Learn basics to sprout seeds

Q. What is the difference between an heirloom seed and a hybrid seed?

A. Growing plants from seed is exciting, but it also might prove confusing if you don't understand some of the basic terminology. To help with that, here are the meanings for some common seed and breeding jargon from University of Illinois Extension and USDA resources:

Traditional breeding

Traditional breeding is done by allowing two parent plants with the desired traits to cross-pollinate - either naturally or by hand in a controlled environment. The seeds generated contain those desirable traits, such as yield, disease resistance, flower color, fruit size, fruit color or growth habit. Those desirable traits often are closely associated with a number of other traits that also transferred into seeds that will be the next generation (F1).

F1 hybrid

F1 is the designation used to identify the first generation of plants produced by crossing two parent lines.

Heirloom seeds

Heirloom varieties, which we have used for decades, flower and set seeds that usually come true-to-type when open pollinated. Heirloom seeds are commercially produced in a controlled setting to ensure true-to-type F1 offspring. Heirloom seeds are not automatically considered organic unless grown in that manner.

True-to-type or open-pollinated

To be true-to-type, open-pollinated varieties or hybrids are uniform for important and obvious traits, such as appearance and vigor. After seed production, the next generation of seed is consistent with the previous one. For hybrids, both parents have similar dominant traits, so when crossed, the F1 generation will look like and produce flowers and fruit consistent with the parents. Examples include heirloom varieties and commercial breeding lines.

Hybrid seed

Hybrid seeds are any seed cross-pollinated in a controlled or noncontrolled environment, grown traditionally or using organic methods using parent lines. Hybrid seeds can be organic or genetically modified/genetically engineered.

Genetically modified organism (or genetically engineered)

GMO breeding involves plant breeding at the molecular level, working with DNA, genes and cells rather than whole plants. Plant breeders begin with a plant bred to have desired traits through traditional breeding techniques. Then, the plant breeder inserts a singular gene from an unrelated plant or organism, which will impart the new desired trait into the seeds produced, in addition to those traits already in place.

Organic seeds

Organic is a labeling term that indicates the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods integrating cultural, biological and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation and genetic engineering may not be used. Organic seeds are produced using certified organic methods, including approved organic pesticides and other products. The National Organic Program (NOP) oversees United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) accredited certifying agents. Products may then be labeled with a USDA organic seal.

Q. Even though I don't overwater my compost, it is wet, soggy and sometimes smelly. What's causing this?

A. Three factors are usually to blame for smelly and slimy compost: Poor aeration, too much moisture or not enough nitrogen-rich material in the pile.

A compost pile that is not turned regularly, while overburdened with materials, such as grass clippings and unshredded leaves, can become very dense when it is wet. This, in turn, prevents the center of the pile from receiving air, and you end up with a cold, soggy lump that just sits there. Aerobic bacteria - the tiny microorganisms that make compost cook and decompose - cannot live in such an oxygen-poor environment.

Fortunately, soggy compost is easy to fix. Begin by turning the pile and adding some "hot," nitrogen-rich ingredients, such as vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, shredded corn cobs or sawdust. This should help get things cooking, and your pile should heat up within a few days. If continued wet weather is part of the problem, place a loosefitting tarp over the pile.

• Provided by Mary Boldan. Master Gardener Answer Desk, Friendship Park Conservatory, Des Plaines, open 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Call (847) 298-3502 or email Cookcountymg.com@gmail.com.