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Northwest Georgia

Wanted to ask a question regarding genetics and soil acclimation.

I've pretty much learned everything about gardening from my late grandfather, and he had a belief that saving seeds from a particular planting would produce better yields in successive years if those seeds were planted in the same type of soil. The only thing I ever knew that my grandfather added to the soil was well composted chicken manure that he got from his chicken houses. He rotated crops from year to year, but the type of soil was basically the same across all of his garden plots and his yields were always bountiful...especially with his watermelons. It seems to indicate that over time, seeds and their corresponding genetic makeup are influenced by the type of soil they are grown and maintained in. Is there any truth to this?

8/18/2017 9:02:18 AM

Bethlehem CT

It makes sense that it would be true. Your grandfather would have to select the very best plants and fruits to take seed from. Over many years this will improve his seed strain. It is hard to say though if it will only be acclimated to his soil and climate. The improved seed may exhibit superior traits in different soils and climates.

8/18/2017 7:42:43 PM

Northwest Georgia

The soil here where I live in NWGA is mostly red clay. Last year I tried growing some okra from seed stock ordered from a reputable online supplier. Germination and growth rate from these seeds were good but flowering and pod set were below expectation. This year I went back to seed stock that I've had for many years and yields were triple that of last years purchased seed. Same soil, preparation and amendments.

This year, my melons, using saved seeds from last years best melons are double the weight of last years melons. Same soil, preparation, amendments and watering schedule. The only difference was plot location, but soil tests showed the same results/composition prior to amendments. I see the same thing with my tomatoes, with my saved seed producing much healthier and heavier bearing plants over plants of the same type(cherokee purple) obtained from the local garden center.

8/18/2017 9:50:36 PM

simpson,KS

I am not sure i have time to tell my theory on saved seed vs. others seed.

8/18/2017 10:21:12 PM

simpson,KS

Well i do know seed from traditional plants have more vigor than seed from grafted plants.

My plants got off to a quiker start than the grafted ones
germination rate was much better
desease resistance is better
and the melons are bigger
BUT the grafted seed melons are beginning to catch up.
And time will tell

8/18/2017 10:38:57 PM

simpson,KS

I am not sure if soil has much to do with it?

8/18/2017 10:42:22 PM