Why Seed Saving is so Important!

You love to garden! You planted your favourite veggies, herbs and flowers in the spring, watched them sprout, watered them diligently, added compost, weeded and mulched, observed bees pollinating, reaped the harvest, and savoured delicious flavours as you cooked and preserved your bounty. Now the garden season is nearly over – or is it? What about all those seeds?

There are many reasons gardeners might want to save seeds, and it’s not hard to do once you learn the basics. First of all, here are a few thoughts on why seed saving is so important:

a) Adapted varieties – Saving your own seeds creates new varieties that are perfectly adapted to your own growing conditions.

b) Saves money – Saving your own seeds saves money (you can replant next season, or trade with other gardeners).

c) Preserves genetic diversity – Saving your own seeds preserves the genetic diversity of heirloom plants.

d) Choose your tastes – Saving your own seeds allows you to grow food suited exactly to your tastes.

e) Chance to learn – Saving your own seeds provides a wonderful learning opportunity for you & your family.

To learn more about how to save seeds:

• Go to Seeds of Diversity’s website, our valuable (and locally based!) Canadian seed saving non-profit. Consider becoming a member so you have access to trading your amazing seeds with other members across Canada! There are useful instructions for seed saving tomatoes and more here.

• Read this Mother Earth News article entitled Saving Seeds: 7 Reasons Why and Dozens of Tips for How.