Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are plants or other organisms with genetic codes that have been manipulated to express certain traits. Buying non-GMO plants can come down to buying non-GMO seeds. Non-GMO starter plants are also widely available on the market, thanks to growing interest in organic foods and farming. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Find non-GMO seeds. Non-GMO seeds are often referred to as "heirloom" seeds--seeds that have been collected from mature plants, then saved and planted the following season. The name "heirloom" refers to the tradition of passing down successful seeds, often through generations. GMO seeds cannot be collected and used to plant the following year; farmers do not own the patented technology used to produce the seeds. Saving and reusing seeds violates the patents on GMO crops.
An online search will yield dozens of companies offering heirloom seeds for sale; heirloomseeds.org and the Seed Savers Exchange are just two examples. You may be able to find a retailer close to your home.
2. Locate non-GMO plants. Some plants--notably tomatoes--are far easier to grow from starter plants than from seeds. Many of the same companies offering non-GMO seeds also offer starter plants, which are simply plants grown from non-GMO seeds that the company has started and grown, to a point, for you. Starter plants save time and have already survived a vulnerable sprouting period. Starter plants may also be called "transplants" and can be sold labeled as such.
3. Check for the local availability of non-GMO plants. Non-GMO plants may be available in your area, from local farmers, specialty dealers, and cooperatives. Although these seeds and plants may not have the benefit of organic certification like some catalog heirloom varieties, you can ask the grower personally about the history of the seeds or plants and be sure they are not GMOs.
4. Save your own seeds. Part of the beauty of non-GMO seeds is that you can save seeds to use for your next crop. Collect the seeds accordingly from the plants you raise and save the seeds in dark containers or away from sunlight (so they will not sprout). For your next planting, simply use the saved seeds to start your new crop. Saving seeds can be rewarding, as can sharing seeds from particularly successful or well-producing plants. Over the years, seed savers can selectively plant from their hardiest crops, thus helping control the output of their gardens and alleviating the need to buy new seeds or starter plants each season.
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