How to Buy Organic Vegetable Plants

Overview

Consumers have purchased certified organic produce since the United States Department of Agriculture passed the Organic Foods Production Act in 1990. As home gardeners' interest in vegetable gardening grows gardeners are choosing organic plants and seeds, as well. Organic plants and seeds are varieties that have been developed using no pesticides or chemicals. They are often heirloom varieties that haven't gone through hybridizing or modification but were grown successfully before the advent of chemical use. They often come in a variety of hues and shapes and almost always taste better than their hybrid counterparts.

Step 1

Research online and in gardening books to determine which plants are available. You'll probably find a larger selection of organic seed than organic plants. Search the Internet for sites that offer organic seeds and plants. Some websites offer databases for listings of companies that sell organic seeds and plants. Use the web to research local nurseries selling organic plants, too.

Step 2

Visit small, local nurseries and garden centers. Becoming certified organic is a lengthy, expensive process but more growers are offering organic plants and seeds as the demand for them increases. Look for organic plants at farmers markets, natural food store or organic farm.

Step 3

Verify that your source is certified organic. Growers must comply with stringent guidelines for plant production and management to be called certified organic. Certified inspectors review records from the past three years and issue a certificate stating the grower has complied with all requirements.

Step 4

Consult your local county extension office for organic vegetables that grow well in your area. Consider the growing requirements (amount of sunlight and water, as well as soil type) for each plant. Note the space requirements for each plant so you don't buy more plants than you have room for.

Step 5

Research pest resistance of vegetables before you buy them. For example, in some areas, broccoli is difficult to grow organically because of the amount of pests that afflict it. Heirloom tomatoes, while delicious, are susceptible to more diseases than hybrids.

Step 6

Buy plants with strong stems and healthy green leaves. Avoid organic vegetable plants with wilted, yellow leaves or roots protruding out of the bottom of the pot.