Seeds have memory. They remember the conditions where they were grown, and the “hands” (human or other) that tended to them. These memories are expressed through the plant’s traits such as; drought/flood tolerance, flowering time, preference for a certain soil type, flavor, fruit size, and many others.

The Community Seed Initiative works with source identified seed because it allows us to place the right seed in the right place. Knowing the plant’s lineage helps us honor the growers that have stewarded that seed and the territories from which it came.

By initiatives we mean for a purpose beyond your own personal needs. The Community Seed Initiative supports groups that are working on food security and biodiversity initiatives in their community.

Individuals can gain access to seed by taking part in our seasonal grow outs or by hosting a seed garden.

To increase the availability of locally adapted seed we install gardens using source identified plants with the objective of harvesting seed once the plants have matured.

Grow-outs are how we distribute seed in the community. Once it comes time to harvest we encourage you to share seed back with us. This helps us grow the number of seeds we have to share in the following season.

Groups and individuals who are new to seed keeping will be shown how to process seed through online resources and in-person workshops.

If you would like to host a seed garden, or if you have any food crop seed you would like to donate. Send an email to society.homegrown@gmail.com to get in touch.

If you would like to volunteer at our Seed Gardens in London, sign our volunteer form and follow our social media to stay updated!