How to Start Your Own Seed Bank for Organic Gardening

If you are a beginner organic gardener, you will need reliable seed sources to begin your seed bank. Even if you do not want to save seeds, many people are worried about their seeds sources, wanting to steer clear of genetically modified seeds. So, how do you know that the seeds you are buying are safe and good for organic production?

Research Farms: The first place to look are research farms, i.e., private research farms devoted to finding and applying ecologically sound techniques.

Seed Companies: Second look for seed companies that are devoted to selling open pollinated seeds. Open pollination happens when plants are left to reproduce on their own via wind, birds and bees. Hybrid seeds aren’t evil. Hybrids are crossbreeds of 2 or more vegetables bred for their strengths. For instance a farmer takes a tomato that usually lasts longer against certain diseases in his area, then he breeds it with a variety that’s known to produce early–if it produces early, it will never have a chance to develop disease. Both these properties combine to make a strong, early-to-market variety. Many other farmers might like the variety and would want to buy some of the seed. Well, they will have to buy seed from the original breeder unless they know the exact varieties he used to make the variety.

Organic seeds are produced

Selection: Third select 3 or 4 companies that fit the bill. Order something from each of them. It does not have to be a big order. Just order something small, gauge their customer service, and gauge their seeds. Plant and see what happens. If you’re satisfied, you could have several sources for seeds. The 3 seed companies I use are Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Bountiful Gardens and Southern Seed Exchange. I’ve no affiliation with these companies; however, they provide great customer service, ship quickly, and deliver on their promises.

Market Farmers: Another great seed sources are market farmers devoted to organic and open pollinated seeds. These guys and gals are growing specifically for market. If you buy their seed bearing produce, you will have seeds for you garden next season.

Avid Gardeners: These are your serious types, people who garden even in the cold of winter! If they are devoted to open pollinated seeds, they can be a great source of information as well as a great source for helping you start your own seed bank. They often have more seed than they can possibly grow in one season.

Open pollinated seeds are a great way to get started in preserving and expanding the diversity of our vegetable species. You are doing more than just growing beets and beans. You are learning a skill that will feed you and your family.