This week I took inventory of my seeds and made a list of what I need and new seeds I would like to try this year.

In my travels, I have noticed that stores are already stocking and displaying their seeds — some are even discounted. I like a good deal, but when it comes to seeds you should know that the sell by date is important. A sell by date as old as 2020 will still grow, however only half may grow so be sure to plant extra.

When shopping for seeds, you will see three distinct kinds — hybrid, heirloom, and organic.

Hybrid seeds have been cross pollinated to produce a particular color, taste, and size. This seed is closely pollinated to similar species of plants, like tomato to tomato. Hybrid pollination occurs in closed greenhouses, which allows for controlled pollination. Hybrid pollination is completed using fans or someone using a small, soft paint brush to apply pollen to the pistils. Hybrid seeds tend to be more disease resistant and produce more.

Heirloom seeds have been around for over 100 years and have not been purposely cross pollinated to change the fruit or vegetable in any way. These seeds are hand selected based on special traits like size, color, and taste. An heirloom seed is pollinated naturally through wind, insects, and birds.

I asked around and it seems that the most popular heirloom seed is a tomato called Red Brandywine. This tomato seed is said to be an old Amish heirloom dating back to 1888 and was named after Brandywine Creek in Chester County, PA.

Organic seeds are grown by farmers following organic farm management practices. There are many rules and regulations for growing commercial organic produce. Organic seeds are not treated with insecticides or grown in synthetic fertilizer.

One of my projects this year is growing hybrid, heirloom, and organic seeds, treating them all the same way. I am interested to see how they will produce given the same environment.

Follow along on my Instagram GizenskiGarden.