Organic SeedsUpdated 11 days ago

What Does "Organic" Mean for Seeds?

When seeds are labeled as organic, it means they were produced using organic farming methods—methods that rely on organic inputs such as organic pesticides or fertilizers. This certification is especially important for farmers who need organic seeds to produce USDA-certified organic produce.

Many gardeners prefer to buy organic seeds due to the environmental benefits of organic farming methods, which typically use inputs that do not linger in the environment as long as synthetic products. Organic methods also tend to pose less risk to waterways, native plants, and wildlife.

At Botanical Interests, we offer both organic and conventional seeds. While some popular varieties may only be available in conventional form, we are always expanding our organic seed selection. If we could exclusively carry organic seeds, we would!

Growing Organic in Your Garden

Whether or not a seed is organic doesn’t affect the safety of the food you grow. The methods you use to cultivate your garden will have a greater impact on the final product.

• Any seeds can be grown organically, even if they are not certified organic.
• If you prefer using synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, be cautious to avoid applying these to the edible parts of the plant. Depending on the product, certain pest control methods can be used up until the day of harvest, but it’s essential to wash your produce thoroughly before eating.
• For pollinating insects, it’s generally best to avoid applying any pest control products—organic or conventional—directly to flowers, as they may contaminate the pollen or nectar.

Environmental Impact: Organic vs. Conventional

Both organic and conventional methods can impact pollinators, but organic methods tend to have a shorter half-life and do not persist in the environment as long as synthetic alternatives. Using organic fertilizers and pesticides cautiously can make them a bit safer for the environment.

• Organic fertilizers (e.g., composted manures) should be applied to the soil rather than directly to flowers or food.
• Synthetic fertilizers can cause fertilizer burn if applied too strongly to plants, especially to the edible parts.

Edible Flowers

If you're growing edible flowers, such as pansies or violas (Johnny-Jump-Up, King Henry), you should avoid applying anything potentially harmful to the flower itself. As long as you haven’t used risky products and you have no allergies, you can enjoy these flowers in your meals!

We also offer other edible flowering plants, such as nasturtiums, zinnias, and marigolds.

Important Disclaimer

If you have concerns about the safety of any edible plant, always consult your physician or nutritionist before consumption. While we’re happy to provide gardening advice, we recommend seeking professional health guidance if you have any specific health concerns or dietary restrictions.