Using Organic Seeds

Organic gardens are gardens where pests and diseases are controlled without the use of synthetic products -- but what are organic seeds? Watch this video to find out.

Dave Epstein: Hi! I’m Dave Epstein this is Growing Wisdom. I’m here today at Johnny’s Selected Seeds for Albion, Maine and I’m with Susie Anderson. And you’ve taken me to the certified organic fields here at Johnny’s. Pretty neat, organic, bees buzz word and I’ve even notice in you catalogue the OG, that’s Organically Grown right? Susie Anderson: Yes. Dave Epstein: What are organic seeds? Susie Anderson: Organic seeds are grown using organic practices throughout the process of growing to harvest and then we are able to offer organic seeds because we’re an organic--a certified organic seed handler. Dave Epstein: And who certifies when you say, we’re certified? Who’s the big organization that certifies? Susie Anderson: National Organic Program or NOP is the national certifier and then the regions have different certifying organizations. Here in Maine, we have MOFGA, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. There’s also one called NOFA and that’s for the Northeast. Dave Epstein: And I’ve noticed an increase in organic seeds throughout catalogues like yours, why the increase? Susie Anderson: Since 2002, organic farmers have been required to get organic seed when it’s available. Dave Epstein: When I went to the supermarket several year ago there was just a few products that seem that I could buy organically and now it’s just increased so much. Do you have any idea what percentage of the products which are grown organically are using this organic seed? Susie Anderson: It’s about 11 % of the farmers are using organic seed. New organic varieties are being bred everyday and there are more varieties coming out on the market available for people. Dave Epstein: What are some of thoughts within this organic movement behind this organic seed? Susie Anderson: Some believe because organic seed is more better adapted to organic practices that it’s going to be higher yielding and a better producing plant. Dave Epstein: So then the obvious question is does Johnny’s produce organic seed? Susie Anderson: We do produce some organic seed here on the farm and we contract grow with small producers around the world for organic seeds. Dave Epstein: So do you send Johnny’s people out to these? People that you get to seed from just to be sure they’re doing everything okay? Susie Anderson: No, we actually--each region in the world has a certifier in organic practices and they send an agent out to field to inspect all the crops. Dave Epstein: So you can be assured that when it says OG in the catalogue, it’s really organic seed? Susie Anderson: Absolutely, it’s been inspected. Dave Epstein: Susie, thank you for the lesson on organic seeds. Clears up a lot and we’re hoping the weather clears up here at Growing Wisdom. Comeback every week for all of our tips and some helps here at Growing Wisdom.