Seed Selection for Wyoming Gardeners
- Caitlin Youngquist
- Mar 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 27
Here at Dirt Works we believe everyone can have a bountiful garden. First, start with healthy, living soil. Then, choose the right seeds. In this article we share the basics of variety selection, seed quality, and plant breeding.
Selective plant breeding involves cross-pollinating plants to combine desirable traits. Careful attention to variety selection and seed quality will help set you up for success in the garden.
Selecting the Best Varieties for Your Garden
Are your summers long and hot? Be sure to choose cool season crops that are specifically developed to be heat tolerant. Most cool season plants will bolt (go to seed) quickly or turn bitter in the heat. Ask your favorite search engine for "heat tolerant broccoli" or "summer lettuce varieties".
Are your summers short and cool? Warm season crops may need extra protection. Select varieties that mature early and can tolerate cooler temperatures. Do not be discouraged! There are several seed companies that specialize in vegetable seed for cool, northern climates. Ask your favorite search engine for "short season tomatoes" or "melons for cool climates".
Want more clarification on warm and cool season crops? Start here.
Weather variation year to year can also have a big impact on which crops thrive. Don’t give up the first year if you don’t have great success!
Pest and Disease Resistance: Many vegetable varieties have been bred for disease and pest resistance. You may want to choose varieties with some genetic resistance to common issues in your area (for example, powdery mildew or mosaic virus).
Purpose: Think about how you will use the flowers and vegetables you grow, and when you want to harvest. Consider planting varieties that mature at different times to provide a more steady supply of food. There are so many choices! For every type of vegetable there are varieties that are best for processing or storage, and those that are best for fresh eating (that do not store as well).
Here are a few examples:
Bush beans will have a shorter harvest window than pole beans. This is helpful if you are preserving the beans and want them all at once.
Some potatoes are "dry" and best for baking, while others are "waxy" and best for mashing or roasting. You can plant a combination of early, mid and late season varieties to extend the harvest period.
Some winter squash will be good to eat right off the vine, and some will store (and the flavor will improve) for up to 6 months.
Yellow onions generally store longer than white onions.
Softneck garlic varieties will store longer than hardneck garlic varieties.
Some tomato varieties are best for making sauce while others are best for sandwiches.
Plant a summer variety of cabbage that matures quickly in the spring (for a summer harvest) and then choose a different variety that can be planted in the summer for a late fall harvest.
The Generous Roots Garden Company was created to support the Worland Community Garden and is dedicated to providing high-quality, regionally adapted seeds for gardeners of all levels. They offer a carefully curated selection of vegetable and flower seeds, selected to thrive in Wyoming's Big Horn Basin.
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