Gardening Expert Shares Wisdom on Sowing Seeds

Columnist Wally Blackman discusses the benefits of heirloom and hybrid seeds for home gardeners.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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In his column, Wally Blackman shares his experience with growing various types of vegetable and flower seeds, including heirloom and hybrid varieties. He discusses the pros and cons of each, noting that heirloom seeds can be saved and reused year after year, while hybrids often produce larger and more disease-resistant crops but require new seeds annually. Blackman also draws parallels between seed sowing and the biblical principle that "you reap what you sow" in life.

Why it matters

As spring approaches, many home gardeners are considering which seeds to plant. Blackman's insights can help readers make more informed choices about the types of seeds that best fit their gardening goals and values, whether that's preserving heirloom varieties or maximizing crop yields. The spiritual lessons he shares also encourage readers to reflect on how the principle of sowing and reaping applies to their own lives.

The details

Blackman explains that he and his wife have experimented with a variety of vegetable and flower seeds over the years. He prefers to keep a mix of heirloom and hybrid seeds, noting that heirlooms can be saved and replanted season after season, while hybrids are bred to be more disease-resistant and productive but require new seeds annually. Heirloom seeds may be more finicky to grow, but they offer predictable results, while hybrids often produce larger and more abundant harvests.

  • As spring approaches, many stores have seed displays for home gardeners to browse.

The players

Wally Blackman

A faith columnist who shares his experiences and insights about gardening and life lessons.

Blackman's wife

Enjoys picking out flower seeds, while Blackman focuses more on vegetable seeds.

Blackman's maternal grandfather and great-grandfather

Only grew heirloom plants so they could save the seeds for the next year, which was a common practice until modern times.

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What they’re saying

“You get what you sow. If you want heirlooms, you plant seeds from them. If you want hybrids, you plant seeds from a store.”

— Wally Blackman, Faith Columnist (hartselleenquirer.com)

“A man reaps what he sows. He who sows sparingly, reaps sparingly.”

— Apostle Paul (Bible)

“You sow the wind, you reap the whirlwind.”

— Prophet Hosea (Bible)

“He who sows wickedness reaps trouble.”

— Proverbs (Bible)

What’s next

As spring arrives, readers can apply Blackman's insights to their own gardening plans, considering whether to focus on heirloom or hybrid seeds based on their preferences and goals.

The takeaway

Blackman's column not only provides practical gardening advice, but also encourages readers to reflect on the spiritual principle that what we sow in life, we will ultimately reap. His words inspire readers to be intentional about the 'seeds' they plant, whether in their gardens or in their daily lives.