Seed Stories Series

Tales, Tips, and Techniques for Preserving Our Roots

We're thrilled about this new series that tracks the unique and culturally-rich journeys of heritage seeds that have been preserved with care for generations by families across the country. Each installment features fascinating and inspiring stories about specific varieties woven with the distinct characteristics of their lineage. You'll also discover tips and advice for saving your own seeds. Why save seeds? Our friends at Seed Savers Exchange (seedsavers.org/why-save-seeds) do a great job of explaining, but it goes beyond saving money and producing incredible tasty vegetables. Saving seeds preserve genetic diversity and build communities. Please join us as we explore history! 

Current Workshops:

Exploring the Heirloom Collards Project

with Ira Wallace

In 2016, Seed Savers Exchange in collaboration with Ira Wallace at Southern Exposure Seed Exchange requested over 60 varieties from the USDA to trial at Seed Savers Exchange, Heritage Farm in Decorah, Iowa. Walk with Ira Wallace at Acorn Community Farm as she discusses these varieties that were identified as rare heirlooms and the intention to regenerate them and share the seed with seed savers across the country.

Seed Experimentation and Genetics

With Hank Will

Join Hank Will as he discusses his experiences and perspective on growing food while raising livestock. Learn his process and methodology for breeding ideal  basil plants and peppers for his family from his garden.

Seeds for Preservation and Perseverance

with Amyrose Foll

Food sovereignty is the right to choose what food to eat, where it comes from, and how it is grown. In the past five centuries, native foodways were used as control, a weapon to wage war on our population, and more recently as a blight on our health. By taking control of our seed, in some cases bringing varieties back from the brink of extinction, and growing our own fresh fruits and vegetables, we are not only preserving our cultural heritage and revitalizing our foodways, but becoming a testament to the resilience of our ancestor's legacy of farming.

Saving Seeds: African Spinach and Watermelon

with Angelique Taylor and David "Kip" Richey

Selecting plants that thrive in a specific climate is important to producing numerous seeds for saving. This workshop focuses on African spinach and watermelon which both produce seeds abundantly. Viewers receive general tips as a guide for saving seeds. In addition, we share our story of the seeds and their meaning in our lives as farmers.

Coastal Georgia and the African Diaspora

with Jovan Sage

Take a dive into Jovan Sage's personal connection to food, culture, and seeds from Coastal Georgia to Africa.

Saving Seeds and Growing Community

with Melissa DeSa

Take a look at a small community-based seed collective in the Southeast and meet some of Melissa’s favorite crops that she saves seed to share with her community. Learn along the way about some practical how-to seed saving tips for small scale growers wanting to know how to save and share their own seeds without a lot of fancy things to do so. An emphasis on overcoming the challenges of hot and humid climates is addressed, including some techniques for timely seed harvesting, processing, and storage. Hear some stories, ideas, and inspiration for how Melissa's collective works closely with a diversity of partners to truly make their seeds part of the community.