How It Works
In early January each year, we release details on the trials we’re offering for the upcoming season. Participants select the crop(s) they want to trial and are then randomly assigned three varieties. In the first week of March, we will send you a kit containing your seeds, plant labels, a datasheet, and instructions for submitting your data. We ask that you grow the three varieties side-by-side under the same conditions. We do not require a minimum number of plants. You will be evaluating each variety on a handful of key characteristics, including yield, flavor, earliness, appearance, and disease resistance. Data is submitted via a web platform called SeedLinked, which we have partnered with since 2018.
Join the Program
The 2022 ADAPT Program has closed. Please fill out the interest form and we will be in touch in early January with more information on what trials we're offering and how to participate.
2023 ADAPT Program Sign-upIf you have any questions, please email comscience@seedsavers.org.
SeedLinked
SeedLinked is an emerging web platform that seeks to connect gardeners, farmers and plant breeders with information on crop varieties. SeedLinked harnesses the power of collaboration, place-based knowledge, and machine learning to help breed, source, and grow seeds for a more resilient future. The platform provides a user-friendly computer interface as well as a free smartphone app to create a tool and resource that participants in the program can use to track, share, and learn about regional seed and variety performance.
Testimonials
Cathie Pitman
"I really enjoy trialling plants for the ADAPT Program. I look forward to the excitement of seeing how the plants and their fruits turn out, sharing the information of their characteristics both good and bad, and interacting with other ADAPT growers.”
Bjorn Bergman
"Seed Savers Exchange's ADAPT Program is a highlight for me each growing season. I love getting to grow heirloom varieties from SSE's seed bank and provide my feedback on them so that the preservation team can decide what varieties to introduce to future SSE catalogs. The ADAPT program makes me feel like I am actively participating in Seed Savers Exchange's mission of getting more people to grow and be educated about heirloom seeds."
April Jones
“Living in sunny Columbia, South Carolina I greatly enjoyed the ADAPT trials as an urban farmer in the Pinehurst neighborhood.”
Emily Hoang
“Being part of ADAPT gives me insights into different vegetable varieties and the joy of seeing them grow. It also guides me to look at gardening with a more scientific approach which only advances my gardening interest further.”