Q: Is it okay to grow heirloom vegetables alongside hybrids? I want to try corn, beans and squash.

A: Cross-pollination among corn varieties can affect flavor but planting heirloom beans and squash near each other is no problem. The only concern is if you save seed: the offspring of beans and squash planted in close proximity will blend the appearance of two parents. As long as you don’t collect seed from year to year, your beans and squash will be fine.