Seed School

Monday, September 28–The Botany of Seed Saving
This introductory lesson will explore the fascinating world of plant life cycles and reproduction. By understanding these aspects of saving seeds and key vocabulary, you can make more informed decisions about which plants to grow and how to plan your garden accordingly.

Monday, October 5–Harvesting and Cleaning Seeds: Dry Processing
This lesson will focus on processing dry seeds like beans, lettuce, and collards. Using several examples, we’ll discuss when and how to harvest for optimal results and how to choose the right tools for this work.

Monday, October 12–Harvesting and Cleaning Seeds:  Wet Processing
This lesson will focus on processing seeds found in fleshy fruits like tomatoes, melons, and squash. Using several examples, we’ll discuss when and how to harvest for optimal results and how to choose the right tools for this work.

Monday, October 19–Seed Quality and Storage
In this lesson, you will learn the best practices for proper seed storage. We’ll also delve into the unique considerations for saving seeds from biennials.

Monday, October 26–Growing and Saving Seed with Regional Experts
In this lesson, we will break into smaller groups, and you will be able to hear from and ask questions of expert growers from across the United States to identify and address unique challenges in your climate.

Monday, November 2–Next Steps: Connecting to Community
For our final lesson, we will share ways to continue your seed-saving journey and opportunities to connect with the seed-saving community.

Choose Your Seed School Experience

All three options include registration for the complete six-week Virtual Seed School. Choose the package that best fits your needs:

• Virtual Seed School — Class Only — $60
  Includes access to all six virtual classes and course recordings. Select this option only if you already own The Seed Garden or have borrowed a copy from your local library.
• Virtual Seed School + The Seed Garden Book — $90
  Includes access to all six virtual classes and course recordings and a copy of The Seed Garden: The Art and Practice of Seed Saving, the primary reference book used throughout the course.
• Virtual Seed School + The Seed Garden Book + Seed-Saving Kit — $110
  Includes access to all six virtual classes and course recordings, a copy of The Seed Garden, and additional tools and supplies to help you put your new seed-saving skills into practice.

Required text: The class series will be based on The Seed Garden, and students will need a copy of the book to participate. Registrations received after Noon on September 14, 2026*, we cannot guarantee delivery of the book or kit before the first class, but you can still attend and follow along in the first week of class. *Noon on September 4, 2026 for Hawaii and Alaska. 

For questions on this workshop series, please get in touch with events@seedsavers.org or Seed Savers Exchange customer service at (563) 382-5990. Customer service hours are 9 am – 4 pm Central, Monday through Friday.

Thank you to our event sponsor!