Growing Resilience: Seed Saving Workshop

On a frigid winter day in March, with temperatures hovering in the mid-teens, a group of enthusiastic gardeners gathered in a cozy greenhouse at Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center for an inspiring seed saving workshop. Hosted in collaboration with Upper Valley Seed Savers (UVSS) and led by seasoned seed saver Ruth Fleishman, the workshop brought together a diverse community eager to deepen their connection to plants and learn the art of saving seeds.

Exploring the World of Seeds

Ruth, a dedicated gardener and founding member of UVSS, guided attendees through the fundamentals of seed saving, covering self- and cross-pollinating plants—annuals, biennials, perennials, and a selection of uniquely challenging crop varieties. With a focus on edible food crops, participants were equipped with the knowledge to start saving seeds in their own gardens. Ruth’s message was clear: seed saving is not just about preserving plant genetics—it’s about building community resilience and self-reliance (and having fun!).

A Thriving Seed-Saving Community

Following Ruth’s presentation, attendees were invited to take part in a seed swap with members of UVSS, some of whom have been growing and saving seeds for decades. People were encouraged to take seeds home, join future UVSS events such as home garden tours, and tap into a network of experienced gardeners offering mentorship and support. The group also shared ongoing crop projects requiring a collective effort, such as the challenge of saving onion seeds—a two-year process that requires careful storage. Looking ahead, UVSS members are excited to present on perennial vegetables and grains (both growing and saving) in workshops as a way to further their mission and teach even more topics of interest.

Support for Growing and Learning

Attendees left the workshop not only with new knowledge but also with tangible resources to help them put their learning into practice. Gardening supplies—including seeds, pots, trays, and row covers—were available for participants to take home, giving them the tools to experiment with seed saving in their own gardens.

It was also heartening to see such a wide range of attendees—from elementary school children to senior citizens, from home gardeners to those growing food as their livelihood; the shared passion for plants created an atmosphere of warmth and curiosity.

Key Takeaway: Have Fun with It!

The biggest lesson of the day? Seed saving should be fun! Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just getting started, the process of collecting, storing, and sharing seeds is a rewarding way to deepen your relationship with plants and your community. We’re grateful to Ruth and UVSS for sharing their wisdom and look forward to more opportunities to learn and grow together.

Interested in joining the seed-saving movement? Upper Valley Seed Savers meets on the second Sunday of every month and welcomes new members. Let’s keep the cycle going—one seed at a time!