At Going to Seed, we provide gardeners and farmers with the knowledge, skills and resources to grow locally adapted, genetically diverse crops, using traditional selection methods enhanced by ongoing learning and experimentation.

We envision a world where everyone is empowered to grow food that heals the body, the soul, and the planet. Together we create a resilient and environmentally adaptive food system that works with nature and can withstand its unpredictability.

  • Courses

    Our video and text-based courses cover the importance of genetic diversity, cross-pollination and breeding basics, seed selection and saving.

    learn more 
  • Community

    The community provides a place for your knowledge to be ​cross-pollinated, evolved, and applied. Gain insights, share ideas, troubleshoot your issues, and receive feedback.

    join the dicsussion 
  • Seeds

    Genetically diverse seed mixes, curated by our members, help you get started breeding your own locally adapted crops.

    get planting 
  • What is Adaptation Gardening?

    What is Adaptation Gardening?

    Also known as recurrent mass selection, this method allows farmers and gardeners to develop locally adapted, genetically diverse, resilient crop varieties that do not require off-farm inputs such as fertilizer,...

    What is Adaptation Gardening?

    Also known as recurrent mass selection, this method allows farmers and gardeners to develop locally adapted, genetically diverse, resilient crop varieties that do not require off-farm inputs such as fertilizer,...

  • Why local adaptation matters

    Why local adaptation matters

    Heirlooms are inbred varieties, adapted to a specific place and time. What grew well for someone 100 years ago in a far away place, probably isn't optimal for your garden...

    Why local adaptation matters

    Heirlooms are inbred varieties, adapted to a specific place and time. What grew well for someone 100 years ago in a far away place, probably isn't optimal for your garden...

  • Plant genetics & nutrition

    Plant genetics & nutrition

    You may have heard that the nutrient density of our food is declining. The more we’ve selected for high yield, transportability and consistency, the lower the nutritional value.

    Plant genetics & nutrition

    You may have heard that the nutrient density of our food is declining. The more we’ve selected for high yield, transportability and consistency, the lower the nutritional value.

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Going to Seed is a non-profit organization committed to increasing access to resilient, sustainable and healthy food. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to help us grow.

Read the book that started it all

Joseph Lofthouse's book Landrace Gardening will change the way you think about growing food. Let biodiversity and cross pollination allow selection for crops that thrive under ever changing conditions, while lessening the need for costly inputs, like poisons, fertilizer, materials, and labor. Less labor means more time for friends, family, music, dancing, or whatever it is that brings you joy.

Get the book