Heirloom plants are crops cultivated within a specific area, farm, or family for an extended period (at least 30 years or one generation). Unlike commercially bred varieties, they are often maintained informally, without strict adherence to breeding standards. They may even lack formal names, usually referred to by local designations, for example, Aunt Alma's cucumbers, Tsar Nicholas's beans, or Uncle Carl's potatoes. Fruit trees are considered historically valuable varieties if introduced before World War II – that is, they have been cultivated for at least 80-100 years.

Beyond their emotional and spiritual significance, heirloom plants possess immense biological value. Having adapted to diverse geographical and climatic conditions over decades (for example, the climates at the farthest reaches of Latvia present vastly different conditions for plant growth), these plants are resilient to locally specific challenges like soil type, wind, and frost. Moreover, through generations of selective breeding, these plants have developed resistance to diseases, pests, and the vagaries of climate change (like late spring frosts and early autumns). Heirloom crops are continually evolving in response to changing environments. If not for these qualities, why would we cherish them?

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Seed savers

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The movement of seed savers in Latvia has proliferated recently. This means many more people know the importance of having your seeds. We can even consider seed keepers a folk "scientific institute." A seed is already the foundation of independence. People understand: "If I have my seeds, then I can grow and feed my people in the end."

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A seed saver is someone who collects seeds for their garden and family. Seeds that they know, recognize, understand and that are suitable for them and their family. A seed saver must continually learn, as the process of collecting seeds varies significantly between plant species. Self-pollinating plants like peas and beans require a different approach compared to cross-pollinating ones like pumpkins, which can hybridize with squash. For instance, collecting seeds from beets or parsnips, a biennial plant, presents additional challenges. Growing cauliflower or especially early cabbage for seed collection requires meticulous care. It is essential to cultivate them organically, prevent cross-pollination by isolating them from other plants, and safeguard them against pests. Moreover, it is challenging to preserve early cabbage over the winter. Seed savers can operate at very different levels of complexity.

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The stories from grandmothers

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To save your plant heritage, you have to know it. For this reason, collecting and sharing as much information as possible about heirloom plants is a good idea. You can start by looking around in your garden or the gardens of your family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. 

Another important factor is knowledge about cultivation and the tradition of cultivation. You can take seeds from your aunt, but you can lose everything in one year if you don't also ask for knowledge about growing them.

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We must continue this farming tradition to maintain our cultural heritage. Through agriculture, our children and grandchildren can connect with our folk traditions and understand the beliefs that have shaped our society.

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"The whole tradition is based on promoting fertility and gardening. We must continue from this point of view not to lose our foundation. Our seeds guarantee that there will be a diverse food supply because it often happens that seeds from another land "say" that they will not grow in this climate," claims seed saver Sandra.

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A seed comes with a story and growing advice. If we cherish and appreciate it, if we thank our grandmother for collecting seeds from these plants every year all her life or for taking care of that apple tree or strawberry bed, we preserve both the family connection and our overall historical heritage.

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"In my garden grows a rhubarb, planted by my grandmother. It was a robust plant even when I was a child, and my mother recalls it being equally impressive in her childhood, thriving in the same spot. Then we have such treasures as spring asparagus, which we tend to let blossom rather than harvest. Like many modern housewives, I admit to neglecting the heirloom seeds my grandmother passed down. I didn't fully appreciate their value until after she passed away. We missed the opportunity to preserve those seeds. That's why, in my garden now, I sow and plant seeds I have collected from all over Latvia in seed exchange points. However, in our local village, every self-respecting housewife has her own garlic and potato onions. Scientists even claim that a single village can have 10 genetically distinct varieties of these crops. Perhaps your village too if you look closer! Discover your local seeds and start nurturing them! May your plants thrive!" tells seed saver Ilze

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"I like that someone compared the work of seed savers to the work of Latvian ethnographer Krišjānis Barons who diligently collected our national folk tales and songs. Here we read about our cultivated plants and seeds, in which there is a great value of ours. Seeds native to our latitudes carry the code of our ancestors," says seed saver Rihards.