Hybrid breeds

Backcrossing leads to introgression — By Mcruzan - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

The right seeds for growing

Seeds are available on almost every corner these days. As soon as the winter assortment has been cleared out of the shops and the first rays of sunshine of the year come through the cloud cover, various forms of seeds are offered in various supermarkets and especially in DIY shops. In April, at the latest, pre-grown seedlings are also offered so that customers do not even have to go to the trouble of growing the seeds themselves.

But beware:

In most cases, only seeds (and young plants) of hybrid varieties are offered in the commercial super and DIY stores. These hybrid breeds are no longer capable of propagation, which in the long term leads to dependence on seed companies. According to consumer and environmental organisations, the ten largest seed companies already control over 75 percent of the entire seed market.

In order to promote organic seed on the one hand and thus preserve plant diversity in the world, it is advisable to dispense with the above-mentioned hybrid breeds and focus on organic seed.

Where to buy organic seeds

When buying seeds, it is important to look for the EU organic seal. Alternatively, you can look for the logos of Bioland, Naturland or even trade partners of Demeter.

These seeds are genuine and seed-resistant varieties that are capable of reproducing, are usually more resistant to pests and generally taste better - but that is of course a matter of taste. In addition to the well-known and popular varieties, there is a variety of rare, older and regional varieties. It is precisely this diversity that must be preserved and promoted. For the sake of the environment.

In the following, I would like to list three websites and online shops where organic seeds can be purchased. Please note: Aquaponic Germany does not receive any commission by linking the companies mentioned. The recommendations are based on personal experience. In particular, the Dreschflegel GbR has had outstandingly positive experiences - with a germination rate of almost 100 percent.