For: Marjorie J. Sabo.

"Find out how to grow heirloom seeds yourself and then how to gather the seeds from the plants you grow for future planting seasons." (from the cover).

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: The Art and Practice of Seed Saving provides straightforward instruction on collecting seed that is true-to-type and ready for sowing in next year’s garden. In this comprehensive book, Seed Savers Exchange, one of the foremost American authorities on the subject, and the Organic Seed Alliance bring together decades of knowledge to demystify the time-honored tradition of saving the seed of more than seventy-five coveted vegetable and herb crops—from heirloom tomatoes and long-favored varieties of beans, lettuces, and cabbages to centuries-old varieties of peppers and grains. With clear instructions, lush photographs, and easy-to-comprehend profiles on individual vegetable crops, this book not only teaches us how to go about conserving these important varieties for future generations and for planting out in next year’s garden, it also provides a deeper understanding of the importance of saving these genetically valuable varieties of vegetables that have evolved over the centuries through careful selection by farmers and home gardeners. Through simple lessons and master classes on crop selection, pollination, roguing, and the processes of harvesting and storing seeds, this book ensures that these time-honored traditions can continue. Many of these vegetable varieties are treasured for traits that are singular to their strain, whether that is a resistance to disease, an ability to grow well in a region for which that crop is not typically well suited, resistance to early bolting, or simply because it is a great-tasting variety. In an age of genetically modified crops and hybrid seed, a growing appreciation for saving seeds of these time-tested, open-pollinated cultivars has found a new audience from home vegetable gardeners and cooks to restaurant chefs and local farmers. Whether interested in simply saving seeds for home use or working to conserve rare varieties of beloved squashes and tomatoes, this book provides a deeper understanding of the art, the science, and the joy of saving seeds.

Volume 1 introduces heirloom seeds, and the great need for them. You will find easy instructions on germinating seeds, nurturing seedlings, and then transferring them to your garden. It also features advice from the best heirloom seed experts in the world. It is packed with step-by-step instructions and full-color pictures that make it fun and easy to follow. Making Vegetables will teach you to build a hot box, cold box, greenhouse, and how to plant and care for an organic sustainable heirloom garden. With its simple and to-the-point perspective, Making Vegetables is an entertainingly instructive book. If you have ever wanted to grow a more delicious, nutritious, and all-around better vegetable, buy this book to discover how.

"In this book you will learn about the origins of heirloom seeds, just how special these seeds truly are, and all the benefits of saving seeds." --

Genetic diversity of food crops on earth is eroding and accelerating at an alarming rate. We are losing thousands of years of genetic selection and adaptation. Each diverse genetic strain developed it's own resistance to diseases and local pests. Just how dangerous is this? This is the only resource which stands between us and catastrophe. Learning how to collect and save seeds is easy and fun. In this guide you will learn step by step in the seed saving process. You will also get some great advice on harvesting, proper storage and caring for this seedlings. This guide is great for gardeners at any experience level, this information is sure to keep your plants healthy for generations. More likely than not, you only have a week's supply of food in your home. Only a small percentage of people are more prepared. Even if they are not prepared to survive long term without food, there is a limit to how much food they can store and how long they can store it. Starting your plants from seeds and know that your vegetables, herbs and flowers are cared for with love. The best part is harvesting these seeds for the next season. All for free! Surviving on survival food won't get you far. When it runs out it runs out. You're going to need a real food source, a healthy food source for you and your family. Saving seeds is the only way to go. Pick up this guide today!