RENEW
The RENEW program invites experienced seed savers to support Seed Savers Exchange’s own efforts to steward the seed bank Collection.
RENEW participants grow varieties from the collection for the purpose of seed production. This “seed regeneration” focuses on varieties that have low seed quantity or reduced viability. Therefore, regeneration can be a challenging task, but it is vital to the preservation and sharing of these varieties.
To help promote success, we provide basic guidelines to help you plan your seed regeneration. Participants will be limited to one variety each their first year. The table below lists the crop types we are offering this year and the requirements for regenerating them.
Join RENEW
If this program interests you and you feel that you are an experienced seed saver, please email Briana Burke, seed bank manager, at [email protected] or call (563) 387-5685.
If this is your first year, anticipate a 20-30 minute phone call to talk about the program and see if this is a good fit for your system.
About Seed Savers Exchange’s Collection
The seed collection began soon after Seed Savers Exchange was founded in 1975 as home gardeners started to donate their own treasured varieties to Kent Whealy and Diane Ott Whealy for preservation. Primarily focused on garden fruits and vegetables, herbs, and flowers, the seed collection holds many varieties with ties to cultural heritage and traditions. The stories behind the varieties also illustrate the significance and symbolism these varieties hold for their stewards. Therefore, we value these stories as much as we value the seeds themselves.
Learn more about what is in the Collection today.
Stewardship Notes
Broccoli/Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea)
Special Needs
Need to be overwintered (vernalized) in the ground at temperatures below 50°F for 10-12 weeks but can’t be exposed to temperatures below 20°F. Require a large population and isolation from all other Brassica oleracea crops.
Qualifications
Must be grown in the Pacific Northwest in USDA Zone 8 or higher.
Planting Requirements
- Isolation distance minimum: ½ mile (2,640 ft)
- Harvest mature seed from every plant
- Population minimum: 100 plants
- Harvest return minimum: 4,500 seeds
Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Special Needs
N/A
Qualifications
N/A
Planting Requirements
- Must be grown on a trellis (unless bush variety)
- Isolation distance minimum: 100 ft
- Harvest mature seed from every plant
- Population minimum: 60 plants
- Harvest return minimum: 2,000 seeds
Cowpea (Phaseolus unguiculata)
Special Needs
Late maturing
Qualifications
Must be grown in USDA Zone 6 or higher.
Planting Requirements
- Isolation distance minimum: 100 ft
- Harvest mature seed from every plant
- Population minimum: 60 plants
- Harvest return minimum: 2,000 seeds
Fava Bean (Vicia faba)
Special Needs
Grows best where summer temperatures do not exceed 85°F.
Qualifications
Must be grown in regions with cooler summers, such as the Pacific Northwest, New England, or Great Lakes regions.
Planting Requirements
- Must be supported to prevent lodging
- Isolation distance minimum: 100 ft
- Harvest mature seed from every plant
- Population minimum: 60 plants
- Harvest return minimum: 1,500 seeds
Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus)
Special Needs
Late maturing.
Qualifications
Must be grown in USDA Zone 6 or higher.
Planting Requirements
- Must be grown on a trellis (unless bush type)
- Isolation distance minimum: 600 ft
- Harvest mature seed from every plant
- Population minimum: 64 plants
- Harvest return minimum: 1,500 seeds
Pea (Pisum sativum)
Special Needs
N/A
Qualifications
N/A
Planting Requirements
- Must be grown on a trellis (unless bush variety)
- Isolation distance minimum: 100 ft
- Harvest mature seed from every plant
- Population minimum: 60 plants
- Harvest return minimum: 1,500 seeds
Squash (Cucurbita spp.)
Special Needs
Late maturing.
Qualifications
Must be grown in USDA Zone 6 or higher.
Planting Requirements
- Isolation distance minimum: ½ mile (2,640 ft)
- Harvest fruit from every plant
- Population minimum: 12 plants
- Harvest return minimum: 1,000 seeds
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Special Needs
N/A
Qualifications
N/A
Planting Requirements
- Isolation distance minimum: 100 ft
- Harvest fruit from every plant
- Population minimum: 12 plants
- Harvest return minimum: 700 seeds