Beginning Seed Saving for the Home Gardener

Reclaim the joy and independence that comes from saving your own seeds

For the first time in 30+ years, I'm finally ready to take gardening to a whole new level. Independence, here I come, James Ulager by my side.
- MaryJane Butters, farmer, author, and editor of MaryJanesFarm magazine

A comprehensive guide to learn how to begin seed saving or take it to the next level.
- Judy Newman, administrator, Seeds of Diversity

MANY HOME GARDENERS refuse to eat a grocery store tomato, but routinely buy commercial seeds, sometimes from thousands of miles away. And while seed saving can appear mysterious and intimidating, even home gardeners with limited time and space can experience the joy and independence it brings, freeing them from industry and the annual commercial seed order.

Beginning Seed Saving for the Home Gardener explores how seed saving is both easier than we think and essential for vibrant, independent, and bountiful gardens. Coverage includes:

• Why seed saving belongs in the home garden
• Principles of vegetative and sexual reproduction
• Easy inbreeding plants, including legumes, lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers
• Plants with a few more challenges, including squash, spinach, onions, and parsley
• Brief discussion of more difficult crops, including corn, carrots, and cabbage.

Written by a home seed saver for the home seed saver, Beginning Seed Saving for the Home Gardener is a comprehensive guide for those who want to reclaim our seed heritage, highlighting the importance of saving seeds for you, your neighbors, and most importantly, subsequent generations.

Stands out as accessible and de-mystifying [and] brings it down to the basics.... [As] Ulager says: go ahead and take back our ownership of the seed.
- Will Bonsall, director, Scatterseed Project

Jim Ulager is a home gardener and seed saver who has traveled, studied, and spoken on seed saving for the small-scale gardener. Jim produces fruit, vegetables, tree products, chicken, pork, grain, and seeds on his 4-acre Vermont homestead with his wife and three children.