Getting Started with Seed Saving

New to seed saving? Not quite sure where to start? Check out one of these recommended books or resources to learn how to preserve your seeds for next year's growing season.

Updated May 19, 2023
LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County)Milwaukie Ledding Library
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Breed your own vegetable varieties : the gardener's and farmer's guide to plant breeding and seed saving
Deppe, Carol.
Paper Book
All gardeners and farmers should be plant breeders, says author Carol Deppe. Developing new vegetable varieties doesn't require a specialized education, a lot of land, or even a lot of time. It can be done on any scale. It's enjoyable. It's deeply rewarding. You can get useful new varieties much...
The complete guide to saving seeds : 322 vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruits, trees, and shrubs
Gough, Robert E.
Paper Book
Enjoy your favorite varieties of garden plants year after year with this comprehensive guide to gathering, preparing, and planting seeds. Authors Robert Gough and Cheryl Moore-Gough provide simple instructions that clearly explain the whole process, from basic plant biology to proper seed storage...
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/clackamas/home-garden-landscape

OSU Extension Services provides research-based information for backyard gardeners and green industry professionals, including regional specific information. Find educational resources and classes, as well as information on becoming a Master Gardener.

The organic seed grower : a farmer's guide to vegetable seed production
Navazio, John.
Paper Book
The Organic Seed Grower is a comprehensive manual for the serious vegetable grower who is interested in growing high-quality seeds using organic farming practices. It is written for both serious home seed savers and diversified small-scale farmers who want to learn the necessary steps involved in...
Plant propagation A to Z : growing plants for free
Bryant, Geoff.
Paper Book
In Plant Propagation A to Z, over 500 photographs illustrate both practical step-by-step propagation techniques and the plants themselves. More than 1,000 garden plants are covered in the extensive tables, detailing the specific propagation techniques to use -- seed, cutting or division --...
http://www.richmondgrowsseeds.org/seed-saving.html

The Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library is an excellent educational resource for learning about saving seeds and organic gardening.

Saving vegetable seeds : harvest, clean, store, and plant seeds from your garden
Bradley, Fern Marshall.
Paper Book
Save vegetable seeds as you harvest so your favorite plants can grow again next season. In this Storey BASICS® guide, Fern Marshall Bradley covers everything you need to know to successfully save seeds from 20 popular garden vegetables, including beans, carrots, peas, peppers, and tomatoes. Learn...
The seed garden : the art and practice of seed saving
Colley, Micaela
Paper Book
Winner of the American Horticultural Society Award for Excellence In Garden Book Publishing Winner of the Silver Medal for Best Reference from the Garden Writer's Association Filled with advice for the home gardener and the more seasoned horticulturist alike, The Seed Garden:...
Seed to seed : seed saving and growing techniques for vegetable gardeners
Ashworth, Suzanne.
Paper Book
Seed to Seed is a complete seed-saving guide that describes specific techniques for saving the seeds of 160 different vegetables. This book contains detailed information about each vegetable, including its botanical classification, flower structure and means of pollination, required population...
Seedswap : the gardener's guide to saving and swapping seeds
Jeffery, Josie.
Paper Book
An illustrated introduction to saving seeds--how to harvest seeds from your own garden, set up a seed library to share with your community, and grow plants from your own seed stash. With a directory of plants and easy-to-follow instructions, this is the perfect book for first-time gardeners....
Starting seeds : how to grow healthy, productive vegetables, herbs, and flowers from seed
Ellis, Barbara W.
Paper Book
Get a jump on the gardening season! In this Storey BASICS® guide, Barbara Ellis provides the basic information that you need to start a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers from seed. Ellis shares simple, proven techniques for sowing seeds, managing indoor plants, and creating proper...

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