When selecting plants for edible purposes, it is crucial to prioritize your health and the environment by choosing varieties that are grown sustainably and responsibly. This includes:

1. Avoiding Pesticide- and Herbicide- Treated Plants: opt for organically grown plants to minimize exposure to toxic chemicals. While perennial plants may eventually break down pesticide residue (typically around 3 years, which means plant it and don’t consume until after the third year), it is still essential to choose organic options to ensure your health and safety.

2. Selecting Bee-Friendly Varieties: refrain from purchasing plants treated with neonicotinoids (neonics), insecticides, and other chemicals that harm pollinators.

3. Preserving Seed Integrity: when selecting seeds for future use, avoid F1 hybrid seeds, which may produce inconsistent results or sterile offspring. Similarly, steer clear of patented GMO seeds, which are protected against reproduction and seed saving.

Recommended: Organic and heirloom varieties, also open-pollinated and non-hybrid seed and plant options. Purchase from reputable suppliers that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility.

• Seed Saver’s Exchange https://shop.seedsavers.org/

• Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds https://www.rareseeds.com/

• Kitazawa Seed Company https://trueleafmarket.com/collections/kitazawa

• Territorial Seed Company https://territorialseed.com/

• Fedco Seeds https://fedcoseeds.com/

• Renee’s Garden https://www.reneesgarden.com/

• Adaptive Seeds https://www.adaptiveseeds.com/

• One Green World https://onegreenworld.com/

• Stark Bro’s https://www.starkbros.com/

• Pinetree Garden Seeds https://www.superseeds.com/

• Edible Landscaping LLC https://ediblelandscaping.com/

• Botanical Interests https://www.botanicalinterests.com/

• Jelitto Perennial Seeds https://www.jelitto.com/

• Prairie Moon Nursery https://www.prairiemoon.com/

• Harlequin’s Gardens ‍ ‍https://harlequinsgardens.com/

• Desert Canyon Farm https://desertcanyonfarm.wpcomstaging.com/