I love this. Saving my C. maxima seeds every year results in something fun and weird. I do however isolate my moschatas because I don’t want them to cross with others.
Thanks, I needed this! My spouse is a terminal seed saver. I'm forwarding this article to his email box. Maybe he'll actually get around to SOWING some of the countless dozens of seeds he's saved over the past 30 years! LOL
"Perfection is the enemy of real growth, which is usually messy."
The entire thing was extremely well written but this line stuck for me right now. Thanks for this.
Edited to add I should've read the other comments first - I was too late! - but interesting that line particularly resonates with two of us (and I'm sure many more)
I saved my first seeds, carrots, a few years back after forgetting a rogue plant at the back of the garden. It bloomed into a beautiful head of white flowers then looked downright awful for a month or so. But I was able to gather thousands of seeds and planted the offspring of that carrot for several years. I was giddy with the idea that nature was gifting me so much. And for what? My laziness at gardening? Thanks again for reminding us about the cycles of the seasons and all the bounty we receive from Mother Earth.
I’ve been saving seeds for many years—actually, for decades, if you include the ones from my younger days. While my approach isn’t as detailed or refined as what you’ve described, I definitely share the same passion and mindset. It’s always inspiring to see others so dedicated to preserving and nurturing seeds over time. https://daveshotchickensuk.com/
Your writing always brings a smile to my face. The beautiful details that are so easy to visualize, paint the story you are telling, so well. Thank you.
I love this. Saving my C. maxima seeds every year results in something fun and weird. I do however isolate my moschatas because I don’t want them to cross with others.
Oh, Hey! You might be interested in this podcast. Turns out Sacagawea was Hidatsa, and she loved to garden. :) https://www.npr.org/2025/10/13/nx-s1-5573213/the-real-story-of-sacagawea
Really? I thought she was Mandan.
Thanks, I needed this! My spouse is a terminal seed saver. I'm forwarding this article to his email box. Maybe he'll actually get around to SOWING some of the countless dozens of seeds he's saved over the past 30 years! LOL
"Perfection is the enemy of real growth, which is usually messy."
The entire thing was extremely well written but this line stuck for me right now. Thanks for this.
Edited to add I should've read the other comments first - I was too late! - but interesting that line particularly resonates with two of us (and I'm sure many more)
Those beans are almost too beautiful to eat! Love all the amazing colors hues that beans have.
I saved my first seeds, carrots, a few years back after forgetting a rogue plant at the back of the garden. It bloomed into a beautiful head of white flowers then looked downright awful for a month or so. But I was able to gather thousands of seeds and planted the offspring of that carrot for several years. I was giddy with the idea that nature was gifting me so much. And for what? My laziness at gardening? Thanks again for reminding us about the cycles of the seasons and all the bounty we receive from Mother Earth.
I’ve been saving seeds for many years—actually, for decades, if you include the ones from my younger days. While my approach isn’t as detailed or refined as what you’ve described, I definitely share the same passion and mindset. It’s always inspiring to see others so dedicated to preserving and nurturing seeds over time. https://daveshotchickensuk.com/
"Perfection is the enemy of real growth, which is usually messy." True in gardens as in people. Love the picture this brought to mind.
Great article.
Been saving various seeds for decades. Many decades if you count the ones of our youth.
Nowhere near as refined as what you’re describing but same general mindset.
I depend on my volunteers. We haven't planted tomatillos or cilantro in years.
Your writing always brings a smile to my face. The beautiful details that are so easy to visualize, paint the story you are telling, so well. Thank you.