Organic Seedling Success: Your Ultimate Purchase Checklist

Embarking on an organic gardening journey is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. But before you can harvest those delectable, homegrown vegetables, you'll need the right seedlings. Navigating the world of organic seedlings can feel overwhelming, with various certifications and claims to decipher. To ensure you're starting with healthy, genuinely non-hybrid organic plants, a careful approach is essential. This checklist will guide you through the key considerations when purchasing organic seedlings, empowering you to make informed choices and cultivate a thriving, chemical-free garden.

Checklist for Purchasing Organic Seedlings:

• Certification:
• ☐ Look for seedlings labeled "Certified Organic" by a reputable organization (e.g., USDA Organic).
• ☐ Verify that the nursery or seller is also certified organic, especially if purchasing online.
• Source Verification:
• ☐ Ask about the seedling's origin and growing practices.
• ☐ Inquire if the seedlings were grown from organic, non-GMO seeds.
• Plant Health:
• ☐ Inspect seedlings for signs of disease, pests, or damage.
• ☐ Choose seedlings with strong, healthy stems and vibrant leaves.
• ☐ Avoid seedlings with yellowing, wilting, or spots.
• ☐ Check the roots. If possible, make sure they look healthy, and are not root bound.
• Soil Quality:
• ☐ Check if the seedlings are potted in organic potting mix.
• ☐ Ensure the soil is free from visible weeds or pests.
• Variety Selection:
• ☐ Choose varieties that are well-suited to your local climate and growing zone. The USDA has a chart that lists plant hardiness zones for your area. 
• Here is the link to their website: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/
• ☐ Select non-hybrid plants. We are forbidden from planting our garden with two different seeds in close proximity, why because it could produce hybrid plants that weren’t created by GOD. Deuteronomy 22:9 declares: “You must not plant your vineyard with two kinds of seed; otherwise the entire yield of the seed you plant and the produce of the vineyard, will be defiled.” A lot of fruit and veggies on the market are defiled to us for consumption.
• Timing:
• ☐ Purchase seedlings at the appropriate time for planting in your region.
• ☐ Avoid buying seedlings that are too mature or root-bound.
• Reputable Seller:
• ☐ Buy from a reputable nursery, farmers market, or organic gardening supplier.
• ☐ Read reviews of the seller online.
• Labeling:
• ☐ Make sure the plant is correctly labeled.

Organic Gardening Do's and Don'ts:

Do's:

• Do use organic compost and natural fertilizers to enrich the soil.
• Do practice crop rotation to prevent soil depletion and disease.
• Do use natural pest control methods, such as beneficial insects, neem oil, or insecticidal soap.
• Do mulch your garden beds to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Do water your plants deeply and consistently.
• Do encourage beneficial insects and pollinators by planting diverse flowers.
• Do hand-weed regularly to prevent weeds from spreading.
• Do practice good garden hygiene, such as removing diseased plants promptly.
• Do save seeds from your organic plants for future use.
• Do use rain barrels to collect water.
• Do plan your garden.
• Do test your soil.

Don'ts:

• Don't use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
• Don't use genetically modified (GMO) seeds or seedlings.
• Don't neglect your garden; regular maintenance is essential.
• Don't compost meat, dairy, or oily foods, as they attract pests.
• Don't use treated wood in your garden beds or compost piles.
• Don't overwater your plants, as this can lead to root rot.
• Don't let weeds go to seed, as this will spread them.
• Don't burn yard waste, compost it.
• Don't use city water if you can avoid it.
• Don't plant invasive species.

By following this checklist, you'll be well-equipped to select high-quality organic seedlings that will form the foundation of a productive and healthy garden. Remember, investing in healthy organic plants is an investment in your health and well-being, and the environment. As you nurture your seedlings and watch them flourish, you'll experience the satisfaction of growing your own food, knowing that it's been cultivated with care and respect for nature. Happy gardening!

I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Shalom