Save Our Seeds

We used to be a nation of seed savers. We can just picture our grandmothers out there, shaking down the best plants and cataloging their seeds over winter. It was all about the hardiest (and tastiest) varieties, a key component in our nation's crop diversity. If you’re a fan of protecting and promoting biodiversity (at the very least in your own garden), you’ve got to check out the Seed Bank in Petaluma (still online at www.rareseeds.com). A recent transplant from Missouri, Jere Gettle and family located the West Coast Headquarters of his company, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, to an old bank building in downtown Petaluma. With 190 varieties of tomatoes, 150 varieties of squash and more than 100 melons, Baker Creek has one of the largest selections of organic and heirloom seeds in the country. Picture it as a card catalogue of seeds. From Chinese Long White Bitter Melon to American Purple Top Rutabagas, there is truly something for everyone. Long live the household garden! Photo was taken by John Burgess for the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.