Grow stories, not just plants Perhaps the best thing about heirloom varieties is the stories behind them. The grower named it that because when he pulled up at the courthouse square, a howling mob was ready to buy his corn. Watermelons come in many shapes and colors. It got its name from a dark green rind with a spectacular pattern of bright yellow spots ranging from pinpoints to large circles. We're all familiar with eggplants, a large purple vegetable.
Older varieties can be many colors, including pure white and green.
In fact, it got its name from a white egg-sized fruit. To learn more about heirloom varieties, check out the Internet. Heirloom varieties are available from seed companies such as Burpee and Park. The Seed Savers Exchange, a nonprofit organization, also keeps and sells an extensive collection of heirloom varieties. You can write The Seed Savers Exchange at 3076 North Winn Road, Decorah, IA 52101.