heirloom versus hybrid seeds

Betsy just sent me the link to an article in the NY Times about "heirloomism" and vegetable gardening: Heirloom Seeds or Flinty Hybrids?. Its a long article, exploring lots of aspects of hybrids and heirlooms. It also describes the new movement that goes beyond heirloom seeds, striving to "rebuild the regional farming culture that invented those cultivars".

Betsy says, "It hadn't occurred to me that the heirloom tomatoes could be at the root of the blight problem - too long a season with varieties that are not disease resistant. Interesting."

What do you think - do you grow heirloom or hybrid seeds? I think my garden has about 50:50.

plot costs

Our community garden is reviewing the rates we charge for annual plot rental. This year our fee was $25, but with water costs going up very fast, this rate does not cover much. What do you pay for your plot rental?





Please leave a message if you have more information about what your fees cover and where you are located.

Does anyone know the fees for Cambridge and Waltham Fields plots (MA, USA)?