Hands putting a small spoonful of seeds from a tray on a scale into a white envelope

The Seed Regeneration Process

Come behind the scenes as Seed Savers Exchange’s preservation team shows how they regenerate seeds on Heritage farm. This is a vital step in caring for our collection.

A light pink turnip with leafy green foliage grows in the ground

Learn

Identifying Brassica Species by Seed…and the ‘Turnabaga’ Extinction

Until 2017, the Seed Savers Exchange collection included the “turnabaga.” What is a turnabaga, you might rightfully ask? Well, it was a very unique vegetable that we can now proudly say is extinct.

Two red tomatoes and two tomato halves on a wooden surface

Stewardship Stories

A.W. Livingston and His Enduring Tomato Legacy

Discover the history of A.W. Livingston, the father of modern tomatoes, and his transformative work in tomato breeding. Learn about the legacy of Livingston’s varieties, their restoration by Victory Seed Company, and the unique characteristics of tomatoes like ‘Livingston’s Paragon’ and ‘Honor Bright’ that have shaped today’s tomato culture.

A man poses next to a large wooden case displaying hundreds of different bean varieties

Stewardship Stories

The Life and Legacy of the Bean Man

John Withee became a legend championing bean biodiversity and seeking to protect heirloom beans from extinction. John took his hobby to the extreme, building a national network of bean aficionados, amassing a collection of 1,186 varieties, and gaining national fame for his humble campaign.

Oblong white and red speckled beans clustered on a white surface

Stewardship Stories

Painted Jewels: The Bean Collection of John Withee

Take a closer look at some of the varieties in John Withee’s bean collection.

A leafy plant with many red tomatoes growing on it

Learn

Exploring Tomato Flower Structure

One common belief among gardeners is that tomato varieties with potato-type leaves are much more likely to cross pollinate than regular leaf tomatoes. Is there any truth in it?

Stewardship Stories

Collecting Seed Stories: How to Record Seed Histories

Anyone can preserve history by collecting seed stories. There are many more amazing seed stories out there than we can ever collect on our own. An easy way to protect these stories is to record them.

A long watermelon with a slice taken out lengthwise lies on a wood table, exposing bright pink flesh

Stewardship Stories

‘Halbert Honey’ Watermelon

Known a century ago as one of the best watermelon varieties on the market, ‘Halbert Honey’ has a sweet flavor with a crisp juicy texture. Keep reading to learn the story behind ‘Halbert Honey’ and how this historic variety came to be at Seed Savers Exchange.

A tall bean plant supported by a trellis made of netting and tree branches in a garden

Stewardship Stories

‘Brinker Carrier’ Bean

From the Seed Savers Exchange collection, the ‘Brinker Carrier’ bean represents the histories and connections between two families in West Virginia that span several generations.

A pile of tiny yellow cherry tomatoes in a metal strainer

Stewardship Stories

‘Igleheart Yellow Cherry’ Tomato

‘Igleheart Yellow Cherry’ tomato was selected as the best tasting tomato at Seed Savers Exchange in 2015! ‘Igleheart’ also earned strong reviews from growers across the country in 2013.