Saving Seeds to Save The Future
This article explores why seed saving is an incomprehensibly powerful act that serves to increase one's food sovereignty, encouraging resilient communities and nurturing the Gift Economy.
The act of saving seed from your heirloom garden crops is an act of love and hope for tomorrow. Not only does this act save one money and ensure food security for one's household (and local community) but, it also offers one the unique sense of satisfaction that comes from the knowing that each successive year seeds are saved the varieties of seeds are becoming more genetically customized (via the natural processes inherent in seeds adapting) to flourish in the specific climate and soils they are being raised in.
Seed saving is an act of co-creating with the forces of nature and an act of faith for it means holding that hope in our hearts that each spring we will plant those seeds and share the resulting abundance with our family and friends.
Saving seeds always provides me food for the soul, but for me, this is especially so with Holy Basil (aka "Tulsi").
As one rubs the seed pods together in one's hands to separate the seeds from the chaff a rich aroma of cloves, mint and a touch of licorice fills the air. This poetry for the senses is almost as nourishing as the knowing I will be able to share seeds enabling many (including myself) to be able cultivate an abundance of this healing plant in the future, providing for native pollinators all over, offering delicious tea to humans, inspiration for creativity in the kitchen, medicine for the body, peace for the mind and food for many souls. For more info on the myriad health benefits and companion planting benefits offered by Tulsi (aka Holy Basil) check out:
Such is the power of saving heirloom seeds and investing in the living economy of the Earth with our hands and our hearts. This simple act is an investment that provides exponential gifts in one's life.
I find that there is something very therapeutic about sorting garden seeds on dreary winter days. Using ones hands to gently separate the seeds from the shells and chaff, knowing these tiny things in your hands hold the hope for a lush and nourishing garden to come to life in the months ahead.
The aromas, shapes and colors of the various seed heads and seeds offer inspiration for the imagination.. glimpses into creative potentials both in the garden, in the kitchen (and beyond).
Another fun aspect of seed saving is that sometimes, taking a super close look at seeds teaches me something new (enhancing my understanding of the natural world in meaningful ways).
Holding the seeds saved from our garden in my hand, I sense the living essence that echos my hard work from the previous season and am gifted the knowing that those efforts will breath life into days yet to come. This is something that brings me great peace, joy and gratitude.
“While expressing gratitude seems innocent enough, it is a revolutionary idea. In a consumer society, gratitude is a radical proposition. Recognizing abundance rather than scarcity undermines an economy that thrives by creating unmet desires. Gratitude cultivates an ethic of fullness, but the economy needs emptiness.”
― Robin Wall Kimmerer (Braiding Sweetgrass)
Seeds are little living embryos, housing vast genetic libraries which connect us to our past and offer boundless potential for the future.
When seed saving is combined with act of composting it essentially means you are contributing towards the fabric of an ancient living decentralized sacred economic model.
In the compost bin, we invest our time and ‘waste’ materials, and the ‘asset managers’ and ‘investment strategy team’ (comprised of myriad bacteria, fungi and decomposing insects) invest/transmute that time and material into molecules of biological currency for us, storing those units of currency in the form of fertile soil. We can then withdraw from our ‘account’ through using the ‘key code’ that is embodied in a living heirloom seed we plant in that soil (which unlocks it’s potential and allows us to withdraw part of our ‘savings account’ in that living soil/seed bank in the form of life giving food, medicine, oxygen and poetry for the senses). Thus, when you combine saving seed and composting to build soil you are essentially connecting your own health and resilience to the ancient sacred economy of the living Earth and therefore you will be able to nourish yourself and your loved ones (while also giving back to the Earth) regardless of the state of the human economy or your bank account.
For me, the act of saving seed, building soil (through composting) and allowing my life to blend with (and lending my energy towards) aligning with the cycles of nature (in my garden) served to dissolve the illusion of separation. What it did was allow me to perceive life on Earth as the magnificent tapestry of symbiotic relationships that it is, seeing my own intrinsic place in the web of life as one that not only receives (or takes) but one that is capable of giving back as well. Engaging in contributing towards this endless circle of gifts opens up doorways to levels of abundance that humans have not seen on Earth for a very long time. Charles Eisenstein describes the recognition of the interconnected nature of all beings as “Interbeing” and he describes involving oneself with contributing towards the flow of endless cycles of gifts that are inherent in Nature’s living systems as “Sacred Economics”.
Sacred Economics and “Gift Economics” are also topics that I discuss in my upcoming book Recipes For Reciprocity: The Regenerative Way From Seed To Table. Below is a short video where Charles Eisenstein talks about these concepts described above and he elucidates on the prevalent trend of the endless commodification of aspects of nature and that which was once seen as sacred (due to conventional fiat currency economics). While I do not necessarily agree with all his ideas about monetary reform, I do feel he offers some worth while (and prescient) insight into these matters and so I suggest the following video it is worth a listen..
In a past article (titled “The Best Investment On Earth, Is Earth”, I explored how gift economics can produce exponential abundance via engaging in a comparative analysis of conventional economics vs gift economics through a thought experiment involving investing in a bank vs 'investing' in the Earth (via planting/saving seeds).
Through offering our hands to protect and preserve heirloom seeds and also accelerate the natural cycles inherent in composting we involve ourselves in the sacred act of reciprocity and begin to nourish a reciprocal relationship with the living Earth that results in True Wealth.
True Wealth (as I define it); refers to the degree of which one has achieved food and health sovereignty, and the degree of which one is living regeneratively as well as to the degree of which one has established a lasting symbiotic relationship with the land one lives on (and those one shares their local community with). Beyond those physical defining perimeters it is also defined by the measure of which one feels happy, grateful and at peace inwardly (truly illusive states of being for many currently on Earth, "rich" and "poor" alike). Unlike material wealth (which is temporary and cannot provide lasting happiness) True Wealth is permanent and nurtures lasting happiness. It is more about the measure of how much one gives and shares, and less about what one acquires, takes, or hoards.
The gift of True Wealth is found in the years, lasting fulfillment and health which is added to our lives when we care for the land we live on (and those who we share it with). Lasting fulfillment is found in savoring those precious moments that are given to us each time we stop to appreciate the "little things". It is the gift we give ourselves when we choose to use our time on earth to help things grow and nurture them to achieve their highest potential.
For another perspective on Gift Economics, here is an excerpt from an article written by Robin Wall Kimmerer
"Gratitude and Reciprocity are the currency of a gift economy, and they have the remarkable property of multiplying with every exchange. Their energy concentrating as they pass from hand to hand. A truly renewable resource.
Continued fealty to economies based on competition for manufactured scarcity, rather than cooperation around natural abundance, is now causing us to face the danger of producing real scarcity, evident in growing shortages of food and clean water, breathable air, and fertile soil.
..This extractive economy is forcing us to confront the inevitable outcome of our consumptive lifestyle, genuine scarcity for which the market has no remedy. Indigenous story traditions are full of these cautionary teachings. When the gift is dishonored, the outcome is always material as well as spiritual. Disrespect the water and the springs dry up. Waste the corn and the garden grows barren. Regenerative economies which cherish and reciprocate the gift are the only path forward. To replenish the possibility of mutual flourishing, for birds and berries and people, we need an economy that shares the gifts of the Earth, following the lead of our oldest teachers, the plants...
As I forage for service berries, I accept that gift from the bush, and then spread that gift with a dish of berries to the neighbor, who makes a pie to share with his friend (who feels to wealthy in food and friendship, that he volunteers at the food pantry) you know how it goes. To name the world in gift, is to feel one’s membership in the web of reciprocity. It makes you happy and it makes you accountable. Conceiving of something as a gift changes your relationship to it in a profound way. Even though the physical make up of the ‘thing’ has not changed.
A wooly knit hat purchased at the store will keep you warm regardless of its origin, But it it was hand knit by your favorite auntie, then you are in relationship to that ‘thing’ in a very different way. Your responsible for it, and your gratitude has motive force in the world. You are likely to take much better care of the gift hat, than the commodity hat, because it’s knit of relationships. This is the power of gift thinking.
I imagine that if we acknowledge that everything we consume is the gift of Mother Earth, we would take better care of what we are given. Mistreating a gift has emotional and ethical gravity, as well as ecological resonance. How we think, ripples out to how we behave. If we view these berries, or that coal, or that forest, as property, it can be exploited as a commodity in a market economy. We know the consequences of that. Why then, have we permitted the dominance of economic systems that commodify everything? That create scarcity instead of abundance. That promote accumulation rather than sharing. We’ve surrendered our values to an economic system that actively harms what we love."
(from “THE SERVICEBERRY : An Economy of Abundance” by Robin Wall Kimmerer)
I feel grateful that I am able to directly experience the innate abundance that is implicit in a Gift Economy in my life. Below I will share an anecdote of one such instance to give you an idea of what I mean. The story begins couple years ago when I shared some heirloom super hot chili seeds with a nice couple I met. I had totally forgot about it by the end of the following summer but later that year they came to visit me and dropped off a 5 gallon bucket filled with glorious radiant organically grown heirloom chilis!
Such is the way that gifts move when we align our time, energy and resources with the forces of nature and share the abundance we are gifted with others with an open heart.
We do not have a lot of land to grow food on so our pepper production is limited but the people who I gifted the seeds to have lots of space to grow. They cultivated more than they would need and knowing how I love to create with hot peppers in the kitchen gifted an abundance of fresh chilis to me, their neighbors and shared seeds with many.
The gift that was given without the expectation of reciprocation apparently planted a 'seed' of the feeling that we can all share with each other freely when we have more than we need for ourselves. This feeling/knowing spreads, potentiated by the act of caring for the living soil and exponentially multiplied by the act of sharing the resulting abundance with more people still.
These peppers that returned to me as part of a never ending circle of gifts (expanding in all directions) so I saved hundreds of seeds (which I shared with dozens more people). Knowing the people who gifted me these beautiful peppers enjoy hot sauce with many of their meals we chose to roast the peppers over the camp fire to make three different hot sauces.
We gave them three different camp fire roasted hot sauces and shared the remaining abundance of sauce with many others (including some who got the seeds so they can know what the seeds are capable of producing). Now the endless cycle of gifts continues to flow.
I invite you to join in and nurture gift economies to grow and thrive where you live. Each handful of seeds, each tid-bit of encouragement, each hopeful smile to a stranger, each random act of kindness and each act of courage in the face of a system without empathy is an act that nurtures a gift economy to grow and thrive.
Saving seed is also a way to honor and connect with our ancestors in a meaningful way. If we source out heirloom seeds that have been tended for many generations and have deep roots in cultural traditions (some with origins before the dawn of industrial civilization) we are protecting and caring for the living lineage that was tended by our ancestors with love and purpose. In doing so we are showing respect for the hard work they put into saving seed from successive generations of the best crops so we could have access to many excellent varieties today. When we cultivate, nurture, harvest, cook with and save seed from heirloom varieties we are using our hands and our hearts to tend to the living legacy of those who came before us, we are keeping their culture alive, we are saying thank you to them and we are ensuring a good future for those who come after we leave.
One can also take the time to collect seeds from wild edible plants (or non edible endangered native plants as they all play an important role in a functioning ecosystem) and spread and/or propagate them in the wild (or in one's garden). In doing so we are investing our time in giving back to and learning from the more than human Gift Economy that has existed all around us for eons and we embark on a path to attaining True Wealth. This act helps align our path with the covenant of Reciprocity and the way of the Honorable Harvest. The Honorable Harvest is part of an indigenous canon of principles and practices that govern the exchange of 'life for life' and reciprocating the gifts we receive. The saving and spreading of seed is also an act of reciprocity, both with human created heirlooms and with wild plants. Saving and spreading seeds of wild plants is giving back to the plants themselves and Mother Earth (who give so much to us) by doing our part ensure these communities of plants thrive and can serve their function in the ecosystem as well as continue to share their gifts with future generations.
Here is a screenshot from Recipes For Reciprocity that touches on saving wild seeds and the concept of The Honorable Harvest:
As I detailed in my post on the transgenic Ag industry, we are living in times when a small group of corporations have sought to steal, buy and consolidate ownership of our precious ancient heirloom seed varieties (and force farmers to buy their toxic and nutrient deficient patented transgenic seed) the act of choosing to grow and save seed from ancient heirloom varieties is an act of defiance and peaceful civil disobedience in the face of corporate tyranny. Therefore, in choosing to grow heirloom varieties in our gardens we are saying no to the homogenization of our food and destruction of our cultural heritage. This makes the act of growing and saving heirloom seed a form of Satyagraha (aligning with the force of truth to resist unjust laws and empires peacefully and non violently).
When we resist tyranny and corporate parasitism through re-connecting with the living planet in a reciprocal relationship as our ancestors did, nurturing the land and our bodies through cultivating food and medicine crops in a way that gives back, saving and sharing seed, we are mending the broken relationship that humanity has with the living world that sustains us. We are healing the fragmentation of our species and how we connect to our Mother Earth, and doing it in a way that (if done with love and care) can create a connection that is even more beautiful than it was before.
"As it stands, the prodigious powers of human creativity cancel each other out. The crystalline matrix of our co-creation has burst into shards." - Charles Eisenstein (from his essay titled "A Temple Of This Earth")
We can heal, merge and galvanize the fragments of our human family into something more beautiful than anything that has existed here in the past.
There are many beautiful examples of this beginning to happen all over the world that involve heirloom seed saving/sharing and gardening… a few of those include the Food Is Free Project, the “We Are Human, We Are Free” worldwide nonviolent resistance movement, the Grow Free movement, John D. Liu's Ecosystem Restoration Camps and The R-Future Conference.
Saving seed means investing one's time, energy and faith in the Earth (and unlike investing in a bank) the result is so much abundance that one almost always feels compelled to share with neighbors, friends and loved ones. Also, a seed is a living embryo with a limited shelf life, which means if one was to see seed as a type of currency, it is one that has a built in motivation to share, rather than horde. This intrinsic quality of how gardening and seed saving compels us to share and connect in our community is exemplified in movements like the "Food Is Free Project" and the “Grow Free” movement (linked above).
As we use our time and energy to invest in the Earth we withdraw our support from corrupt and oppressive centralized human systems and begin to render them obsolete so we can one day leave them behind. As we begin to re-imagine our definition of wealth and see our own well being and wealth as intrinsically tied to the health and wealth of the eco-systems that support us, we move towards a more equitable and abundant future for all who will call this place home after we are gone.
As I mentioned in my article titled 23 Reasons To Start A Garden In 2023 I also consider the act of saving and sharing heirloom seed as an act of sabotage as it throws a monkey wrench into the machinery of the global corporatocracy (that seeks to own all seed, buying out and shutting down the small family owned companies, seeking to patent what they can and perpetually profit from their false claims of owning intellectual rights to the genetic fabric of life).
Each time we save and share seeds (and share the resulting abundance of crops) we are taking steps towards divesting from/boycotting centralized food and monetary systems which are corrupt and do much harm to the Earth and our collective future.
Therefore, one of the the most powerful forms of peaceful resistance we can engage in these times of government overreach, pharmaceutical tyranny and corporate corruption begins with a handful of seeds and some tlc.
Mother earth has her arms outstretched and hands open inviting us to embrace her as our ancestors did to find strength and grace in challenging times through reciprocity and symbiosis. We can create oasis’s of health, resilience, and abundance in each of our communities.. we can become the solution, break from dependence on centralized systems and help others to do the same. It begins with the soil and the seeds.
With the right knowledge, a little practice and some tlc you will be able to perpetuate the cycle of garden abundance, honor our ancestors, engage in reciprocity with mother earth and have extra crops and seeds to share with others, thus sending out regenerative ripple effects into the world around you and building up the Gift Economy where you live.
In Recipes For Reciprocity I will share what I have learned about saving seed with a number of my favorite crops so that you can turn your beautiful first harvest into many years of harvests, building food security, increasing crop resilience and offering you an abundance of amazing heirloom seeds to share with friends, family and to expand your garden in future years. Here are a few screenshots from the book that pertain to seed saving to give you a taste of the kind of information I will be providing.
I will now encourage each of you to become Seed Satyagrahi by inviting you to begin to create.. “..network(s) of individuals and organizations committed to align our thoughts and actions with the laws of Gaia, Pachamama, Vasundhara, Mother Earth… We protect the biodiversity of the planet by defending of the freedom of the seed to evolve in integrity, self-organisation, and diversity. We are seed savers and seed defenders, farmers and gardeners, practitioners of regenerative agriculture..
..Our right to save and exchange our open pollinated, non GMO, non patented seed is non alienable. We will resist every law and technology that attempts to undermine our freedoms, and the freedom of the seed, which is intimately linked to the freedom of Mother Earth. Across Diverse Ecosystems and cultures we are united in defending Seed freedom/Seed sovereignty as the foundation of Food Freedom/Food Sovereignty, based on ecological production and fair and just distribution, beginning with protecting and promoting local food systems.” (from https://www.navdanya.org/living-seed/seed-satyagraha )
In closing I will share something that emphasizes the power and importance of saving heirloom seeds in each of our gardens and communities.
Well its time for me to go do my part as an aspiring Seed Satyagrahi and help to ensure the cycle of gifts can continue to flow by planting some heirloom seeds to begin germinating for our garden this spring.
I came across a song recently with a nourishing energy and lyrics that I think shall go perfectly with planting seeds in the soil and encouraging them to wake up from their slumber.
I shall play this song for the heirloom seeds I am starting and sing it to them when they are ready to be planted in the rich living Earth outside..
“go my wild sweet
here for you as you for me
marvel
unravel
mighty
subtle
held / beheld
wild sweet
i’ll be a bud, be a blooming, be fruit at its peak i will ebb and release to the silence
i’ll be a rising flight in the morn and moon wide is the sky we will dream
we will cocoon with the season
we will sing without reason and emerge with widened wings” <3
For those that are interested, here is 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨.𝗦. :
Heirloom Seed (and heirloom/native perennial/tree nursery) companies in Canada:
Les Semences La Campagnarde
Web: www.lacampagnarde.ca
A'Bunadh Seeds
Web: www.abunadhseeds.ca
Email: smileyo@xplornet.ca
Established: 2006
A vast array of open-pollinated and heritage seeds.
Across the Creek Organics
Web: www.acrossthecreekorganics.ca
Email: acrossthecreek@gmail.com
We are Organic Certified by PACS and also Certified as Seed Potato growers
Aimer's Organics
Web: www.oscseeds.com/Home
Aimer's is a line of seeds sold by OSC Seeds. They have several certified organic vegetable varieties.
Anokian Seeds
Web: https://anokian.com/
Our plants, flowers and wild fruits come from our organic cultivation in Hemmingford, Quebec. We also save the ancestral seeds, for the protection of the medicinal and vegetable biodiversity without pesticides that we cultivate, which are harvested and dried by hand.
All with respect for our mother earth.
Akène, culture forestière
Web: www.akene.ca/
Email: info@akene.ca
Artisanal seed company offering a selection of wild and indigenous, edible, and medicinal plants seeds. Picked and cleaned by hand in small batches, all the seeds come from plants grown naturally in a forest environment or from ethical and sustainable harvesting of wild seeds.
Annapolis Seeds
Web: www.annapolisseeds.com
Email: owen@annapolisseeds.com
Established: 2008
We supply hand grown, open-pollinated, non-genetically modified seeds. All of our varieties will come true when saved for seed, which we encourage you to do. We have an emphasis on maintaining heritage varieties but we also sell some great varieties that are more recent introductions. We grow all the seeds ourselves on our small farm at the base of South Mountain in Nictaux, Nova Scotia.
Apple Luscious Organic Orchard
Web: appleluscious.com
Over 200 apple varieties, specializing in heritage, connoisseur and red-fleshed varieties.
Atlantic Pepper Seeds
Web: www.pepperseeds.ca
Email: admin@pepperseeds.ca
Established: 2001
Atlantic Pepper Seeds has been growing Chilli Peppers since 2001. We have developed several exciting new varieties over the years that are well suited for cooler climates. All of our pepper plants are grown organically without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers allowing us to offer the best quality seeds possible. We are family owned and operated out of New Brunswick, Canada.
August's Harvest
Web: www.augustsharvest.com
Email: warren@augustsharvest.com
Established: 1990
Supplying growers and gourmands with heirloom organic garlic and shallot varieties.
Bass Lake Farms
Web: https://basslakefarms.ca/seeds
Email: basslakemarketgarden@gmail.com
Bass Lake Farms sells a growing list of locally grown rare, heirloom, native, perennial, and edible seeds and plants for sale for your garden! You can also join our Seed Club (https://basslakefarms.ca/seed-club) for exclusive deals and seedy opportunities and subscribe to our newsletter for future updates! Seed Club is a new initiative to connect local seed fans, growers, and savers to promote literaseed (seed literacy), encourage community gardening, restock our seed libraries and ensure local seed security! Membership is free and for everyone - especially kids! We have designed fun and educational activities for all ages and abilities and have free seeds to get you started sprouting, selecting and collecting seeds!
BC Eco Seed Co-op
Web: www.bcecoseedcoop.com
Email: info@bcecoseedcoop.com
Established: 2014
We are a producers' co-operative growing and providing 100% BC-grown vegetable, herb, flower, and grain seed that is ecologically grown and certified organic, open-pollinated, regionally selected, and GE-free. All our seeds are grown by our members on farms across the province. Our mission is to increase the quantity and improve the quality of ecological and organic seed grown in BC. From packets to bulk quantities, the co-op has seeds for all growers.
BC's Wild Heritage Plants
Web: www.bcwildheritage.com
Email:
Shrubs, ferns, and herbs. Ships across Canada.
Bear Root Gardens
Web: www.bearrootgardens.com
Email: bearrootgardens@gmail.com
Bear Root Gardens believes that seeds are one of the most important elements in creating a sustainable food system. They pride themselves on offering their neighbours and friends a range of locally adapted seeds that thrive in Northern conditions. Locally adapted seeds are important for producing and sustaining strong yields year after year, and are often more resistant to pests and diseases. All seeds sold are grown and hand packaged by them on their property in the heart of Verona, ON.
Beautiful Blooms
Web: www.beautifulblooms.ab.ca
Email: info@beautifulblooms.ab.ca
A large variety of seed is offered, and the list grows year by year. Seed for annuals, biennials, perennials, bulbs and grasses is available. Seed is hand picked at its prime, mostly from plants that I cultivate myself, every seed is cleaned, inspected, and tested so that you will only receive the best seed I have to offer. Being a smaller seeds company, I am dedicated to providing quality, fresh seed at a reasonable price. Although the seed is not certified organic, I practice organic methods. I refuse to use pesticides or chemicals of any sort in the gardens, EVER.
Bright Bush Farm
Web: www.brightbushfarm.ca
Email: hello@brightbushfarm.ca
Bright Bush Farm seeds are always non-hybrid, non-gmo, open-pollinated, heirloom and organically grown with sustainable growing practices. Our farm is in Northern Alberta – seed from us has been tested in cooler climates and shorter growing seasons. Heirloom seeds are the way to ensure security in our food supply, sustainability in the food chain, and purchasing from our Canadian farm ensures your seeds are sourced locally. You can use any of our seeds to grow plants that you will be able to save your own seeds from… cutting your own costs and ensuring a steady source of food for your own family.
Broadview Farm - Roy Beck
Web: https://broadviewfarm.weebly.com/
Email: broadviewfarm@xplornet.ca
Established: 2001
We at Broadview Farm believe in preserving the past for the future. Therefore, we are growers of natural produce and herbs. Much of what is being offered for sell has been around much longer than we have been around. Natural as in we could call it organically being grown. All of the seeds are open-pollinated other than some things that I have bred myself.
Brother Nature Organic Seeds
Web: www.brothernature.ca
Email: brothernature@shaw.ca
Established: 2003
We feel it is our duty to provide, preserve, protect and teach about sustainable seed, soil & food sources while providing growers a complete garden grown from an inexpensive, reliable, environmentally friendly seed source. All seed OP, certified org. Catalogue on line only.
Bumbleseeds
Established: 2020
Bumbleseeds has blossomed into our vision to create awareness about helping pollinators, but also the necessity to 'know what you grow' - by sowing, growing and harvesting seeds so our families eat better. We are so proud to provide all gardeners with cost saving, locally and Canadian sourced, organic, heirloom and non-gmo seeds. We ship Canada wide.
Carrick Seeds
Web: carrickseeds.ca
Email: carrickseeds@gmail.com
Established: 2021
All the seeds we sell are grown on our family’s 100-acre farm. The actual seed- producing gardens, which are scattered around the farm for isolation purposes, comprise less than half an acre. The rest of the farm consists of pastures, fields, woods, and wetlands. We are not certified organic; however, we do not use herbicides or pesticides, and are continually working to end our dependence on fossil fuels, plastics, and electricity. Our farm is situated in southern Bruce County, Ontario, which is climate zone 4 or 5. I expect our last spring frost around May 17, and our first fall frost around September 26.
Casey's Heirloom Tomatoes
Web: www.caseysheirloomtomatoes.ca
Email: info@caseysheirloomtomatoes.ca
Established: 2003
Selling organic open-pollinated and heirloom tomato seeds from my backyard garden.
Choked Up
Web: www.chokedup.ca
Email: contact@chokedup.ca
We're a tiny Canadian online mom and pop store (literally) based in Salmon Arm, B.C, specializing in Jerusalem Artichokes. Our team is made up of Paul, Dawn and Claire Lefebvre. We're not a faceless seed company, which allows us to focus on high quality Jerusalem Artichokes and exceptional customer service.
Cicada Seeds
Web: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/CicadaSeedsShop?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1136119640
Email: cicadaseeds@gmail.com
Cicada Seeds produces unique vegetable, flower and medicinal and culinary herb seeds for the home garden, food forest or permaculture project. Seeds are grown ecologically without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers in Errington, Vancouver Island. Special focus on perennial vegetables and rare varieties.
Circle Farms Heirloom Seeds
Web: www.circlefarms.ca
We started Circle Farms because we wanted to become more self sufficient, by growing nutrient dense, chemical free food in a way that was regenerative and sustainable. By using heirloom organic seeds, we are able to cultivate high quality seeds that will produce year after year. Circle Farms is an urban farm in Calgary, Alberta Canada.
Cochrane Family Seeds
Web: www.cochranefamilyfarm.com
Email: cochranefamilyfarm@bellaliant.com
Established: 2015
Certified organic, heirloom Vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. All our seeds are grown on our farm.
CoCreative Seeds
Web: https://cocreative-works.square.site/
Email: seeds.cocreative@gmail.com
The seeds we grow here are hardy to zone 2a but will grow in anything up to Zone 5. All of our seeds have either been grown by us or trialed here to be the best fit for this growing zone. To our best knowledge, our seeds are grown without chemicals (non certified organic), GMO's and have not been treated.
Corn Hill Nursery Ltd.
Web: www.cornhillnursery.com
Email: osborne@cornhillnursery.com
A complete range of fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs. Provider of hardy, acclimatized stock for the colder areas of Canada. Ships across Canada.
Crossover Cultivars Eco garden Farm
Web: https://www.croiseedescultures.com/
Email: ecomaraicherelacroisee@gmail.com
Offers seeds in English and in French.
D and H Newman
Web: www.dandhnewman.ca
Established: 2016
If you are interested in growing your own food garlic is a perfect addition to your garden. It takes very little space to grow a years supply of garlic for a family. With so many varieties to choose from, there is sure to be a type that fits your palate and growing conditions. Our garlic is grown chemical free. We take great care to assure that it is pest and disease free.
De Dell Seeds
Web: www.dedellseeds.com
One of the few GMO free corn seed companies in Canada.
Eagle Creek Seed Potatoes
Web: www.seedpotatoes.ca
Email: seeds@seedpotatoes.ca
Established: 1988
Eagle Ridge Seeds
Web: www.eagleridgeseeds.com
Email: seedkeeper@telus.net
Established: 2011
Eagleridge Seeds has evolved into a Living Seed Bank specialists in Endangered Vegetables Herbs, Flowers, Tomatoes and Peppers.
Early's Farm & Garden Centre Inc.
Web: www.earlysgarden.com
Email: sales@earlysgarden.com
Established: 1907
Early's has been in business since 1907 offering a large variety of seeds and garden accessories. Local phone 306-931-1982. Catalog $2 to U.S, free in Canada.
Ellenberger Organic Farm
Web: www.ellenbergerorganicfarm.com
Email: ellenbergerorganicfarm@gmail.com
Organic certified seed potatoes. Ellenberger Organic Farm is the home of Henry and Janet Ellenberger near the quaint Ontario town of Coe Hill on The Ridge Road.
Eternal Seed
Web: www.eternalseed.ca
Email: gmofreeseed@gmail.com
Established: 1997
Ellen de Casemaker offers seeds of heirloom herbs, flowers and vegetables of more than fifty years ago. Many organic offerings. Catalogue free. Both official languages served.
Eureka Garlic
Web: Eureka Garlic
Email: al@eurekagarlic.ca
Established: 2004
Ferme écomaraîchère La croisée des cultures
Web: www.croiseedescultures.com
Email: ecomaraicherelacroisee@gmail.com
A seed and vegetable farm, sprouted up from a Seed of Diversity member. Seeds were produced in the north of Lanaudière from 2004 to 2017 and now moved to the heart of Bellechasse county, we’re still growing varieties for short seasons, some local heirloom varieties as well as adapted ones from afar. Also very fond of breeding and selection, always to create open-pollinated, ecological seed at our farm.
Florabunda Seeds
Web: www.florabundaseeds.com
Email: contact@florabundaseeds.com
Established: 1994
Dirk Berghout a 3rd generation seedsman acquired Florabunda Seeds in 1998. Specializing in Non GMO, Non Hybrid, Untreated, Interesting and Unusual Heirloom Flower, Vegetable and Herb seeds. Order by phone, mail or online 24/7 365 days a year. Free catalogue upon request.
Flood's Nursery Farm
Web: https://www.floodsnursery.com (Ontario, in person shopping only)
Established: 1995
Offering a great selection of Trees and Shrubs that are native to Ontario (including fruit trees, berry bushes, flowering shrubs and evergreens). Landscape design and installation services available.
Franken Farms
Web: www.frankenfarm.ca
Email: frankenfarmseedco@gmail.com
Established: 2021
A focus on heirloom, endangered and rare vegetables.
Fraser's Thimble Farms
Web: www.thimblefarms.com
Email: thimfarm@telus.net
Established: 1977
Pacific Northwest natives ferns hardy orchids erythroniums, corydalis and other rare plants. Main catalog $3 or on-line. Fall bulb list $2
Full Circle Seeds
Web: www.Fullcircleseeds.com
Email: info@fullcircleseeds.com
Established: 1993
We are a seed company that grows over 200 varieties of seeds with a particularly good collection of heritage tomatoes, peppers, salad greens, beans, peas, grains, herbs and flowers.
Gaia Organic Seeds
Web: www.gaiaorganics.ca
Established: 2020
After speaking with many organic farmers we concluded that there is a need for a national seed company that serves Canada and is at par in terms of quality and delivery of seeds with its counterparts in the US. We are based out of Ottawa, Ontario serving organics seeds to Ontario residents only.
Garden Girl Seeds
Web: http://www.gardengirlseeds.ca/
Email: info@gardengirlseeds.ca
Established: 2021
Garden Girl Seeds has a curated collection of garden seed that is productive and tested for shorter season gardens. Early varieties we've enjoyed and grown in our own vegetable gardens! Get seeds that you know will produce for you!
Golden Acres Farm
Email: goldenacresfarm@hotmail.com
Established: 1989
We sell 98 strains of certified organic seed garlic. Most of them are rare and endangered here in Canada. We are willing to mail garlic and we can be found at the Stratford Garlic Festival. We also welcome visits to our farm to purchase seed garlic.
Golden Bough Tree Farm
Web: www.goldenboughtrees.ca
Email: goldenbough@lks.net
Known for bare root trees and shrubs, fruits, evergreen, nut, native and shade trees. Ships across Canada.
Good Earth Farms Seeds
Web: goodearthfarms.ca
Email: goodearthfarms@shaw.ca
Established: 1999
Growing Amazing Seeds since 1999. 65+ varieties of Certified Organic, Open Pollinated, Heirloom and Heritage Vegetable, Flower and Herb Seeds. Online Store, Bulk Seed Available. Shipping within Canada
Great Garlic
Web: www.greatgarlic.ca
Email: info@greatgarlic.ca
Welcome to Great Garlic. Our farm was established in 2016. We are a family run farm, practicing a traditional no-till farm. All our garlic and bulbils are certified organic, first generation raised from bulbils in order to provide the healthiest, strongest seed garlic possible to our customers.
Green Barn Nursery
Web: www.greenbarnnursery.ca
Email: info@greenbarnnursery.ca
An OCIA certified organic source for hardy seedlings of standard and unusual fruit and nut trees. The catalog also acts as a planning and planting guide. See also www.windmillpointfarm.ca
Greta's Organic Gardens
Web: www.seeds-organic.com
Email: seeds@gretasfamilygardens.com
Established: 1991
Greta's catalog is full of open-pollinated seeds, grown for short season in Eastern Ontario. Canada zone 5a. Free catalogue available in French or English.
Grim's Gourmet Garlic
Web: www.gourmetgarlicfarm.ca
Email: grimaaron@gmail.com
Established: 2012
Grower's Blend
Web: www.growersblend.ca
Grower's Blend Gardens is an indie seed company growing in Sturgeon County, Alberta We use regenerative growing methods, focusing on fostering a healthy soil food web
Halifax Seed Company Inc.
Web: www.halifaxseed.ca
Email: info@halifaxseed.ca
Established: 1867
Canada's oldest seed company does everything offering a wide variety of vegetable, flower and herb seeds, gardening supplies, roses, perennials and bulbs. Catalog free and online.
Hardy Fruit Trees Nursery
Web: www.hardyfruittrees.ca
Email: ericdelo@hotmail.com
Hardy heritage and new varieties of apple trees, pears, plums, grapes, cherries, small fruits, nuts, forest natives, and ornamentals. Ships across Canada.
HomeandGardenFae Seeds
Canadian-grown heirloom tomato seeds and more! (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Hawthorn Farm Organic Seeds
Web: www.hawthornfarm.ca
Email: sales@hawthornfarm.ca
Established: 1996
We live and work at Hawthorn Farm near Palmerston in central Ontario (zone 5) and we've been certified organic since 1996. We grow, select and save most of the seed we sell. Those varieties that will not produce high quality seed in our region are brought in from other organic farmers and growers we know and trust. All our seed is open-pollinated and belongs to the public domain.
Helmer's Organic Farm
Web: www.helmersorganic.com
Email: annahelmer@hotmail.com
Established: 1980
Certified biodynamic, Certified organic, and certified virus free potatoes.
Heritage Harvest Seed
Web: www.heritageharvestseed.com
Email: seed@heritageharvestseed.com
Established: 2004
One of the best selections of rare & endangered heirloom seed in North America! Over 700 hard to find heirloom vegetables, flowers and herbs. No Gmo's, no hybrids, no treated seed-just good old fashioned natural seed. Check out our website with online shopping.
Heritage Seed and Produce
Web: www.heritageseedandproduce.com
Email: heritage@kingston.net
Established: 2008
Offering a wide variety of heritage vegetable seeds, many of which are rare and free from chemical fertilizers or pesticides. All seeds have been acclimatized to our growing region (zone 5a). All OP. Seeds can be purchased on-line or by phone. Catalogue available to view and download on-line.
Hope Seeds
Web: www.hopeseed.com
Email: hopeseed@eastlink.ca
Established: 1993
Hope Seeds offers a wide range of untreated, open-pollinated vegetable, herb and flower seeds that bigger companies have overlooked, maintaining many rare and heritage selections. The stories are rich, and add so much to the adventure of growing gardens and food. Keeping these seeds and stories alive is a great honour, and we take our stewardship very seriously. Diversity in our seed, our fields and our food is the best way to build a resilient and strong agricultural system.
Howard Dill Enterprises
Web: www.howarddill.com
Email: howarddill@yahoo.ca
Established: 1979
Dill's Atlantic Giant might be world-renowned as the seed that, year in and year out, produces the largest pumpkin, but you'll find more.
Incredible Seed Company
Web: www.incredibleseeds.ca
Email: contact@incredibleseeds.ca
Established: 2010
High quality, great tasting varieties of open pollinated vegetable seeds. With an ever growing list of heirloom varieties. All seeds are untreated.
Jardin des Vie-la-joie
Web: www.vielajoie.com
Email: info@vielajoie.com
Established: 2017
Semences artisanales cultivées en harmonie avec la nature, sans pesticides et en pollinisation libre.
Jardins de la Gaillarde
Web: www.jardinsdelagaillarde.ca/fr/accueil
Email: jardinsdelagaillarde@gmail.com
Established: 2017
John Boy Farms
Web: www.garlicseed.ca
Email: johnboyfarms@gmail.com
Established: 2006
John Boy Farms is a family farm located in the fertile Red River Valley of southern Manitoba, Canada. The farm grows premium garlic seed and food garlic that they sell through their online garlic store and ship across Canada. They also sell garlic seasonally at the St. Norbert Farmers Market in Winnipeg and directly from the farm during the fall.
K3 Seeds
Web: www.k3seeds.com/
Email: k3seeds.operations@gmail.com
K3 Seeds is a family owned, full service, pedigreed seed retailer that offers a wide selection of Wheat, Barley, Corn, Rye, Canola, and other crop seeds.
Kitchen Table Seed House
Web: www.kitchentableseedhouse.ca
Email: info@kitchentableseedhouse.ca
Established: 2016
Formerly Mouse Seeds, located at Windkeeper Farm, Wolfe Island, Ontario, Canada is a new, independent, small-scale, seed farm specializing in organic, open-pollinated, and locally-adapted varieties of vegetable, herb and flower seed.
La ferme coopérative Tourne-Sol
Web: www.fermetournesol.qc.ca
Email: semences@fermetournesol.qc.ca
Established: 2005
Seeds for salad greens, heirloom tomatoes, flowers and more. All certified org. and OP. Catalogue on line.
La Ferme de l'Aubé
Web: www.lafermedelaube.com
Email: lafermedelaube@outlook.com
Established: 2014
La Finquita
Web: www.lafinquita.ca/selection-organic-seeds
Email: lafinquitans@gmail.com
La Finquita (the little farm) is located along the Wallace Bay on the North Shore of Nova Scotia. La Finquita has over 100 acres of land of which the majority is forests and pasture. In the last 15 years, an orchard, grapevine and vegetable gardens have been established using biodynamic agriculture practices. The farm also has a passive solar greenhouse with the capacity to produce greens all winter long. La Finquita specializes in seeds of wild plants, “weeds”, medicinal plants and edible herbs. Our seed can be purchased online, as well as at Seedy Saturday events.
La Societe des plantes
Web: www.lasocietedesplantes.com
Email: seeds@lasocietedesplantes.com
Established: 2001
Download from website for free-French only.
Laughing Swan Farm
Web: www.laughingswanfarm.com
Email: laughingswan@telus.net
Established: 2014
Situated on the beautiful South Thompson River east of Kamloops, we grow & supply a selection of naturally grown heirloom tomatoes, garlic, veggies & herbs that are ideal for the climactic conditions in the interior of B.C.
Le Jardin de Julie
Web: www.jardindejulie.com
Email: info@jardindejulie.com
Established: 2013
Since 2009, Le Jardin de Julie has been offering quality seeds of vegetables, herbs and flowers, selected and adapted for their hardiness in northern climate. You will find a variety of old and classic, rarities to discover and preserve, as well as a range of ancestral tomatoes, squash and beans from the heritage. Non-GMO seeds, open pollinated. Online store for mail order. Free delivery option for Quebec.
Le Noyau Semences bio
Web: www.lenoyau.com
Email: teprine@lenoyau.com
Le potager ornemental de Catherine
Web: www.potagerornemental.com/
Email: lepocpoc@gmail.com
Established: 2007
Les Jardins de l'Écoumène
Web: www.ecoumene.com
Email: info@ecoumene.com
Established: 2001
Les Jardins du Grand-Portage
Web: www.semencesduportage.com
Email: info@jardinsdugrandportage.com
Les jardins féconds de Kélanie
Web: www.lesjardinsfeconds.ca
Email: kelanie@lesjardinsfeconds.ca>
Les semences du batteux
Web: lessemencesdubatteux.ca
Email: lessemencesdubatteux@gmail.com
Established: 2012
Lindenberg Seeds Ltd.
Web: www.lindenbergseeds.ca
Email: customer-service@lindenbergseeds.ca
Established: 1937
Specializing in seeds for northern climates. Catalog free to Canadians.
Manhattan Farms
Web: www.manhattanfarms.ca
Email: info@manhattanfarms.ca
Established: 1987
Manhattan Farms started in Vancouver with the idea that you can plant seeds and grow things wherever you are, be it city high-rise or country acreage. Herbs, organic vegetable seeds, wild flowers, and fascinating seed collections.
Mapple Farm
Web: www.mapplefarm.com
Email: greg@mapplefarm.com
Established: 1989
A grower/supplier of adventurous seed and plant stock. Specialties include: Chinese Artichokes, Egyptian Onions, Distinctive Tomatoes and Cucurbits, and more. Catalogue SASE or by email. Catalogue free within Canada; $2 (U.S.) from outside Canada.
Matchbox Garden and Seed Co.
Web: www.matchboxgarden.ca
Email: hanna@matchboxgarden.ca
Established: 2006
Heirloom and rare, open pollinated seeds for home and market gardeners. Over 150 varieties of vegetables, herbs and edible flowers to choose from. Our selection is based on flavour and strong growth characteristics. Your recipe can only be as a good as your raw ingredients. All seed is certified organic with Ecocert
Metchosin Farm Seeds
Web: www.metchosinfarm.ca
Email: info@metchosinfarm.ca
Mount Royal Seeds
Web: www.mountroyalseeds.com
Email: mountroyalseeds@gmail.com
A selection of quality tree and shrub seeds for the tree hobbyist, nurseryman and bonsai enthusiast as well as selective woodland plant and flowers seeds for the avid gardener.
Mumm's Sprouting Seeds
Web: www.sprouting.com
Email: mumms@sprouting.com
Established: 1983
A grower of sprouting seeds for the home grower and commercial markets.
Mycoflor
Web: www.mycoflor.ca
Email: mycoflor@sympatico.ca
Established: 1997
Naramata Seed Company
Web: www.naramataseedco.ca
Email: naramataseedco@gmail.com
Established: 2013
Open pollinated heritage vegetable seeds grown in Okanagan Valley. 100+varieties of heirloom tomatoes and more.
Natural Seed Bank
Web: www.seed-bank.ca
Email: sales@seed-bank.ca
Canadian owned and operated, online retailer of garden seeds. All seeds are non-GMO and chemical free.
Natural Seeds
Web: naturalseedscanada.com
Email: naturalseeds.ca@gmail.com
Natural Seeds Canada aims to provide low-cost natural seeds for all Canadians. In keeping with our mission to promote healthy farming practices, the company only sells natural products. The $1 stamp makes it possible to mail your order anywhere in Canada free of charge.
No Coast Seeds
Web: http://www.nocoastseeds.ca/
Email: info@nocoastseeds.ca
Established: 2022
Open-pollinated vegetable seed for short season gardens. OSSI-pledged varieties, breeding populations & diverse genepool mixes, farm originals, new open pollinated cultivars.
Northern Seeds
Web: northernseeds.ca
Email: info@northernseeds.ca
Northern Seeds grows over 120 varieties of organic vegetable, herb and flower seed. We started from a desire to share great vegetable and flower varieties with our friends and family. And to do so by giving others the key to growing: seeds! There is something wonderfully magical about seeing a seed develop into a plant and then into delicious, abundant food. There are stories too, to the varieties and where they come from. We’re all about abundant gardens, sharing the bounty and perpetuating those stories.
Northern Wildflowers
Web: http://www.northernwildflowers.ca/
Email: hello@northernwildflowers.ca
Established: 2013
We are a grower and supplier of native wildflower and short season garden seed. Our mission is to help our customers create a little slice of garden paradise. Our seed is pollinator friendly, non-GMO, untreated and chemical free. We utilize ecological farming principles and many of our varieties are certified organic. Whether you are looking for seed for your garden, bulk seed for a restoration project or custom seeds collected for your nursery, we can help. We are both a community and eco-conscious company.
Norton Naturals
Web: www.nortonnaturals.com
Email: nortonnaturals@hotmail.ca
Established: 2013
Norton Naturals sells an assortment of plants that can be used as perennial vegetables. Most are or have been extensively used in many cultures, but are now either uncommon in the plant trade or rarely used for food. We focus on the most nutritious plants available: tubers (or their equivalents: corms, bulbs, and rhizomes).
Norwegian Creek Farm
Web: www.norwegiancreekfarm.ca
Email: len@norwegiancreekfarm.ca
Established: 2014
Welcome to Norwegian Creek Farm. 2014 is our first year of growing garlic on farm land that has been in the family for over a hundred years. We are adjacent to Boundary Garlic, which is also on part of the family farm. Our 60 varieties are certified organic.
Nouveau Paysan
Web: nouveaupaysan.com/
Email: fermenouveaupaysan@gmail.com
Located in Saint-Cuthbert, we offer vegetable, herbaceous and flower seeds. Our seeds are open pollinated and certified organic or grown naturally . Without any G.M.O or pesticides and in total respect of biodiversity!
Oak Summit Nursery
Web: www.oaksummitnursery.ca
Email: doug@oaksummitnursery.ca
Established: 2020
We're a mail order Manitoba nursery offering cold hardy fruit trees and berry bushes, nut trees, native trees, cold hardy perennials, tree and perennial seeds.
Omega Blue Farms
Web: www.omegabluefarms.ca
Established: 2004
Omega Blue Farms is a heritage animal and heirloom plant conservation farm. The animal and plant varieties we utilize are maintained, restored, and improved using traditional breeding and morganic practices.
OSC Seeds (Ontario Seed Company)
Web: www.oscseeds.com
Email: seeds@oscseeds.com
Established: 1891
For over 100 years the Ontario Seed Company has been serving the Canadian gardener with the finest quality flower vegetable and herb seeds.
Pacific Northwest Seeds
Web: www.pnwseeds.ca
Email: pnwseeds@shawbiz.ca
Pacific Northwest Seeds is a wholesale supplier of Garden Seed Packet Displays available to retailers in Alberta and British Columbia. Pacific Northwest Seeds is a proudly Canadian company. Our seed is of the highest quality and vitality with an excellent selection of vegetables, herbs and flowers. PNW Seeds does not sell directly to the public or through this website, but our packets can be found in many fine retail stores. Names of local retailers selling Pacific Northwest Seeds can be forwarded to you upon request.
PEI Seed Alliance
Web: peiseedalliance.ca
Email: emmerdaleorganics@hotmail.com
Established: 2015
The Prince Edward Island Seed Alliance is a network of small farmers committed to trialing, growing out, & preserving open pollinated varieties of vegetable, herb & flower seed that has adapted well to our Maritime climate. Food security & seed sovereignty for our region & for Canada is our major priority.
Pepiniere ancestrale
Web: www.pepiniereancestrale.com
Email: info@pepiniereancestrale.com
La mission de la Pépinière Ancestrale est de sauvegarder d’anciennes variétés d’arbres fruitiers et des arbustes à petits fruits de l’époque de nos ancêtres. Ces variétés ont été découvertes sur des fermes longeant les chemins Craig et Gosford construits dans les Appalaches entre les années 1810 et 1843. Des Irlandais, Écossais et Français vinrent s’y établir au 19ème siècle. La pépinière se spécialise dans la greffe d'arbres et arbustes fruitiers rustiques pour les régions nordiques avec des particularités comme la résistance aux maladies. La production est faite de façon biologique
Perfectly Perennial Herbs and Seeds
Web: www.perfectlyperennial.ca
Email: info@perfectlyperennial.ca
Established: 2013
We grow a variety of fruits and vegetables and gather our seeds from perennial and self-seeding annuals, herbs and flowers.
Potager d'Antan
Web: www.potagersdantan.wordpress.com
Email: potagersdantan@hotmail.com
Established: 2010
Prairie Garden Seeds
Web: prairiegardenseeds.ca
Established: 1987
Organically grown open-pollinated seed for short season, dryland growing. Many heirloom varieties with historical backgrounds supplied. On-line catalog or Canadians only obtain printed catalog for $2 Canadian postage stamps.
Prairie Hardy Nursery
Web: http://www.prairiehardynursery.ca/
Email: prairiehardynursery@gmail.com
Established: 2017
Prairie Hardy Nursery is an artisan fruit tree nursery located on the prairies, specialising in the propagation of rare and unique edible trees for the Canadian climate. Prairie Hardy Nursery is a mail-order company where you order on their website and your order will be shipped out Canada wide in the Spring. Each order goes through a thorough quality control process, ensuring only the best plants will arrive at your doorstep.
Rainbow Seeds
Web: www.rainbowseeds.ca
Email: rainbowseed@yahoo.com
Established: 2015
Heirloom, Open Pollinated and Non-GMO Vegetable Garden Seeds company.
Rasa Creek Farm
Web: www.rasacreekfarm.com
Email: info@rasacreekfarm.com
Rasa (Rah'-sa) Creek Farm: suppliers of organic seed garlic, organic culinary garlic and bulbils, for sale to gardeners and farmers throughout Canada. We're also a training center for Permaculture Design here in the Okanagan Valley of BC.
Ravensong Seeds
Web: www.ravensongseeds.com
Email: ravensongherbals@protonmail.com
Established: 2011
Rare and hard to find herb seeds grown on Vancouver Island BC. 130+ open-pollinated seed varieties including medicinal herbs, culinary herbs, dye plants, edible flowers, and a small selection of greens and veggies. Our farm also produces high quality herbal products such as fresh plant tinctures, hydrosols, infused oils, and salves.
Rebecca's Garden
Web: rebeccasgarden.ca
Email: rebsgarden@shaw.ca
Certified organic and heritage vegetables, berries, flowers, herbs, seeds, plants, preserves and dried products, including over 30 varieties of unique heritage dry beans.
Red Lion Organic Farms
Web: www.redlionorganic.com
Email: sales@redlionorganic.com
Established: 2014
Red Lion Farm, specializing in certified organic seed garlic, has been in the Berukoff family for four generations and has recently been restored to preserve its rich cultural heritage. Our goal is to provide high quality, healthy soil and food for our communities and to tell a story in honor of the people whom once resided. All farm inputs have been carefully chosen to adhere to the organic certification guidelines.
Revival Seeds
Web: revivalseeds.ca
Email: info@revivalseeds.ca
Established: 2017
Family farm and business located in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia that offers organically grown and open-pollinated vegetables, herbs, and flower varieties.
Rhora's Nut Farm & Nursery
Web: www.nuttrees.com
Email: rhoras@nuttrees.com
Cold-hardy rare and unusual fruit and nut trees. Trees to zone 1. Ships across Canada.
Richters Herbs
Web: www.richters.com
Email: orderdesk@richters.com
Established: 1969
An enormous selection of unique seeds and plants. On-line catalog gives descriptions and uses for plants.
Saanich Organics
Web: www.saanichorganics.com
Established: 2002
A community of farmers from small, certified organic farms who work together to supply fresh local produce and top-quality organic seeds.
Sage Garden Herbs
Web: www.sagegarden.ca
Established: 1996
Look for an excellent selection of organic herbs, veggies and flowers.
Salt Spring Apple Company
Web: www.saltspringapplecompany.com
Through this business, we hope we're building on the inroads a handful of Salt Spring apple growers such as Harry Burton were already making when we started, while taking advantage of modern knowledge and techniques. Please come and visit us on beautiful Salt Spring Island to select your new apple tree. If that doesn't work for you, we may be able to deliver your new tree right to your door if you're located on Vancouver Island or B.C.'s Lower Mainland and, in March of each year, we can mail bareroot trees to other locations in Canada. We're growing in harmony with the land and in our own small way, helping renew and reinvigorate Salt Spring’s position as British Columbia’s historic apple source.
Salt Spring Seeds
Web: www.saltspringseeds.com
Email: dan@saltspringseeds.com
Established: 1988
Dedicated to sustainable agriculture. Organically grown open-pollinated seeds. Specializes in beans. A large and interesting variety of vegetables grains and garlic. Catalog $2 or on-line.
SaskGarlic.ca
Web: www.saskgarlic.ca
Email: kcpuffalt@gmail.com
Established: 2011
Garlic grown in southeastern Saskatchewan near the town of Kipling. Chemical free, hand weeded and harvested porcelain hard-neck garlic called "Music". In 2011 our family harvested a half-acre of garlic bulbs and bulbil capsules that can be shipped across Canada.
Saturday Seed Company
Web: https://www.saturdayseedco.ca/
Email: matthew@saturdayseedco.ca
Established: 2020
Saturday Seed Co. is a very small seed company focusing on Open-pollinated, organic seeds curated for Canadian backyard gardeners.
Seed & Scarecrow Farm
Web: www.seedandscarecrowfarm.com
Email: seedandscarecrowfarm@gmail.com
Established: 2017
Seeds, vegetables, and fruit grown passionately and ecologically.
Seed to Seed
Web: www.seedtoseed.ca
Email: contact@seedtoseed.ca
We are pleased to launch Seed to Seed, an initiative dedicated to making seeds available to all who are interested in the joyful and important work of seed security and sovereignty and the pleasures of abundant, delicious and beautiful plants. We grow all of the seeds that we offer right here at our own farm and always use sustainable growing practices.
Seeds of Diversity Canada
Web: www.seeds.ca
Email: mail@seeds.ca
Established: 1984
A grassroots seed exchange whose members offer seeds and bulbs of heirloom and scarce varieties of vegetables, fruits, grains, herbs, and flowers.
(FYI: Much of this list for Canada seed companies was gathered by Seeds Of Diversity staff, Thank you!)
Seeds of IMBOLC
Web: www.seedsofIMBOLC.ca
Email: kat@seedsofIMBOLC.ca
At Seeds of IMBOLC, I offer only non-GMO, non hybrid varieties of seeds, plants and flowers that are grown here in Ontario, without chemicals or pesticides. I am dedicated to offering you locally grown, open pollinated and time-tested, outstanding flower & vegetable varieties, many unusual heirlooms, especially chosen for home gardeners & flower farmers. We hand pack superior quality seed – top germinating, reliable seed, from healthy vigorous plants grown in healthy soil. Our seed is always tested for top germination rates. We also offer fresh cut flowers and dahlia tubers & plants.
Seedsaving.ca
Web: www.seedsaving.ca
Email: jendehaan@gmail.com
Jen deHaan is a seed saver on central Vancouver Island in zone 8b. She enjoys growing rare heirloom, landrace, open source varieties using no-dig stockfree practices. Jen supports the effort to add genetic diversity to local seed stock for food security, and hopes to contribute to the growing catalog of open source seed varieties some day.
Short Season Seeds
Web: http://shortseasonseeds.ca/
Email: jolene@woodgrain.ca
We are a small seed company that sells to local retailers and in bulk to small seed companies. We are also a producer member of the BC Eco Seed Co-op to work towards increasing the quantity and quality of seed produced in BC. Seed crop production takes place at WoodGrain Farm, alongside market vegetable production and farmsteading. We believe that there is no food security without seed security. In saving seeds we strive to cultivate robust and resilient foodways that nourish our community.
Silver Creek Nursery
Web: www.silvercreeknursery.ca
Email: ken@silvercreeknursery.ca
Products include: Heritage, disease-resistant, and cold-hardy varieties of apple, pear, quince, apricot, peach, cherry, plum, asian pear, and some small fruit. Also insect trapping supplies and tree planting supplies.
Small Island Seed Co.
Web: smallislandseedco.com
Specializing in rare, cold hardy, and perennial food crops since 2020
Soggy Creek Seed Co.
Web: www.seeds.soggycreek.com
Email: seeds@soggycreek.com
Established: 2005
An unusual collection of hardy, open-pollinated heirlooms. All of our seed is grown with love, using organic methods. Plants used to use brightly coloured fruits, birds, burrs or the wind to aid with their seep dispersal; now they have Soggy Creek Seed Co. Check out our catalogue online.
Solana Seeds
Web: solanaseeds.netfirms.com/welcome.html
Email: solana@aei.ca
Solana Seeds is a small seed company from Quebec, Canada, offering a variety of vegetable, flower and exotic plant seeds. We have many heirlooms, unusual and rare items available, including more than 200 tomato varieties, and many peppers. Wonderful pictures accompany the descriptions. No printed catalogue offered.
Sow Local Seeds
Web: http://www.sowlocalseeds.ca/
We're a seed producing farm offering Canadian gardeners regionally adapted and organically (non-certified) grown heirloom vegetable, herb and flower seeds. Connect with us @sowlocalseeds and shop seeds on our website.
SSOL Gardens
Web: www.ssolgardens.com
Established: 1995
Certified organic vegetables, fruits, culinary flowers and herbs.
Stokes Seeds Ltd
Web: www.stokeseeds.com
Email: stokes@stokeseeds.com
Established: 1882
Stokes is a distributor of over 3,500 varieties of flower, vegetable and herb seed to customers throughout North America. Through technological advances and extensive seed variety trials we are committed to assisting and supplying all gardeners, from the large commercial grower to the beginner hobbyist, the highest quality seed along with the know-how to ensure success. Visit www.stokeseeds.com to learn more.
Sunshine Farm
Web: www.sunshinefarm.net
Email: sunshinefarm@mail.com
Established: 2008
We sell certified organic seeds and specialize in rare, heirloom and unusual varieties of tomatoes, vegetables, herbs and some flowers.
Superior Seed Producers
Web: www.superiorseedproducers.wordpress.com/
Email: superiorseedproducers@gmail.com
Superior Seed Producers is a collective of local Thunder Bay area growers who promote the saving and distribution of locally adapted, sustainably grown, open-pollinated non-GMO seeds in Northwestern Ontario, while educating and supporting those who want to learn more about saving seeds. Our aim is to provide gardeners who have favourite varieties adapted to our climate an opportunity to share them in a meaningful way that acknowledges the work involved. By including numerous growers who can contribute one or a few locally adapted varieties, we are developing a range of local seeds to sell.
Sweet Rock Farm
Web: www.sweetrockfarm.ca
Established: 2010
Open-pollinated, heirloom, and unique vegetable seeds, all grown on our farm. Certified organic.
T & T Seeds Ltd.
Web: www.ttseeds.com
Email: garden@ttseeds.com
Established: 1946
We offer a wide variety of high quality, non-GMO seeds and perishable plant stock. We ship across the Canadian provinces and Territories, and have taken pride in our quality products and customer service for over 75 years.
Terra Edibles
Web: www.terraedibles.ca
Email: karyn@terraedibles.ca
Established: 1993
Organically grown vegetable and flower seeds including uncommon, rare and heirloom varieties many with unique qualities such as superior flavour, higher nutritive value, low space requirements, or bee plant. All OP. Catalog is online and can be downloaded.
Terre Promise
Web: www.terrepromise.ca
Email: lyne@terrepromise.ca
Established: 2015
The Cutting Veg
Web: www.thecuttingveg.com
Email: daniel@thecuttingveg.com
Established: 2008
Organic Seed Garlic available, including Persian, Tibetan, Ukrainian, Korean, Italian, Former Yugoslavian, Sicilian, and more. Contact daniel@thecuttingveg.com for an order form.
The Market Garden
Web: www.themarketgarden.ca
Email: seeds@themarketgarden.ca
Over 200 varieties of certified organic seeds.
The Secret Garden
Web: www.thesecretgardenonline.org
Email: pbheinrich@tcc.on.ca
The Secret Garden is a small flower and seed farm located near Blyth, Ontario. The Secret Garden is committed to maintaining the amazing diversity of the plant world. We grow high quality fresh cut flowers in season and we offer seed that has been grown right here on our farm. Our flowers and seed are not only grown with passion, care and a dedication to preservation, but they are also adaptable, productive and beautiful. In addition to many traditional favourites, we grow a range of rare and unique specimens.
The Seed Company by E.W. Gaze
Web: www.theseedcompany.ca
Email: orders@theseedcompany.ca
Established: 1925
Gaze Seed Co. was founded in 1925 by Ernest Walter Gaze and was the first store of its kind in Newfoundland. Specializing in high-quality vegetable and flower seeds.
Three Forks Farms
Web: threeforksfarms.com
Email: eat@threeforksfarms.com
Garden seeds all certified organic and grown on Manitoulin Island.
Tiny Monster Garden
Web: https://tiny-monster-garden.square.site/
Email: info@tinymonstergarden.com
Open Pollinated garden seed.
Tree Time
Web: www.treetime.ca
Email: sales@treetime.ca
We are Canada's largest online provider of woody plants, especially for evergreens, deciduous, as well as native plants and shrubs. We supply millions of seedlings across Canada and into the USA. Currently we are a registered provider of seed for the Alberta Native Plant Council and the Native Plants Society of Saskatchewan.
Twining Vine Garden
Web: https://twiningvinegarden.com/
Email: twiningsandy@gmail.com
Celebrate Nature's plant diversity with our rare or difficult to find tree, shrub, perennial and heirloom vegetable & herb seeds.
Urban Harvest
Web: www.uharvest.ca
Email: grow@uharvest.ca
Established: 1997
Urban Harvest is dedicated to providing its customers with seedlings and garden supplies that promote ecological diversity and preserve the health of our planet. Our plant seeds and garden supplies are specially chosen for their unique qualities by seasoned urban gardeners. All of our seedlings are grown in or near the greater Toronto area to support our local economy.All cert. org. and OP.
Urban Tomato
Web: www.urbantomato.ca
Email: jillian@urbantomato.ca
Established: 2006
A carefully curated collection of heirloom seeds & the knowledge you need to get growing your own! All seeds are homegrown and hand packed by owner.
West Coast Seeds Ltd.
Web: www.westcoastseeds.com
Email: orderdesk@westcoastseeds.com
Established: 1986
Offering over 1000 varieties of untreated, non-GMO, non-GEO, open pollinated, and hybrid seeds and gardening supplies.
Wildrose Heritage Seed
Web: www.wildroseheritageseed.com
Email: admin@wildroseheritageseed.com
Established: 2012
We are a family based operation offering only heirloom vegetable seed varieties located in Alberta. We have over 1000 seed types that we are currently testing for viability for the future years.
William Dam Seeds
Web: www.damseeds.com
Email: info@damseeds.com
Established: 1950
Untreated seeds; more than 900 varieties of vegetables flowers and herbs. Many European and heirloom but not marked as such.
Winnipeg Sweet Potato
Web: www.winnipegsweetpotato.com
Healthy, locally grown, and spray free sweet potato slips are available through our online web store as well as at a few trusted retailers in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. We proudly offer for sale, an orange fleshed edible variety proven to be productive on the prairies. Locally producing these young plants on a small scale means that we can ensure that they are of the highest quality and provide the best chance of success in your garden. Our vines are always raised free from chemicals and individually cared for until the time is right. During mid MAY they will be hand selected and made available for purchase from local retailers. Sweet potato slips ordered online will be delivered by Canada post when weather is suitable in late May.
Winnow Seed Co.
Web: www.winnowseedco.ca/
Email: winnowseedco@gmail.com
Our farm is located in sunny Krestova, BC surrounded by forest and mountains. We grow high quality seed that is certified organic in BC, open-pollinated and regionally adapted. We harvest seed from a wide variety of vegetables, herbs and flowers while stewarding the land in a way that promotes biodiversity, improves soil health and is ecologically sound.
Yonder Hill Farm
Web: yonderhillfarm.ca
Email: yonderhillfarm.ca@gmail.com
Established: 2009
We grow over 150 varieties of vegetable, grain, flower, and herb seeds, all by hand and ecologically. We sell only what we’ve carefully grown ourselves, which means we can assure high quality seeds for your garden.
Here is a list of some Seed, seedling and tree nursery Companies in the US I have purchased from and/or heard good things about:
Seed Savers Exchange:
EDIBLE ACRES (Trumansburg, NY):
The Divine Botanist: “Small-scale, non-GMO Heirloom seeds”
Twisted Tree Farm (Spencer, NY):
PERENNIAL CROPS NURSERY (La Plata, Missouri):
Willow Creek Permaculture
https://perennialcropsnursery.wordpress.com/
https://www.willowcreekpermaculture.com/
Siskiyou Seeds :
https://www.siskiyouseeds.com/
Uprising seeds:
https://uprisingorganics.com/
Native Seed Search:
https://www.nativeseeds.org/
Sierra Seeds: sierraseeds.org
Strictly Medicinal Seeds:
https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/
San diego Seed Company
https://sandiegoseedcompany.com/
True Love Seeds:
https://trueloveseeds.com
MI Gardener Seeds: https://migardener.com/en-ca
Clear Creek Seeds:
https://www.clearcreekseeds.com/
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange:
https://www.southernexposure.com/
J. L. Hudson, Seedsman:
https://www.jlhudsonseeds.net/
Eco-seeds:
https://ecoseeds.com/
Fedco Seeds:
https://www.fedcoseeds.com/
Grow Organic:
https://www.groworganic.com/
Renee’s Garden Seeds:
https://www.reneesgarden.com/
Botanical Interest Seeds: www.botanicalinterests.com
Grow Organic Seeds:
https://www.groworganic.com/
Territorial Seeds:
https://territorialseed.com/
North Circle Seeds
https://northcircleseeds.com/
Prairie Road Organic Seed
https://www.prairieroadorganic.co/
The Plant Good Seed Company:
https://www.plantgoodseed.com/
Wild Garden Seed:
http://www.wildgardenseed.com/
The Living Seed Company:
https://www.livingseedcompany.com/
Redwood Seeds: www.redwoodseeds.net
Adaptive Seeds:
https://www.adaptiveseeds.com/
Two Seeds in a Pod Heirloom Seed Company twoseedsinapod.com
Sow True Seed - sowtrue.com
Sand Hill Preservation Center - sandhillpreservation.com
Hawai'i Seed Growers Network - hawaiiseedgrowersnetwork.com
Center for Cherokee Native Plants - open to enrolled Cherokee tribal members through the Gadugi Portal
Common Wealth Seed Growers - commonwealthseeds.com
Carter Brothers Seeds - carterbrothers.net
Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance - ujamaaseeds.com
Experimental Farm Network - experimentalfarmnetwork.org
Hudson Valley Seed Co. - hudsonvalleyseed.com
Eloheh Seeds: https://elohehseeds.com/index.html
Heir Seeds:
https://heirseeds.com/
Restoration Seeds:
https://www.restorationseeds.com/
Trade Winds Fruit:
https://www.tradewindsfruit.com/
Seeds of Change:
https://www.seedsofchange.com/
Bakers Creek Rare Heirloom Seeds:
https://www.rareseeds.com/
Harris Seeds
https://www.harrisseeds.com/
Snake River Seeds:
https://snakeriverseeds.com/
Victory Seeds:
https://victoryseeds.com/
Restoration Seeds:
https://www.restorationseeds.com/
(I`ll try to update this later with click through hyperlinks and so that the list shows where each US seed company listed above is based out of if I have time later)
Also, when buying seeds, Please always keep in mind, as described above, there is an aggressive move being made by large pharmaceutical and Big Ag companies to buy out smaller companies. Therefore I suggest doing your own research to ensure you know what the parent companies of the companies you are buying seed from is, as this is important if you want to take comprehensive steps to boycott GMO corporations and/or Blackrock/Vanguard's oligarchic technocratic corporatocracy).
Ps - If you can offer a list of your favorite local seed companies for Europe, South America, Africa, Asia or Australia please do in the comments section! Thanks and happy seed hunting/starting!
Commenting to encourage your writing.
Thanks for your efforts!
Beautifully written article about the "gifts." Loved the black beauty-had never seen without proper time to savor, I must revisit this article & your video (love the music, too, in the background). ❤️🌱🪴