Established in 1965 to preserve natural places in the US. Through application process, qualifying organizations (i.e. community gardens!) can receive free seeds to beautify their neighborhoods. The application process is outlined under the Operation Green Plant tab.
International Seed Saving Institute (ISSI)
Non-profit organization that aims to help people become self-reliant through seed saving and personal food production. They conduct projects worldwide, some of which you can read about under the projects tab. Also under the projects tab, if you click on “seed saving”, it has a glossary of seed-saving terms and an alphabetical list of vegetables, including how to save each of their seed.
If you load the main page and look over on the left side, you’ll see a box that says “Find Your Seed-Starting Date.” If you click on the link that says “Download Spreadsheet Calculator”, you’ll get a spreadsheet telling you which exact dates you should start your seeds indoors. All the figures are calculated by typing in the last frost date at the top of the sheet. A very nifty calculator! Due to its nature, it can be used in any area.
Advocates for seed saving and seed stewardship to help preserve biodiversity. They train farmers in seed-saving techniques and host seed swaps to help preserve heirloom varieties. They have a variety of publications for free download. These publications are very scientific and may not be easily understood by everyone, however for a serious seed saver/organic grower they are very useful.
Couple based in Oregon dedicated to the saving and stewardship of seed. They have taken trips around the world to find new seed varieties and have a farm in Oregon as well. Includes seed saving guide here with information for easy to difficult seed saving. Perfect for the beginning or experienced seed-saver.
Hopes to build a network of people dedicated to saving seeds for biodiversity. Some paid internships are possible and the headquarters are at Heritage Farm in Decorah, IA, where they maintain rare vegetable varieties, preservation gardens, a historic orchard, and keep ancient White Park Cattle. The website has information on saving seed and a catalog of heirloom varieties available for purchase.
Dedicated to preserving, selling heirloom seed varieties. This organization also has a seed donation program which is outlined under the Services/Donation Programs tab. Applications are accepted Jan 1-Mar 1 of every year and a PDF version of the Donation Program Form can be downloaded from the website.
