2 of 12

Write now Article Tools

There are both positives and negatives associated with the purchase and use of organic seeds. Whether you buy organic' seeds or other seeds is really dependent on the gardener's preference. Arguments for organic seeds usually focus on health issues, while arguments against organic seeds usually focus on their greater price and comparatively rare availability.

Organic seeds are those that have not been treated with chemicals, while seeds that are not organic (i.e. the rest) have been sprayed with fungicides, pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Organic plants are grown on plain soil, while non-organics are grown on soil treated fertilizer and chemicals to make them grow faster and hardier.

There are a few things to consider when purchasing organic seeds. On average, they may be a bit more expensive than their chemically treated counterparts, simply because the yield per field is lower. That is, if a field of non-organic crops were treated with pesticides and fungicides, it may have 75-85 percent viable crops, while an untreated field of organic' crops may only have a 60-70 percent yield. Add chemical fertilizers into the mix and a field of non-organic crops will grow far faster than organic crops. A field of non-organic crops may be harvested 5 times in the time it takes an organic crop to be harvested 3-4 times. This, of course, also depends on the type of crop. Non-organic seeds also last longer in storage.

It is therefore cheaper to buy non-organic seeds. They grow faster, are hardier, and have a greater yield than their organic counterparts. Of course, this also applies on a smaller scale to the gardener at home, with carrots and tomato plants.

On the other side of the coin, there are many people that believe that the chemicals sprayed on inorganic crops are unhealthy. The average plant is given a good dousing of fungicides, pesticides and fertilizers. These chemicals seep into the soil and are taken up into the plant. No matter how much washing you do, the chemicals will remain inside the vegetable. Getting rid of the soil on the outside will do little overall.

Therefore, many gardeners believe that organic plants are far healthier and more natural than non-organic plants.

The answer to are they worth the cost' is subjective according to the gardener's preference. If the home gardener is looking to save a few dollars, then non-organics are the way to go. If the gardener is concerned with health and doesn't mind insects and fungus getting to a few of the vegetables, then he/she might prefer an organic seed.

Just remember if you buy an organic seed and try to protect your plants from insects and fungus by spraying them with chemicals and fertilizers, you would be making the organic' seed exactly the same as their non-organic counterparts! Likewise, if you plant organic' seeds in soil that has been chemically treated before, you are also making the organic' seeds grow into non-organic plants.

Learn more about this author, Edmund K.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Are organic seeds worth the extra cost??
We want to hear your view. Write now!