Growing a Greener World Season 7 Episode 10 Saving Seeds for Future Generations: Seed Savers Exchange

Saving Seeds for Future Generations: Seed Savers Exchange is the tenth episode of the seventh season of Growing a Greener World. In this episode, the focus is on the importance of preserving heirloom seeds for future generations, and the work being done by the Seed Savers Exchange to accomplish that goal.

Host Joe Lamp'l travels to Heritage Farm in Decorah, Iowa, the headquarters of the Seed Savers Exchange. He interviews John Torgrimson, the executive director of the organization, who explains the history and mission of Seed Savers Exchange. The organization was founded in 1975 by Diane Ott Whealy and Kent Whealy, who were inspired by a desire to preserve the heirloom seeds passed down through Diane's family for generations. They began the organization with the intent of saving these seeds and making them available to others, and since then Seed Savers Exchange has grown into a thriving community of gardeners and seed savers who are dedicated to preserving and sharing heirloom seeds.

Joe also talks to staffers at Heritage Farm, who discuss the various programs and initiatives at Seed Savers Exchange. These include the Seed Bank, which houses over 20,000 seed varieties, many of which are rare or endangered; the Seed Exchange, which allows members to trade seeds with each other and expand the diversity of their gardens; and the Preservation Garden, where rare and endangered plants are cultivated to prevent them from becoming extinct.

The episode also features interviews with a number of individuals who are involved with Seed Savers Exchange, including gardeners, farmers, and seed savers. They talk about their own experiences with heirloom seeds and the importance of preserving them, both for their genetic diversity and their cultural significance. They also discuss the challenges of seed saving, including the need to carefully select and store seeds to ensure their viability over long periods of time.

Throughout the episode, Joe emphasizes the importance of seed saving and the work being done by Seed Savers Exchange to ensure that future generations have access to the same rich diversity of plant life that we do today. He also provides practical advice for home gardeners who are interested in saving their own seeds, including how to properly collect, clean, and store seeds to ensure their longevity.

Saving Seeds for Future Generations: Seed Savers Exchange is an inspiring and informative episode that highlights the critical role that seed saving plays in preserving our natural heritage. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, this episode is a must-see for anyone who cares about the future of our planet and the diversity of life that makes it so special.