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"Garden 0rganic offers rare sale of even rarer vegetables

The British have a long and rich tradition of vegetable and fruit growing, from the apple orchards of Somerset to the allotment vegetable plots of Teeside factory workers. However visit the fresh produce section of any major supermarket and a very different story unfolds, yes the range of fruit and vegetables on offer is a season defying vastness but the depth of produce on offer is remarkably shallow

Visiting a generalist garden centre is a similar experience, F1 hybrids dominate the tomatoes selection, and a similar lack of variety and concentration on much hyped 'super seeds' can be found in all the vegetable ranges, fruit trees are even more limited, with a concentration of a handful of hardy popular varieties.

This loss of biodiversity in the vegetable section and garden is a loss not just to Britain's gardening heritage but also a loss for the nation's palate. Eating seasonally, as it is sensible and healthier to do, can be a little boring if Tescos and your local garden centre is providing the variety.

But surely one carrot's very much like the next? ?Actually, every variation and strain is remarkably different. Each with its own taste, growing habits, cultivation time and heritage. And every rare variety we save is part of a much bigger biodiversity picture. Just as we value the diversity of plant and animal species, we need to keep the gene pool of the plants we grow to eat as big as possible too.? Says Garden Organics (Previously known as the Henry Doubleday Research Association).

Thank goodness then for the work of Garden Organics Heritage Seed Library which conserves over 800 rare vegetable varieties under threat from extinction. The Heritage Seed Library is making seedlings available of some of its most interesting and delicious vegetables at its main Warwickshire site from Sunday 5 April.

The aim is to give people the opportunity to sample old veg varieties that are no longer commercially available and to get more people growing and saving seed to keep the library's precious collection alive.

Wonderfully diverse varieties such as tomatoes named Russian Red and Whippersnapper will be made available to buy, and other collections of leafy vegetables such as lettuces, Kales, Beans and Peas including Ragged Jack Kale, Crimson Flowered Broad Bean and the Bronze Arrow Lettuce can be taken home to grow and eat.

Garden Organic's Heritage Seed Library representative, Neil Munro said, ?There is a real surge in the numbers of people wanting to grow their own food, as well as increased interest in growing old types of vegetables that are often far superior in both taste and appearance than the standard varieties. We hope this rare opportunity to buy these endangered vegetable plants will appeal to experienced gardeners and beginners wanting to grow something both historic and unusual.?

?The plants that are available all have a rich history and are guaranteed to taste unlike anything you can buy in the supermarket. What is more, by growing them people can help keep the varieties alive by saving the seed and keeping it for next year.?

Last year Garden Organic ran a series of research trials that compared varieties from the Heritage Seed Library collection against their commercial standard equivalents and found that in many cases, older heritage varieties outperformed their newer counterparts at withstanding poor weather conditions, disease and the scrutiny of taste tests. One such variety, the lettuce, George Richardson came out consistently on top, proving that old varieties are in many cases still the best.

To get your chance to buy these rare Heritage Seed Library plants then visit Garden Organic Ryton in Warwickshire from April onwards. Alternatively, to play your part in protecting Britain's rare vegetables why not become a Garden Organic Heritage Seed Library member. For just £20 your fee will help support the work of the library and in return you will receive annual access to a selection of rare seeds and quarterly Heritage Seed Library updates. Call 024 76303517 or visit http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk for more information."

By: Natural Choices :: 3 years ago