and carrots confined within shrinking areas beneath our gardens. If these vegetable species become extinct, they vanish permanently from existence, taking with them irreplaceable links to cultures and traditions that have nurtured them over time.
Similar to an old family relic found by “Antiques Roadshow” to be highly valuable, heirloom vegetables handed down over generations may possess unforeseen significance. Apart from their distinctive qualities cherished by amateur gardeners, these veggies might contribute crucial genetic variety, aiding in the development of resilient strains suitable for upcoming obstacles. Traits like disease immunity, adaptability to changing climates, or unusual cooking applications could lie hidden within the DNA of common household plants.
The true strength of heirloom plants lies in actively utilizing them in both gardens and kitchens. As the Director of Horticulture at the New England Botanic Garden, my role involves presenting an extensive array of heirloom types to the numerous home gardeners who visit our Vegetable Garden annually. This exposure serves as a source of inspiration for many. By experimenting with and regularly employing these plant varieties, gardeners have the opportunity to uncover the deep-rooted history behind their practical applications. Additionally, cultivating heirlooms allows individuals to maintain live links to our varied horticultural legacy.
Numerous small farms and groups work diligently to forge connections between people and heritage plant varieties.
Seed Saver’s
The Exchange has turned into a nationwide center for swapping heritage seeds and sharing knowledge, making it an ideal starting point for exploration. When you dig into the earth with your shovel and set out to cultivate your garden this season, be sure to include these heirloom varieties that can add distinctive and surprising charm to your area.
Garden Central Mass provides eco-conscious advice and valuable insights for amateur gardeners through the expertise of CEO Grace Elton and Director of Horticulture Steven Conaway from the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. Situated in Boylston, this botanical garden fosters plant-based encounters that motivate individuals and enhance society. Discover more details here.
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The column appears on the third Sunday of every month.
The article initially appeared on Telegram & Gazette.
‘The genuine strength of heirloom plants’: Safeguarding our rich garden diversity
