Hey there, fellow gardener! Have you heard about the buzz in the gardening community? There's a new trend emerging, and it's all about these "new GMO mustard greens seeds on the market. They claim to grow less bitter greens so that they can be eaten raw."
Now, I know what you're thinking—GMO? Really? As a backyard gardener, you're probably focused on getting the most flavorful and natural produce possible. That's why you're skeptical about GMO items, right?
Let's chat about what's going on here. Pairwise, in partnership with Bayer Monsanto, has developed new gene-edited seeds—specifically these GMO mustard greens.
These greens claim to be less bitter, making them more appealing for salads and other dishes. But before you grab a packet and start planting, let's dig a little deeper.
You enjoy the authenticity that comes with heirloom seeds—the same seeds passed down through generations. Their flavors are often unmatched, and they connect you with gardening history.
But now, there's this new option on the block. Proponents of these new GMO mustard greens say they offer a milder taste, which could be appealing if you've found mustard greens a bit too strong before.
However, you're understandably cautious. You're pretty devoted to keeping your garden pure, avoiding any tampered seeds.
In this seven-part article, we'll explore these new GMO mustard greens, examining what they mean for your garden, your salad bowl, and your peace of mind.
If you would like to grow Non-GMO mustard greens in your garden, you can order good seeds here.
Good Monday morning. It is 54° and we have just a trickle of water. Benton City Water is constantly having trouble and I just don't understand it. I am glad I showered late last night because there is no way I could do it now. This means local people either will call in for work today or they are not going to smell good. The water worked great at 11pm last night.
This week, we are talking about more bio-engineered food, this time GMO mustard greens. So far, they are not selling the seeds to the home gardener. They are selling the grown GMO mustard greens to us in the grocery stores.
I am still trying to figure out that ridiculous halftime show last night. On Facebook, most people thought it was stupid. It definitely was not entertaining. Why do they keep bringing on these rappers? Why not choose a real singer who can belt out their greatest hits? You know, like maybe George Strait?
The water finally came back on around 10:15am. We already had a family here early today.
I have 11 dozen eggs in the refrigerator today so if you like to come and get a big bunch at once, like I know that some of you do, today is the day to come and get them. A reminder-- they are now $6 a dozen. Most of my egg-selling friends are getting $7 a dozen.
It is now 11:40am and it is 53° so the temperature is going down rather than up today. It looks like it will rain but so far we have not had a drop. When I left the house to put eggs in the store, I thought it would be warm but it was so cold. I had too much in my arms to unload again so I went to the store and unloaded the eggs. Then I went back and got a hoodie.
I had a small bit of very good news so I feel slightly better than I have in three weeks...relieved!
I spent the day filling and mailing orders. One family came by to shop for seeds in the morning. It was cold all day long. The accountant did not get the check stubs to us until 4:30pm so I had to write checks for the last little while.
We have a business meeting later on today with three other businesses.
Well, only two other business couples showed up. We had the business meeting at Triple C. Got home close to 9pm.
No rain all day long...so much for that!
Are GMO mustard greens the right addition to your garden? And just how bioengineered are these greens anyway?
In simple terms, GMO stands for genetically modified organism. These are plants or animals altered using genetic engineering techniques.
Pairwise's mustard greens are gene-edited seeds, which means their DNA has been tweaked to achieve desired traits, like a less bitter taste.
You've
probably heard about other bioengineered crops—corn, soy, last year's purple tomato, and even
apples. Now, it seems the humble mustard green is joining their ranks. By the way, the Purple GMO tomato seeds are for sale again this year from their creator company, Norfolk.
Unlike traditional plant breeding, which might take years, gene editing allows scientists to make precise changes quickly.
But let's not rush into any conclusions. As a gardener, you're entitled to know exactly what these changes mean for you and your plants.
It is sort of wet and a bit hazy out so I guess it is misting. I have not been out there yet. Late yesterday afternoon, the bank took one check but not the other when I used mobile deposit. That is so aggravating when you get the check stubs and it is almost 5pm.
Well, this morning, I looked and they finally accepted the other check so I can pay bills.
We also have to pay property taxes this month and that is always a good time! Ha!
I spent the morning writing checks, packing eggs, working on the computer, and pricing things in the store. We now have germination kits, germination mix in small bags, and bags of bunny rabbit poo. Someone asked for all of these things on Saturday but we had none to sell because everything we had made went into online orders. Also, we still have some CowPots in sets, although most of them are gone already.
This morning, someone from a local town called us to ask for seeds that they can give away at some event coming up in March. Then, in the mail today, we received two requests for free seeds for libraries. Last week at the vegetable conference, we had two ladies go on about their non-profits and how they wanted us to give them seeds.
In the beginning of January, we sent out a good $6000 worth of seeds and even paid the cost of mailing them ourselves and we are done for the year, tapped out, done with giving until next year.
What people don't realize is that we have to pay for those seeds and the postage. Seeds are not cheap. We give a lot away each year but everybody and their brother wants free seeds. We are in business to earn money.
I went to the house and let the dogs out. I let them back in just a bit ago and put the gate up in between the kitchen and den so Trump doesn't trash the house. My shoe gracefully got caught on the gate while I tried to climb over it and down I went, right on my knee. I sat there for quite a while. I am up now but I am sure I will have a fun bruise and probably lots of other things...
We had one set of customers all day. They took nine dozen eggs and a few seeds. It stayed overcast and misty all day long. I got quite a few orders filled but there are many more that have come in.
Let's break down the science a bit. Gene editing involves altering specific genes while leaving others untouched.
This is different from traditional breeding, where plants are crossbred over many generations to get desired traits.
So, these new GMO mustard greens weren't naturally selected over time but engineered for quicker results.
They promise to have a milder flavor, which might be great for someone who finds mustard greens usually too punchy.
But remember, editing garden seeds alters the DNA of the seeds. We do not know what effects that can have on people long-term.
Let's talk taste. Mustard greens tend to be on the bitter side, which is a flavor not everyone loves.
These new GMO versions have been developed to reduce bitterness, making them more salad-friendly.
Imagine picking them fresh from your garden, adding them to your salad, and enjoying a smoother flavor.
But does this potential taste upgrade come at a cost? You've got every reason to stop and think here.
After all, your heirloom mustard greens might be bitter, but they're historically untouched and all-natural.
Let's get a bit comparative. Non-GMO seeds are the traditional types you're used to, natural and unmolested.
GMO seeds, as the name suggests, involve a level of genetic tinkering to achieve specific results.
As a gardener, you must be wondering if these results outweigh sticking to heirloom varieties.
When you choose non-GMO seeds, you're advocating for purity, flavor, and tradition.
With GMO seeds, you're opting for innovation and modern solutions to long-standing gardening challenges.
So far, the company will be growing the seeds and selling the mustard greens to the grocery store. They are not currently selling the seeds to consumers. Look in the produce aisle for mustard greens that are sold as not bitter or as salad greens. They will be the GMO mustard greens.
So, what's the big deal with Pairwise partnering with Bayer Monsanto?
Well, for starters, it means greater distribution of these GMO mustard greens, potentially making them more accessible.
As someone who treasures the backyard garden, you might have mixed feelings about these advancements.
It's important to weigh the benefits of broader seed availability against the value of your gardening principles.
After all, while convenience is enticing, you still value the complexity and authenticity of traditional methods.
If you're tempted to give these new seeds a try once they are made available to the public, let's talk about growing them.
GMO mustard greens should be grown similarly to non-GMO kinds—lots of sunlight and well-draining soil.
These greens could potentially offer disease resistance and better growth rates.
But while these advantages might seem appealing, remember: heirloom seeds give the best flavor.
Your choice ultimately depends on what you prioritize—speed and ease, or history and taste.
By now, you've got a clearer picture of what these new GMO mustard greens are all about.
They're not just about less bitterness but also about embracing new agricultural technologies.
However, you might still be asking if these gene-edited seeds deserve a spot in your garden.
Remember, the effects of altering seed DNA aren't fully understood long-term.
True, these greens offer innovation, but your heirloom seeds remain a testament to timeless gardening wisdom.
As you stand in your garden, considering these new options, here's a thought: gardening is as much about the journey as the harvest.
It's about the choices you make, the seeds you sow, and the results you nurture.
Whatever you decide, whether it's GMO or heirloom, it's your garden and your rules.
You have the safety now to plant pure seeds and savor their time-tested flavors, should you choose. Of course, here at David's Garden Seeds®, we will not be selling these or any other GMO seeds. We have taken the Seed Integrity Pledge and we are serious about providing safe seeds for American gardeners.
So, happy gardening, and may your choices always lead to the lush, beautiful garden you've always dreamed of!
Return from GMO Mustard Greens to Our Sixth Year
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