I'm interested in growing open-pollinated Heirloom vegetables and evenutally creating my own garden-adapted varieties. I could really use some help in figuring out which varieties of open-pollinated Heirloom vegetables to plan on planting this spring and maybe even this fall/winter in my area.

Here's the pertinent info on my garden: ZONE-8, South Central Alabama - south of Montgomery, heavily amended sandy soil, sunny location, two 4x8 framed raised beds.

Below is a list of vegetables that we're interested in growing...any input on OP/Heirloom varieties of any or all of these vegetables that grow good in our area would be greatly appreciated!

Vegetable List:
Broccoli
Cantalope/Muskmelon
Carrots
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Kale
Lettuce
Okra
Onion
Potatoe
Spinach
Squash
Sugar Peas
Tomato
Turnips
Watermelon

Thanks,
Ed

Most of the seed companies like Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, have information about whether or not their seeds are of heirloom or hybrid varieties. Of course the heirlooms are favored in the many postings on the Tomato forum. I will also link Seeds of Change below, which is good too.

It is not too hard to find heirlooms in things like black eyed peas, watermellons, canteloupes etc. I had good luck with a Tom Watson variety of watermellon this year, it has been around since back prior to 1900. If you can not find any seed anywhere else, I could send you a few when I get some of my medical problems behind me.

White Velvet Okra is an heirloom also and does well for me, there is also a Lousiana white velvet and many more.

I have good success with Florida Broadleaf Mustard Greens and Purple top turnips also.

Good luck with your gardening plan, I hope that it is a huge success for you.
Bill P.

TOD
SEED TO SEED GARDENS