| What is a non-hybrid vs. a hybrid seed? Which should I use in my small garden? |
| You may use either type of seed in your garden. It is a matter of personal preference. The difference really only becomes critical for those gardeners who wish to save their own seed stock from their garden to use to replant from year to year, or to gardeners who believe it is important to grow the open-pollinated varieties as a means of preserving gene pools and maintaining a wide selection of plants. Open-pollinated varieties and strains will come true from seed, while most hybrid varieties do not. The hybrids have often been developed to provide better, bigger, or more reliable crops of fruit or flowers and are preferred in some instances because of these predictable and desirable traits. The open-pollinated varieties, including many of the "heirloom" varieties or strains will provide wider variations from plant to plant and may not always include the disease resistance and other advantages which contribute to the popularity of the hybrids. Either way, you are bound to have a wonderful garden. Why not try some of both and see which ones work best for you? |
