About The Florida Backyard Vegetable Gardener the beginning of Growin’ Crazy Acres

After I had been casually gardening for many years on and off I wanted to grow food, not just have a garden. I started growing every season. I wanted to save my own seeds. I wanted more consistency and was tired of buying seeds all the time.

That started my obsession with seed saving and growing only Heirloom and Open pollinated varieties. I had learned you can’t save seeds from hybrids or genetically modified plants and most all sold in stores are not grown organically. The only way to insure I could get organically grown plants and save my own seeds was to do it myself.

The search for Heirloom/OP/Organic plants was impossible, but I did find seeds. The ones I found were online from companies I found in the mid-west and north-east areas. Through more research I learned Heirloom varieties are adaptable to new climates and areas. That meant over time these varieties will become stronger and more resistant to pests and diseases in my area. So I picked my favorites and started growing! Those which seemed to do well I continue to grow season after season and save the seeds.

Over the years I have been expanding my collection and consigning other local growers to grow more and more varieties. My goal is to have a diversified collection of adaptable varieties for Florida and similar climates to offer in my catalog.

The more I learn about the food grown today, the more I realize how important growing Heirloom/Op varieties and saving seed is. Heirlooms are proven to taste better and have higher concentrations of vitamins and nutrients. It is the only way to have a secure food source, eat the best possible tasting and nutritious vegetables and maintain diversity in our food.

Desiree’ Canora
I signed the “Safe Seed Pledge”

The Safe Seed Pledge:

“Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative.

We pledge that we do not knowingly buy, sell or trade genetically engineered seeds or plants.

The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically
engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately healthy people and communities.”