SEEDS & SEED BANKS
Every seed carries the memory of every harvest before it.
Seeds are not just the beginning of a plant — they are living archives of food heritage, biodiversity and community knowledge. These guides explore the practice and philosophy of seed saving, the importance of seed libraries, and why keeping seeds in community hands matters more than ever.
GUIDES & RESOURCES
What Are Open-Pollinated and Heirloom Seeds? Understanding the difference between open-pollinated, heirloom and hybrid seeds — why it matters for seed saving, flavor and food diversity.
Tag: Seed Library
How to Save Seeds at Home: A Beginner's Guide A practical introduction to saving seeds from your own garden — which plants to start with, how to harvest seeds at the right time, and what to do with them next.
Tag: Seed Library
Seed Storage: How to Keep Seeds Viable for Years How to store seeds so they remain viable for multiple seasons — containers, conditions, labelling and the simple habits that make a seed collection last.
Tag: Seed Library
Understanding Seed Viability and Germination Rates Not all seeds germinate at the same rate — or for the same number of years. How to test viability, understand germination rates and make the most of your seed collection.
Tag: Seed Library
How Seed Libraries Work and Why They Matter What a seed library is, how to borrow and return seeds, and why seed libraries are one of the most powerful tools a community has for food sovereignty and resilience.
Tag: Seed Library
The History and Importance of Seed Saving Seed saving is one of humanity's oldest practices — and one of its most endangered. A look at the history of seed saving and why its revival matters for all of us.
Tag: Seed Library
How to Clean and Dry Seeds After Harvest The practical steps for cleaning and drying seeds properly before storage — wet and dry processing methods for different types of seeds.
Tag: Seed Library
Seed Swapping: How to Share and Receive Seeds Responsibly Seed swapping builds community and keeps varieties alive. How to participate in a seed swap — what to bring, what to look for and how to give seeds the best chance of success in a new garden.
Tag: Seed Library
Growing for Seed: What's Different from Growing for Food Growing a plant to harvest its seeds requires different decisions than growing it for food — spacing, timing, isolation and letting plants go to seed deliberately.
Tag: Seed Library
Regional Seed Stewardship in the Pacific Northwest The Pacific Northwest has a rich tradition of seed saving and a unique growing environment. A look at regional seed stewardship efforts, local varieties and how to participate.
Tag: Seed Library
Seed Sovereignty: Why Diversity in the Seed Supply Matters The global seed supply is increasingly controlled by a small number of corporations. What seed sovereignty means, why biodiversity in seeds matters and what gardeners can do about it.
Tag: Seed Library
SEEDS BELONG TO EVERYONE
From The Roots runs a free seed library at King County Newcastle Library and is a registered seed hub with the Cooperative Gardens Commission. Get in touch to borrow seeds, donate seeds or start a seed library in your community.