Lucy Hutchings and Kate Cotterill, founders of She Grows Veg, champion the idea of heirloom seeds, encouraging growers to explore the vibrant, nutritious and diverse world of non-GMO heirlooms. Their passion and dedication earned them a gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and they believe these unique varieties are the best choice for modern gardens.
Heirloom seeds, which have been around for at least 50 years and remain true even after transplanting, offer a vibrant and nutritious alternative to the generic vegetables typically found in supermarkets. Hutchings and Cotterill are leading the movement to diversify our gardens and plates with these extraordinary plants.
Arguments for heirloom vegetables
Heirloom seeds are gaining attention for their historical significance, genetic diversity and exceptional flavor. Unlike their commercial counterparts, heirloom vegetables have not been genetically modified and have been preserved through generations of careful cultivation. This preservation has preserved their unique characteristics, which are often lost in mass-produced varieties.
The appeal of heirloom seeds
Genetic Diversity: Heirloom seeds help maintain genetic diversity in agriculture. Each variety has been passed down from generation to generation, maintaining traits that can withstand local climate conditions, pests and diseases.
Nutritional value: Many heirloom vegetables are more nutritious than hybrid varieties. Ms Cotterill says the vegetables come in a “rainbow of colours” and are rich in nutrients, making them a healthier choice.
Unique appearance and taste. Heirloom vegetables often have distinctive shapes, colors and flavors. Ms Hutchings and Ms Cotterill are particularly enthusiastic about showcasing vegetables that challenge supermarket norms. For example, heirloom tomatoes can range from deep purple to bright yellow and come in different shapes, offering a richer culinary experience.
Real seeds. One of the most significant benefits of heir seeds is that they are open pollinated. This means that the seeds collected from these plants will produce vegetables identical to the original plant. This reliability is critical to maintaining the unique characteristics of heirloom varieties.
Growing popularity and influence on the community
Hutchings and Cotterill’s She Grows Veg initiative, based in Capel St Mary, Suffolk, aims to inspire gardeners and farmers to experiment with heirlooms. Their excitement is palpable as they note growing interest in these seeds. “We are very passionate about heirloom vegetables and truly believe they are the best vegetables you can grow in your garden,” Ms Hutchings said. Their enthusiasm is shared by many, resulting in a significant increase in the cultivation of heirloom varieties.
Their gold medal winning exhibition at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, known as ‘Edimental – The Beauty of Vegetables’, highlighted the aesthetic appeal of these plants, emphasizing that vegetables can be both edible and ornamental. The annual show is renowned for celebrating excellence in gardening and She Grows Veg’s success there highlights the growing love for heirloom vegetables.
Call to action
“We want people to stop growing boring red tomatoes,” Ms Cotterill said. “Let’s go for those really colorful heirloom varieties.” The sentiment reflects a broader movement toward diversity and sustainability in agriculture. By selecting heirloom seeds, growers can help preserve these treasured plant varieties for future generations.
The movement led by Hutchings and Cotterill is more than just a trend; this represents a shift towards sustainability, diversity and nutritional value of our food supply. Heirloom vegetables provide a tangible connection to our agricultural heritage and promise a future in which our gardens and farms are as diverse and vibrant as nature intended.
