This weekend I’m helping my husband sell the plants he has grown for our Heirloom Vegetable Plant Sale in Denver. This is our second year and the turnout has been great so far. I have to admit that the past ten weeks have been full of ups and downs. Still, we like the fact that the plants we watched grow from seed are now strong, healthy and ready for the garden.
Why buy Heirlooms?
Heirloom Tomatoes and Peppers |
Normally you’ll find hybrid vegetable plants at your Big Box stores like Home Depot and Walmart. This is when you cross two plant varieties to create a completely new one (a hybrid). Because of this, the seeds cannot be saved to plant the following season. Heirloom vegetables offer more taste and nutritional value than those that are grown from hybrid varieties. Also, the seeds can be saved and used to grow new plants the following season.
It’s fun to hear how the plants will be added to gardens and containers. Still, even though we have been lucky with the warmer temperatures this spring, we explain to our customers the importance of waiting until May to plant them. This is because of the unpredictable Colorado weather. One frosty night can stop a healthy vegetable plant in its’ tracks.
We are both weary from today’s activities but happy to know that there are lots of people in town who prefer to by from local growers like my Husband. We’re so excited to meet others who appreciate the value of our heirloom plants. The plant sale will continue through Sunday. Here are some pics from the first day.
Straight Eight Cucumbers |
Heirloom Bell Peppers |
Genoa Basil |
CLICK HERE for more details on the Plant Sale