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The Heritage Seed Library

The Heritage Seed Library (HSL) maintains the national collection of heritage and heirloom vegetables and aims to conserve vegetable varieties that are not widely available, sharing seed with our members to grow and enjoy.
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Join the Heritage Seed Library

Join the movement to save heritage seeds and protect the future of food. Whether you’re planting your first garden or expanding your collection, your support makes all the difference.

Join Us

Introducing the Heritage Seed Library

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    How the Heritage Seed Library works

    The seed library holds over 800 varieties of seeds, including rare landrace varieties adapted to specific growing conditions, heirloom varieties saved over generations and varieties no longer available to buy.

  2. Book of heritage seeds

    Why we grow heritage seeds

    The Heritage Seed Library is a vital resource to connect people with seed, keep our heritage alive and increase biodiversity.

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    This year’s Heritage Seed Library seed trials

    This year at Ryton, we are trialling four re-discovered heritage varieties to check for health, cross-pollination, and description.

Get involved with HSL

Home growers, schools, communities, organisations and public gardens can support the work of the Heritage Seed Library by becoming a seed guardian and growing seed for us. You can also support us by becoming a Garden Organic HSL member and get free seed every year!

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Grow your heritage varieties

Are you growing HSL varieties this year? Browse our growing instructions to give your seeds the best start. 

View our growing instructions