In many seed catalogs you'll find a number of heirloom vegetable varieties.

But what exactly does "heirloom" mean? The definition varies depending on whom you ask.

To some, an heirloom variety is one that originated before commercial hybrids were readily available from seed companies. They say only varieties that were available before 1940 are heirlooms, but others say 1951. They feel that new varieties created after those dates by plant breeders via selective breeding, especially hybrids, are not heirlooms.

Heirlooms are generally open-pollinated plants. Open-pollinated plants are considered genetically stable. The plants grown from seed will be just like the parents time after time.

A less stringent definition of "heirlooms" refers to open-pollinated varieties that have been handed down through generations. That's why some heirlooms have colorful names such as "Mortgage Lifter" or "Aunt Ruby's German Green." Also sprouting up here and there in seed catalogs are heirlooms that have been discovered in other countries such as Russia, France, Italy and Mexico.

Some gardeners consider heirlooms to be better than modern hybrids for different reasons. One reason is their novelty. Many heirlooms look different than our tamer modern hybrids. Heirloom vegetables may have larger or differently colored or shaped fruit. They may have a different, richer or better flavor. The plants may grow differently or have different leaves.

Other more serious gardeners prefer planting heirlooms because they feel they're helping protect the gene pool that they perceive is lost with the proliferation of hybrids. Some also feel that heirlooms are tougher plants that are better adapted to the climate and conditions in which they prospered generation after generation.

We should keep in mind that modern hybrids were not a diabolical plot to decimate the vegetable gene pool. They were created for a reason. Breeding goals have included uniformity for better packing, ability to withstand shipping and increased shelf life. The result of this breeding has allowed people across the country to eat quality fresh vegetables year round.

Resistance to disease and insects is another important reason for hybrids. Many varieties are resistant to common viruses and soil diseases that can prevent home gardeners and farmers from being able to grow them. One example is "Better Boy VFN Hybrid." The tomato resistant to verticillium and fusarium wilt fungus disease and nematodes. Other examples include "Marketmore" cucumbers that are resistant to cucumber mosaic virus and "Golden Sweet F1" sweet corn that's resistant to smut.

If someone asks me if heirlooms are better than modern hybrids, I can't answer with a yes or no. They each have something to offer. Heirlooms have a niche in our gardens. They're interesting, fun to grow and often taste better. Hybrids have value for gardeners because of their resistance to disease, productivity and dependability. A number of space-saving hybrids are perfect for gardeners that have little garden space.

Are heirlooms better than hybrids?

Are hybrids better than heirlooms?

You decide for yourself.

-- Looking for heirloom veggies?

Abundant Life Seeds: abundantlifeseeds.com

Seeds of Change: seedsofchange.com

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds: rareseeds.com

Heirloom Tomatoes: www.heirloomtomatoes.net

Nichol's Garden Nursery: www.gardennursery.com

Ronniger's Potato Farm: www.ronnigers.com

Tomato Growers Supply Company: tomatogrowers.com

* Marianne C. Ophardt is a horticulturist for the Washington State University Extension Office in Benton County.