A bunch of colorful snapdragon flowers next to shorter purple flowers in a large garden

Hope and Practice: Jane Frandsen

Jane Frandsen, Exchange lister, recounts why and how she began saving seeds: ‘Seeds Are Amazing Things.’

Four beets with the ends sliced off lying in a row on a rock surface, with each beet a different color: yellow and white, red, yellow, and white.

What to Plant in Your Garden in June

Did you know you can still plant in your garden in June? Odds are good you’ve already transplanted your tomatoes and peppers and harvested lettuce or other greens to serve up fresh for dinner. Yes, your garden has sprung to life, but if you’re interested in more than just weeding and watering, plenty of crops are still ripe for planting in many regions of the United States.

Four different lettuce varieties in a long deck railing planter

How Tos

Container Gardening Guide

What can you plant in a container? The better question might be, what can’t you? Vegetables, flowers, herbs—almost any plant can thrive in a container as long as it has the proper soil and care. When land space is unavailable, container gardening provides a viable alternative for you to grow your own food and a beautiful garden.

Stewardship Stories

Hope and Practice: Robert Lobitz

Robert Lobitz—one of the most active members of Seed Savers Exchange—had many listings in the Yearbook from 1984 up to 2006, when he passed away.

A tray of 3-inch pots, each with a hole and a small tomato plant in the center.

How Tos

A Beginner’s Guide to Potting Up Seedlings

There’s something deeply rewarding about nurturing a tiny seed into a thriving plant. But when a plant outgrows its container, potting up can seem daunting. Fortunately, with care and a couple of considerations, potting up is easy and will help to keep your plants happy!

A collage of various images of heirloom plants, including 'Moon & Stars' watermelon, 'German Pink' tomato, 'Three Pound Coffee Can' asparagus, 'Grandpa Ott's' morning glory, dill, and 'Good Mother Stallard' bean

Varieties

50th Anniversary Heirloom Seed Collection

Great seeds, great seed stories. Seed Savers Exchange has stewarded both since its founding in 1975. To mark our 50th year, we’ve released a limited-edition heirloom seed collection featuring six of our most-cherished varieties.

Stewardship Stories

Hope and Practice: Christina Wenger

In the first third of the 20th century, the agricultural valleys of California were full of sweet peas grown for seed.

Two large jars filled with pickled watermelon rinds along with spices and chopped garlic sit outdoors on a picnic table

Recipes

Recipe: Pickled Watermelon Rind

In the heat of the summer, few things are as refreshing as fresh watermelon! However, while the flesh of the watermelon is enjoyed, the rinds are usually discarded. Next time you eat a watermelon, don’t throw out the rinds! You can actually soften and pickle watermelon rinds for a sweet and sour treat.

A pile of tiny yellow cherry tomatoes in a metal strainer

Learn

What Are Heirloom Seeds?

The term “heirloom seeds” has increased in popularity in recent years, but what exactly does it mean? “Heirloom” describes a seed’s heritage, specifically a documented heritage being passed down from generation to generation within a family or community.