resources:

Here are some terms mentioned in the seed list:

cold stratification: some seeds require a period of cold weather to initiate the germination process. one strategy is to plant in the fall so that they can undergo cold winter before sprouting in the spring. another way is to simulate the cold of winter by putting your seeds in the fridge (place them between a wet paper towel inside of a partially open plastic bag to receive some moisture) – you’ll see them to start germinating – it can take anywhere from 2 weeks to a month before they’re ready to plant in soil.

biennial: flowering plants that have a two-year biological cycle are called biennials. plant growth in the first year begins with root structure, stems, and leaves, with flowers, fruits and seeds in the second season of growth. usually the flowers are then reseeded for to begin the process again in the 3rd year.

Over the years, I’ve made a number of zines with information about growing plants and saving seeds.

Click the images for pdf downloads:

The Parsnips are thriving! seed pack bundle and zine.

2024 – Seed Saving zine (version 3)
2024 seed zine (originally made in 2018)
2022 – IT’S ALL ABOUT LETTUCE
2020 – seeds saving guide
2018 – “seeds for the end of the world” zine
2014 – seedling starter guide (for the Park Hill Community Garden in Denver)

Additional resources:

Seed Life Span from 2024 – Seed Saving zine (version 3)

Some interesting articles on the importance of saving seeds and such:
Planet Hunger: Inside the Global Food Crisis
Our food system isn’t ready for the climate crisis
Scientists Add 50,000 Seeds to Arctic Doomsday Vault Because Everything Is Awful
How “open source” seed producers from the US to India are changing global food production – VOX
Salsa Primeval: 52-Million-Year-Old Tomatillo Found
The Nectar Garden: The Importance of Planting a Haven for Pollinators
Bee Plants – Attracting More Bees And Pollinators to Your Garden
Seeding the future? ‘Ark’ preserves rare, threatened plants
Seed Saving is the Original Sharing Economy
Let’s get seasonal! [from the Farm Project]
As Climate Change Threatens Food Supplies, Seed Saving is an Ancient Act of Resilience
Gardening is Important, But Seed Saving is Crucial
How Peru’s potato museum could stave off world food crisis
Seed banks: the last line of defense against a threatening global food crisis
These beans might someday save us from a giant problem. Good thing someone saved them first

Other things:
Guerilla Gardening – SEED BOMBS!
Black Girls With Gardens – gardening resources
Seeds of Diversity – resources for saving seeds
The Seed Garden – The Art & Practice of Seed Saving – I’ve learned so much from this book! published by seed savers exchange.
The Open Source Seed Initiative