I am new to landrace gardening as well amd this will be my first season. I think it is such a cool way to garden and has so much common sense that I wonder how we ever deviated from it, haha.
1) What species are you landracing?
It’s my understanding that certain types of plants cross-pollinate a lot easier than others. So I am focusing on those to start, plus tomatoes which I’m still working out how to do. I have a ton of melon varieties, as well as corn, sweet peppers, true potato seed, squash, and tomatoes.
Garlic I have already accidentally landraced to a degree because I am a lazy as heck gardener, several varieties have gone to seed over the years, and they now volunteer in my garden. I also got several spinach types, Chinese broccoli types, radishes, and beets that I’m not sure if they will cross.
2) What varieties/cultivars of heirlooms/hybrids are you starting with and why?
That’s harder to answer because it is a lot, so the list would be too long to type. But basically I tried to get seeds from places as close as possible to me so that hopefully they are already a little adapted to my area. I also got a few landrace varieties and at least 1 grex. I choose multiples based on color and shape differences and based on what was top rated. I figured if many like a particular variety for taste, I’m probably adding good genetics.
3) What will you be selecting for?
Primarily taste and quality, but also for adapting to my area. I live in a rural area on a well in the high desert that is prone to drought. We rarely get rain. Plus, summers are hot, winters can be cold. I have a ton of critters and pests here. So I really want to get varieties that I don’t have to protect up the wazoo to get them to grow successfully here.
4) What is your location/growing conditions?
California high desert, heat and drought, heavy pest and critter pressure.
