Join the Gardens of Old Salem for an introduction to the art and practice of seed saving. Drawing from our work stewarding the Historically Authentic Seed Collection, this program will explore how plants complete their life cycles, how seeds form, and how gardeners can collect, clean, select, and store seed for future growing seasons.
Participants will learn the basic differences between dry-seeded and wet-seeded crops, self-pollinating and cross-pollinating plants, open-pollinated varieties and hybrids, and heirlooms, landraces, cultivars, and locally adapted seed. The program will also introduce important plant families, pollination methods, isolation distances, minimum population sizes, and the role of careful selection in maintaining healthy seed stocks.
Using examples from the Gardens of Old Salem, the lecture will highlight the cultural, historical, and ecological importance of seed saving, including heirloom vegetables, flowers, grains, Indigenous and farmer-developed landrace varieties, ecotype seed, seed swaps, and Old Salem’s participation in the Seed Savers Exchange network.
Sliding scale program fee, pay what you can. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited.
This workshop is suited for ages 16+. Children under the age of 18 registered for this event must be accompanied by a registered adult. Check-in for this program will be at the Garden Education Center within the Single Brothers' Workshop, 10 W. Academy Street (building entrance is through the courtyard gate between the buildings, to the right, and up the ramp). Please arrive 15 minutes prior to allow time for check-in!