Mass Aggie Seed Library
Understanding Seed Labels
Seed Saving Resources
The Organic Seed Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that advances ethical seed solutions to meet food and farming needs in a changing world.
The Seed Site is a website devoted to the identification of seeds and information on seed saving.
Seeds Trust is a 30-year-old seed company dedicated to teaching about saving seed; they specialize in open-pollinated organic heirloom seeds.
International Seed Saving Institute The International Seed Saving Institute, a non-profit, non-governmental educational organization was founded as a response. Central to our strategy is the seed saving ritual, a ritual as old as civilization, a ritual in many ways responsible for civilization.
CRS Report
Seed Saving Videos
As you find good seed saving videos, please email me (pborrego@umass.edu) the link so I can add it to the collection.
Overview from Seed Savers Exchange (30 minutes)
https://youtu.be/ngW0eOwkoIM?list=PLzNxg5un8z6EVfkbRDiswLYsLBFTSEwmB
Seed cleaning overview (60 minutes)
Melon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_trTq6J704
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkhmbV6pY3I
How-to Seed Saving Videos
Seed School 101 Videos from the Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance
This series of authoritative seed-saving how-to videos will help you understand how different types of seeds are collected and processed.
To obtain access to the video series for a specific time period, contact the Mass Aggie Seed Librarian, Paulina Borrego. Email pborrego@library.umass.edu
Broken down into 8 Modules that will take about 1 hour each:
1. Biology/Seed Structure
2. Seed Selection and Genetics
3. Pollination and Breeding Systems
4. Seed Industry History and Patenting
5. Seed Enterprises
6. Wild Seed
7. Harvesting, Cleaning, Storing
8. Dispelling the Myths of Seed Saving
For more information about the video series visit the website: https://rockymountainseeds.org/courses/seed-school-101/
Returning seeds to the seed library
Share the bounty by saving and returning seeds to the Mass Aggie Seed Library
Hello Mass Aggie Seed Library patrons,
The Mass Aggie Seed Library accepts donations of open-pollinated seeds (no hybrids) and would prefer organic seeds if possible. Please note we do not accept patented seeds or varieties protected by the Plant Variety Protection Act. (What are those? Come in and let's chat!)
Please collect as much information as possible about the seed variety. This helps people next year know what they are getting. In some cases, I will transfer the donated seeds to Mass Aggie Seed Library envelopes for storage. Each envelope has the following label for information.
Since each plant and seed saving procedure is different, I encourage you to use your favorite internet search engine to research seed-saving methods (for example, "how to save poppy seeds"). There are many great videos and how-to sites. And remember, this is a learning experiment, and experience is the best teacher.
You can also drop off donations in the library book drop, just make sure to label it so it gets to me.
Be well, and grow resilience and generosity - Paulina
Mass Aggie Seed Library Seed Donation Form
UMass Permaculture Garden Seed Saving
Many thanks to the student volunteers and Daniel Bensonoff for their seed saving efforts.
Seed Saving and Patron Donated Seed
Patron Donated Seed
Seed Processing and Cleaning
Advice on Saving Seed
I am happy to help you learn about saving seeds. Please reach out to me to chat about the particular type of plant you are growing and the best conditions and time for seed saving.
