There are several very good reasons why we should all become seed savers – even if it is for just one or two plants. The first reason is to have plants that suit our needs, desires and growing conditions. The second reason is to protect the environment. The third, and potentially most important reason, is to protect biodiversity.

So why do we need to save our own seed when we have commercial seed producers? Commercial seed producers work to develop productive and attractive plants that are not only wanted by consumers but are also desired by growers and processors. Features they select for, therefore, may not necessarily suit the backyard grower. For example, processors prefer fruit with uniform shape and skin that does not bruise easily. Backyarders, on the other hand, may be quite happy with irregular-shaped fruit that has the odd blemish if the fruit has excellent flavour.

Global economies have supported the rise of multi-nationals. Some of these companies are buying out seed producers. Would you be surprised to learn that they are the biggest producers of synthesised chemicals – herbicides, fungicides, pesticides and fertilisers?

These multi-national companies now produce hybridised seed, genetically modified seed and terminator seed. They monopolise the market by taking out patents, making it illegal for others to develop or distribute them. Terminator seed actually prevents growers from collecting their own seed. Varieties developed may also not have resistance to disease or be suitable for growing in a wide range of conditions, rendering them dependent on heavy chemical usage to thrive. Farmers are forced to sign contracts agreeing to specific chemical regimes. Large-scale and intensive use of fertilisers, herbicides, fungicides and pesticides is not good for our health, nor is it good for the environment!

Now, why concern ourselves with biodiversity? Here we need to consider climate change and its implications for our food supply. We know that our world is becoming hotter and Australia is becoming drier. WA has had its lowest rainfall since records have been kept. Yet other parts of the world are becoming wetter.

Changes in eco-systems are normal but man’s activities are causing change at a more rapid rate than most species can adapt to. Biodiversity is becoming increasingly compromised. Traditionally, food was grown in the backyard or bought from local suppliers. In traditional – as in organic– growing, seed from plants with sought-after traits is collected and saved for future production. Local seed saving automatically selects plants adapted to local conditions. Local seed saving also promotes biodiversity with different varieties suited to different regions.

As “seed saving” backyard growers, therefore, we can assist to protect, conserve and even promote biodiversity. We can all do our bit to preserve and enhance non-hybrid, non-genetically modified varieties that have the ability to regenerate. At the same time, we will work towards enhancing our health and the health of the world we live in. Our food security depends on it!

Lettuces are self-pollinating so it is possible to have several varieties setting seed in your garden at the same time. Garlic can be allowed to flower at the same time as onions because they produce bulblets, not seed. Herbs such as coriander, parsley, chamomile, rosemary, sage and thyme can all be allowed to flower at the same time.

To aid wind distribution some plants form flower heads in which the seed is attached to fluff. Plants like borage simply allow the seed to fall out of the flower. Others form seed pods that swell up and eventually dry out. They then burst on the plant, scattering seeds everywhere.

Before flower heads or seed pods mature completely, remove them with some stem attached. Place them in a loose-weave cloth bag or cardboard box in a well-ventilated area to completely dry out. This may take several weeks so it is best not to rely on your memory but to identify the plant by name and date of harvesting. Vigilance is required to choose the correct time for harvesting.

About the Author
Caralyn, author of Gardening and Eating for Living, regularly conducts organic gardening and small property management workshops. Her garden, “A Garden Path”, is open to the public with Australia’s Open Garden Scheme. In 2006 she achieved Certified Organic status with NASAA and was a finalist in the 2006 West Australian Environment Awards. Recently Caralyn became a recipient of an Australian Federal Government Community Water Grant to install greywater recycling systems at her Environmental Education Centre. Caralyn is Vice-President of the Organic Growers Association and a member of the Roleystone Organic Growers Group.