Seed saving
Seed saving steps
Seed saving is for everyone - find out more about why it's important and how you can do it.
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Why save seed?
Different people save seed for different reasons such as preserving links with the past, or to keep a particular variety going.
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Basic botany for seed savers
An understanding of basic botany is useful if you want to save seeds, including knowing flowers and methods of pollination.
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Preserving varietal purity
Preservation of seeds has two simple rules: Remove undesirable individuals and prevent cross-pollination.
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Seed Storage for longer life
Seeds are nature’s way of preserving plants and they can last a long time if stored in the right way.
Seed saving guidelines
Download our guides to help you save your own seed, for 15 types of crops.
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No5 Lettuce
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No6 Peas
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No7 Runner beans
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No8 French beans
More about the Heritage Seed Library and seed guardians
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The Heritage Seed Library
The Heritage Seed Library (HSL) maintains the national collection of heritage 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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Seed guardians
Garden Organic Heritage Seed Library members can volunteer to take on a little more responsibility and support us by producing, saving and returning seed to us as a Seed Guardian.