Insight and inspiration in turbulent times.
To a plant, its genetic base is like a huge toolbox that helps it adapt to changes in weather and climate, and fight diseases and pests. Plants grown from open pollinated seeds have this genetic toolbox.
Growing your own food has seen a resurgence on a scale that has been compared to the Dig For Victory campaigns of the second world war. But with so few places selling seed, how can you take advantage of this planting season and get your own veggie garden under way?
Here at the Millennium Seed Bank’s ‘Great Seed Swap’ at the National Trust’s Wakehurst Place, we hear about the rich diversity of plant varieties that can be grown for food; see keen gardeners and horticulturalists exchange seeds; and learn from the experts about the importance of saving and sowing our own open-pollinated seeds.
An open pollinated (OP) seed is a seed of value as it can grow into a plant true to the plant it was saved from.
