Community-based initiatives to preserve and protect our food supply

Cindy Conner introduces a movement to keep seeds in the hands of the people while revitalizing public libraries and communities.
Ira Wallace, author, The Timber Press Guide to Vegetable Gardening in the Southeast

...a must-read for anyone embarking on the task of setting up their own seed library, or those just interested in becoming more informed on the issue of genetic diversity in our food systems.
Paul Hrycyk, Seed Library Coordinator, Seeds of Diversity

OVER THE PAST few generations, multinational corporations have seized the lion's share of the seed market, squeezing out small, regional, family-run companies and causing biodiversity to suffer. In recent years, gardeners have come to realize the inherent danger in this situation.

Seed saving is the first step on the road to reclaiming control of our harvest while expanding the available stock of heritage and heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables. Seed Libraries is a practical guide to saving and sharing seeds through communitybased programs, including:

• Step-by-step instructions for setting up a seed library
• A wealth of ideas to help attract patrons and keep the momentum going
• Examples of existing libraries and other types of seed-saving partnerships.

Whoever controls the seeds controls the food supply. Empowering communities to preserve and protect the genetic diversity of their harvest, Seed Libraries is a powerful tool to help enhance self-reliance while ensuring that the future of our food is healthy, vibrant, tasty and nutritious.

Seed Libraries opens wide a door to the world of seed saving for the curious and committed alike.
Vicki Robin, author, Blessing the Hands that Feed Us

Cindy Conner is a permaculture educator, founder of Homeplace Earth and the producer of two popular instructional DVDs on sustainable gardening. She is also the author of Grow a Sustainable Diet .

To help bring you the very best inspiration and information about greener, more sustainable lifestyles, Mother Earth News is recommending select New Society Publishers books to its readers. This book is one of them.

Cindy Conner is a permaculture educator and founder of Homeplace Earth. She is the producer of two popular instructional DVDs entitled Develop a Sustainable Vegetable Garden Plan and Cover Crops and Compost Crops IN Your Garden . A former market gardener, Cindy was instrumental in establishing a sustainable agriculture program at her local community college which she taught for over a decade. She is also the author of Grow a Sustainable Diet .

Foreword by Bill McDorman and Belle Starr
Introduction

1 A Growing Movement
Hybrid vs. Open Pollinated Seeds
Grassroots Seed Saving and Sharing
In the News
Find Seeds Native to You

2 Why Save Seeds?
Preserve Genetic Diversity
Preserve Flavor and Nutrition
Preserve Unique Varieties
Preserve Cultural Heritage
Develop Strains Unique to Your Microclimate
Attract Beneficial Insects
Save Money
Learn New Skills
Make Seeds a Part of Your Life

3 The Role of Public Libraries
Staff and Friends
Places to Foster Creativity
Part of the Landscape
Gathering Together
Declaring Seed Independence in Public

4 Other Entities to Pair With
Transition Movement
Permaculture Organizations
Student Groups, Citizen Groups, and Land Trusts
Museums and Elsewhere
Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners

5 Seeds
Where to Find Seeds
Care of Seeds
Germination Test
Plant Population Numbers
Seed Saver Organizations
Seed School

6 Getting Started
Mission Statement and Name
Budget and Funding
Define the Space
Website and Social Media
Graphics
Education

7 Packaging, Signups, and Other Details
Packets or Bulk
Labeling
Skill Level
Making Seed Available
Patron Notebook
References to Have Available
Make Your Own Seed Catalog
Learn From Others

8 Attracting Patrons
Start Early
Photography, Art, and Music
Join With Other Events
Make Use of Volunteers
Launch Party
Orientation
Continuing Education

9 Keeping the Momentum
Presentations and Classes
Movie Nights and Book Clubs
Stories and Histories
Children's Programs
Work Parties
Eat the Bounty
Promote Seed Gardens
Seed Stewards
Pace Yourself

10 Seed Swaps and Other Means of Sharing
Seedy Days
National Seed Swap Day
Seed Banks
Share What You Have
Start a Seed Company
Become an Activist

11 We Are Living in Exciting Times!
Where Are They Now?
Follow Your Heart

Afterword

Resources
Eating Locally
Gardening
Plant Breeding
Safe Seed Pledge
Seed Banks
Seed Inventories
Seed Library Resources
Seed Saving
Seed Saving with Children
Seed Saving History and People
Seed Saving Organizations
Seed Saving Supplies
Seed Schools
Seed Swaps
TED Talks
Videos
Webinars and Other Broadcasts

Notes
Index
About the Author