[GAYLE]

Why would I want to choose treated seeds over untreated? This would be for planting this spring.

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Gayle –

In most cases, treated seeds have been coated with some sort of pesticide, fungicide or preservative — chemical or biological — to protect them from soil-borne pathogens or to improve storage-life. Obviously, non-treated seeds have not been processed prior to being packaged.

Treated Seeds
• May yield larger crops
• Improves germination rates
• Chemical treatments have not been shown to produce chemically laced plants
• Are most likely grown using conventional farming practices
• Treatment is applied under controlled conditions

Untreated Seeds
• Clean and chemical-free — often used by organic growers
• Many home gardeners are seeking seed that has not been dosed with pesticides
• Some chemical treatments may be harmful to insects, including bees, that eat pollen from the mature plant
• Reduces our direct exposure to chemicals
• Are most likely grown using environmentally sustainable practices

Happy gardening!

[Author]

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