Education
We are committed to offering seed education openly, equitably, and without barriers. As seed savers, we inherit a responsibility to care for seeds and share knowledge. We believe education is fundamental to the seed movement, is essential to the health and preservation of cultural identity, and is a key element in climate change preparedness.
Seed School 101
Seeds in Common presents Seed School
Seed biodiversity has been in decline for the past three generations since the introduction of industrial agriculture. Seed School 101 offers an opportunity to reawaken this nearly forgotten art in yourself and your community by teaching you how to save seeds. This is an innovatively unique learning experience providing a comprehensive overview of the history, science, business, spirit, and craft of seeds. This course is for backyard gardeners, food growers, market farmers, educators, and anyone concerned with accessing healthy food and seeds.
What you will learn
- Basic seed biology, selection, and genetics
- Understand the significance of regionally adapted seeds
- Challenge your perspective of the current industrial food paradigm
- Feel your passion ignited to reconnect with your food source
Topics List
Based on the renowned Seed School developed by Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, the predecessor to Seeds in Common. With the support of three specialty facilitators, Dr. Bradley Tonnessen, Dr. Margot Bagley, and François Meienberg, everyone helps to shine a light on important topics involving seeds to help folks understand their role as a seed steward.
Seed Biology & Structure
Every seed saver needs a foundation of seed anatomy to truly be awed by their capacity and potential. This module provides definitions of the seed structures with supporting visuals to reveal the intricate workings of a seed.
Pollination & Breeding Systems
Understanding how plants pollinate to produce flowers, fruits, and of course seeds are the focus points in this module. When pollination is understood, pollination can then be controlled with several different approaches for a more predictable outcome.
Seed Selection & Genetics
How did the wild plants become the fruit and vegetable crops we are familiar with today? Through continual observation across the seasons, careful seed stewardship, selection, understanding adaptability, and thousands of years.
Wild Seeds
Become familiar with “native” landscaping, invasive plants, and how human impact affects the natural landscape. Learn about methods and resources that support the quest for wild seeds and balanced ecosystems in this module.
Harvesting, Cleaning & Storing
What are the essential tools, materials, and resources needed to save seeds at a larger scale? Participants will learn basic seed saving concepts: cure, ripen, dry, thresh, scalp, sift, and winnow.
Seed Industry History and Patenting
This module provides a historical breakdown of seed patenting and the policies that shape the state of seeds today. Learn about the lawsuits that inform seed policy, seed stakeholders, and get a look into the seed catalogs of the largest seed producers.
Seed Enterprises
There are many paths one can travel with the guidance and support of the seeds. Seed Library, Seed Business, Seed Steward, Seed Temple, Seed Bank, Seed Preservation, Seed Activism, Seed Production, and all things in between!
Dispelling the Myths of Seed Saving
There are many common myths that keep gardeners and farmers from saving their own seeds; this module replaces these myths with encouragement. Seed Saving needs to be occurring on all levels to protect, preserve, and grow global plant biodiversity.