{"id":13726,"date":"2024-09-27T16:00:43","date_gmt":"2024-09-27T20:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/?p=13726"},"modified":"2024-09-27T12:35:05","modified_gmt":"2024-09-27T16:35:05","slug":"consider-saving-seeds-this-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/consider-saving-seeds-this-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Consider Saving Seeds This Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

Written by: Megha Rajeev
\nEdited by: Rayna Almas
\nDesigned by: Eshika HIremath
\nPublished by: Rayna Almas<\/p>\n

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S<\/span>eed saving is the process of saving, storing and preserving seeds so that new crops can grow as the years go by. This is how most farmers and gardeners are able to maintain their crops throughout the years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Why Seed Saving is Important?<\/b><\/p>\n

Seed saving plays a pivotal role in preserving biodiversity and managing a sustainable ecosystem. Saving seeds can also result in stronger plants that are more resistant to diseases and pests as it preserves genetic biodiversity. This also means that there will be higher germination rates and bigger harvests. This is because the plants adapt to YOUR local conditions as the seasons continue. This makes your seeds more suited to your soil, climate and ecosystem rather than purchased seeds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seed saving is also cost efficient! Unfortunately, the prices of store bought seeds only continue to grow every year, which can only place a financial burden on many customers. Seed saving requires little effort and time and multiples your initial seed investment. This means by saving seeds, you are saving money, which reduces your gardening expenses and allows you to practice saving sustainably.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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History of Seed Saving\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

In the earlier times, Indigenous people relied on seed saving and certain crops for different aspects. It was almost like an essential. It was beyond food production, and it played a central role in cultural and social purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Many Indigenous communities have developed highly evolved systems to save seeds. They carefully choose the right time to collect, use different methods to rotate crops, and store seeds in strong containers using storage methods that can last for centuries. Their methods consider things like pollination patterns and seasonal changes. By doing this, Indigenous people protect plant diversity and make sure their crops are well-suited for their local environment. These practices help sustain farming, preserve cultural traditions and strengthen the bond between people and the land they live on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For Indigenous communities, seed saving embodies a profound spiritual connection with Mother Earth, it is viewed as relatives, more specifically \u201cextended family members”. It is a cultural significance, often linked to their identity, land, and heritage. Indigenous peoples have been dedicated to preserving these seeds as a way to care for and honor them for future generations. Even today, many Indigenous people keep seeds for decades and speak on the significance of saving seeds and refer to certain vegetables such as corn and beans as their ancestors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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How can you start seed saving?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

The best way to start is.. by starting off with vegetable seeds!! Of course, there are specific ways to maintain your seeds based on what type of vegetable you choose, so here are some options and a small guide on how to save them!<\/span><\/p>\n

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