September Newsletter - Seed TV and an International Seed Survey

A diverse C. mixta population in Oaxaca. Photo Credit: Julia Dakin

As I harvest the last of the summer crops, I find myself filled with gratitude for all the people who save or have saved seeds. It is because of people saving seeds that I can enjoy the sweetness of a watermelon or marvel at the hues of green, blue, and grey in a squash. It is through countless people since the dawn of agriculture growing and saving seeds, that I can grow these crops and appreciate the fruits of this life-giving work, which feeds myself, my family, my friends, and connects us all to the Earth.

How do you find yourself feeling grateful for the crops you are harvesting?

Upcoming SeedTV event!

On Thursday, October 2nd, from 1 PM to 2:30 PM EST, a thought-provoking online discussion will be hosted by The Gaia Foundation’s Seed Sovereignty Programme for the seed network in the UK and Ireland via their SeedTV online platform. The topic will be "How can we develop seed stewardship models which move away from the commodification of seed, while still compensating farmers and growers for the work they do to maintain our future seed diversity?" Seed Worker Organizing folks, David Catzel & Heron Breen, will be panel participants as well as our hardworking friends from Native Seed/Search.

You can register for the event using this link. (A recording will also be archived and available for later viewing at https://www.seedsovereignty.info/events/seedtv/)

Strengthening International Seed Network Survey

A network of seed-focused organizations is launching a Strengthening International Seed Network Survey – the first step in a collective effort to connect and strengthen the many organizations, networks, communities of practice, and individuals working on farmers’ seeds and cultivated biodiversity around the world.

This initiative is grounded in the belief that mutual support, solidarity, and knowledge-sharing are essential for advancing farmers’ seed systems. Your participation in the survey will help the initiative understand how to best support farmer seed systems and connect resources and people.

Your input will not only strengthen the picture of global work on farmers’ seeds but also ensure that the tools and collaborations we develop are relevant to your needs and realities.

Please take 15 minutes to complete the survey here:

English:https://retesemi.limesurvey.net/511654?lang=en
French:https://retesemi.limesurvey.net/511654?lang=fr

A diverse population of C. moschata squash.

Get Involved with Going to Seed!

Seed saving is powered by community, and we’re excited to grow more ways for you to get involved. Explore our new volunteer page to find opportunities that match your time and skills.

The Seed Share is Accepting Contributions – Donate Now Until Nov. 22nd for Early Access!

We accept seeds year-round – and when you contribute seeds, you earn a spot on our early access list. Check out the guidelines and information on this page to send in your seeds.

We are now able to accept seeds from outside the US! Canada has its own seed share, and Canadians will be directed to send seeds to a hub within their country. For all other countries, indicate your country on the form, and we'll follow up with instructions for complying with our small lots import permit.

Packages postmarked by November 22nd will be incorporated into the 2025 mixes, and contributors will be eligible for early access.

Community Posts

Direct sow seeds or start them in pots?

Do you have a low success rate with starting seeds indoors or transplanting, and want to direct seed everything? If so, you may want to check out this post on people’s experiences with direct sowing or different methods of starting seeds indoors, such as using soil blocks. Both methods are useful, but when direct seeding, it is helpful to have a large stock of seeds to sow thickly, or start over in case things do not work out. Luckily, saving your own seeds means you will soon have too many seeds to know what to do with!

The Going-ons in Others’ Gardens

There are wonderful photos and notes of what has been going on in the gardens of Hugo Morvan in Burgundy, France, and Lauren Ritz in Southern Kansas. If you are looking for inspiration or curious to see what others’ gardens looked like in 2025, check out Hugo’s thread here and Lauren’s here.

Lowell + GTS