So what are the benefits of seed saving and why do we do all that work when we could just purchase our seeds? I have learned a lot of exciting things on my seed journey. I would love to share with you some practical and meaningful reasons of why I choose to save my plant seeds. It is a very gratifying and rewarding experience!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SEED SAVING?
Community
Seed saving and sharing go hand-in-hand. Please feel free to share seeds with neighbors, friends and family to help them plant a more diverse and earth friendly garden. You can also advise them how to save their own seeds.
Save Money
It is much less expensive and far more cost effective, overall, to grow your own plants. For a fraction of the expense, I am able to grow plants for my neighbors, friends, family and myself. By growing food from seeds you have saved, you can significantly reduce the cost of producing healthy food, and thereby increase your own self-reliance.
Preserve Genetic Diversity
A whole lot of the great varieties of the plants I grow are hard-to-find seeds that have been given to me by other collectors. I have neighbors that have even brought me seeds from plants grown in their native countries. I grow dried beans that are from Portugal and are not available in any catalog I receive. Most of all, saving seeds from plants that are in danger of extinction is especially satisfying!
Flavor
In the past I have grown the best tasting vegetables, only to discover later that their seeds are not available the following year. Seed savers never have this problem!
Save the Pollinators
Insect pollinators perform a billion-dollar service each year in the United States alone, and, sadly, many of these species are in decline. After several of your plants have bloomed, please choose not to deadhead and wait while they go about producing seeds. You are providing invaluable food for bees, butterflies and beetles.
Preserve History and Culture
Every seed holds a connection to the future as well as to the past. Not only are you saving hard-to-find seeds, but the seeds you are preserving will be available to pass along to future generations. The stories of our plants connect us to our history, our culture, our family, and our sense of identity and who we are. Preserve, and participate in this ancient tradition!