Step right up! An Idaho seed circus and seed schools are coming to a town near you.
In this 2016 photo, soybeans are tested for seed viability by the USDA's Agricultural Research Service National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation in Ft. Collins, Colorado. (Neil Palmer/USDA)
Where do the seeds you plant on your farm or garden come from? Why does it matter? The Snake River Seed Cooperative is hitting the road this summer to bring organic seed production education to Idaho producers large and small, thanks to a grant from the USDA's Transition to Organic Partnership Program, or TOPP.
Seedsman Bill McDorman famously said, 'When you plant a seed, you plant the entire agricultural system that produced that seed.'
Less than 100 years ago, virtually all farms in the country saved some or most of their own seeds. Now, nearly all the seed planted on Idaho farms and gardens is trucked in from off-farm, increasing input costs and reducing farm self-sufficiency. Further, mass-produced seeds supplied by global supply chains often lack regional adaptations and diverse genetics that will allow those seeds to withstand increasingly erratic local weather conditions.
Want to learn more?
Email Casey O'Leary at casey.snakervierseeds@gmail.com with questions about the Seed Circus or Seed School.
Snake River Seed Cooperative is on a mission grow a robust regional seedshed for the Intermountain West. The co-op works with small farmers and gardeners around the region to reclaim this vital skill, increasing the region's seed sovereignty and resilience by rebuilding our regional seed infrastructure and getting more organically-grown, locally-adapting seed into more Idaho farms and gardens.
Amid trade wars and uncertain global markets, farmers are increasingly turning to the certified organic domestic market as an alternative outlet for their crops — one that promises higher prices while safeguarding their local watershed and ecosystem. Certified organic farms must purchase and use certified organic seed where available, giving certified organic seed producers a competitive edge in the market.
Each stop on the traveling seed circus will feature a field day at one of our certified organic Snake River Seed Co-op grower's farms. These farms are some of the most successful small-scale, direct-market agricultural enterprises in the state, including several of the founding farms who helped to create the organic program in Idaho in the 1990s. Each stop will include a light meal, opportunities to learn from experienced growers, and network with others.
'We are thrilled to host the Treasure Valley Seed School field day at our farm because everyone interested in agriculture and sustainability should be empowered to participate,' says Jackie Sommer of Purple Sage Farms in Middleton. 'Learning new skills that help the local community, building connections with like-minded individuals and the land, as well as creating food security and independence, is essential. Local, organic agriculture that invigorates soil ecosystems and strives to grow nutrient rich plants is the answer for our future.'
Delving into the science of seed production, harvesting and successful germination is one of the great adventures in gardening. This is an opportunity to understand what local growers have learned over years of practice.
– Diane Jones, Draggin' Wing High Desert Nursery and Seed School guest speaker
Field days will be followed by a two-day Seed School, a deep dive into the world of organic seed production. Participants will learn seed saving basics, get hands-on practice with cleaning seeds, explore the larger seed industry and the opportunities and limitations contained within it, and connect with others who are working to strengthen our regional food and seed systems.
While the basic educational components will be similar across the various schools, the seed school in each region of our agriculturally-diverse state also features additional field trips and guest speakers, and local food and beverage purveyors unique to that region.
In total, the seed circus will connect attendees with over 30 different Idaho organizations and individuals who are playing a vital part in rebuilding our regional seedshed, including farmers, millers, bakers, brewers, governmental and public seed entities, native plant and seed producers, and more.
Each of the people who attends seed school becomes woven into the network of people skilling up to rebuild our regional seedshed.
People are so eager for connection and community right now. We keep hearing from folks who are feeling increasingly isolated and also increasingly anxious about what the future will bring, and they're looking for something they can tangibly DO to make a difference.
Learning to save some of your own seeds is hopeful, but it's not just abstractly hopeful. It's incredibly powerful. It literally roots our communities. It grows and feeds us healthy food, and gives us something to share with each other. And also, it's fun and mind-blowing and interesting — that's the stuff that makes me happy to be alive!
Details about each Field Day and Seed School can be found online here.
Swift River Farm Field Day (Salmon, Idaho) June 14
Purple Sage Farm Field Day & Treasure Valley Seed School (Middleton & Boise) June 28-30
King's Crown Organics Field Day & Magic Valley Seed School (King Hill & Twin Falls) July 6-8
Greentree Naturals Field Day & Panhandle Seed School (Sandpoint) Aug. 10-12
Affinity Farm Field Day & Palouse Seed School (Moscow & Pullman) Aug. 17-19
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Step right up! An Idaho seed circus and seed schools are coming to a town near you.
In this 2016 photo, soybeans are tested for seed viability by the USDA's Agricultural Research Service National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation in Ft. Collins, Colorado. (Neil Palmer/USDA) Where do the seeds you plant on your farm or garden come from? Why does it matter? The Snake River Seed Cooperative is hitting the road this summer to bring organic seed production education to Idaho producers large and small, thanks to a grant from the USDA's Transition to Organic Partnership Program, or TOPP. Seedsman Bill McDorman famously said, 'When you plant a seed, you plant the entire agricultural system that produced that seed.' Less than 100 years ago, virtually all farms in the country saved some or most of their own seeds. Now, nearly all the seed planted on Idaho farms and gardens is trucked in from off-farm, increasing input costs and reducing farm self-sufficiency. Further, mass-produced seeds supplied by global supply chains often lack regional adaptations and diverse genetics that will allow those seeds to withstand increasingly erratic local weather conditions. Want to learn more? Email Casey O'Leary at with questions about the Seed Circus or Seed School. Snake River Seed Cooperative is on a mission grow a robust regional seedshed for the Intermountain West. The co-op works with small farmers and gardeners around the region to reclaim this vital skill, increasing the region's seed sovereignty and resilience by rebuilding our regional seed infrastructure and getting more organically-grown, locally-adapting seed into more Idaho farms and gardens. Amid trade wars and uncertain global markets, farmers are increasingly turning to the certified organic domestic market as an alternative outlet for their crops — one that promises higher prices while safeguarding their local watershed and ecosystem. Certified organic farms must purchase and use certified organic seed where available, giving certified organic seed producers a competitive edge in the market. Each stop on the traveling seed circus will feature a field day at one of our certified organic Snake River Seed Co-op grower's farms. These farms are some of the most successful small-scale, direct-market agricultural enterprises in the state, including several of the founding farms who helped to create the organic program in Idaho in the 1990s. Each stop will include a light meal, opportunities to learn from experienced growers, and network with others. 'We are thrilled to host the Treasure Valley Seed School field day at our farm because everyone interested in agriculture and sustainability should be empowered to participate,' says Jackie Sommer of Purple Sage Farms in Middleton. 'Learning new skills that help the local community, building connections with like-minded individuals and the land, as well as creating food security and independence, is essential. Local, organic agriculture that invigorates soil ecosystems and strives to grow nutrient rich plants is the answer for our future.' Delving into the science of seed production, harvesting and successful germination is one of the great adventures in gardening. This is an opportunity to understand what local growers have learned over years of practice. – Diane Jones, Draggin' Wing High Desert Nursery and Seed School guest speaker Field days will be followed by a two-day Seed School, a deep dive into the world of organic seed production. Participants will learn seed saving basics, get hands-on practice with cleaning seeds, explore the larger seed industry and the opportunities and limitations contained within it, and connect with others who are working to strengthen our regional food and seed systems. While the basic educational components will be similar across the various schools, the seed school in each region of our agriculturally-diverse state also features additional field trips and guest speakers, and local food and beverage purveyors unique to that region. In total, the seed circus will connect attendees with over 30 different Idaho organizations and individuals who are playing a vital part in rebuilding our regional seedshed, including farmers, millers, bakers, brewers, governmental and public seed entities, native plant and seed producers, and more. Each of the people who attends seed school becomes woven into the network of people skilling up to rebuild our regional seedshed. People are so eager for connection and community right now. We keep hearing from folks who are feeling increasingly isolated and also increasingly anxious about what the future will bring, and they're looking for something they can tangibly DO to make a difference. Learning to save some of your own seeds is hopeful, but it's not just abstractly hopeful. It's incredibly powerful. It literally roots our communities. It grows and feeds us healthy food, and gives us something to share with each other. And also, it's fun and mind-blowing and interesting — that's the stuff that makes me happy to be alive! Details about each Field Day and Seed School can be found online here. Swift River Farm Field Day (Salmon, Idaho) June 14 Purple Sage Farm Field Day & Treasure Valley Seed School (Middleton & Boise) June 28-30 King's Crown Organics Field Day & Magic Valley Seed School (King Hill & Twin Falls) July 6-8 Greentree Naturals Field Day & Panhandle Seed School (Sandpoint) Aug. 10-12 Affinity Farm Field Day & Palouse Seed School (Moscow & Pullman) Aug. 17-19 SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
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Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia spp. Sun Exposure: Full Soil Type: Loamy, clay, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year While there are a variety of crepe myrtles to choose from, most fall within the shrub or small tree category. They are easy to grow and produce interest in the garden all year long, from long-lasting clusters of pink, white, or red blooms that start in June to their exfoliating bark in winter, the true calling card of this Southern classic. Expect lots of growth when given proper growing conditions. Once established, crepe myrtles only need water about once every other week. Learn More Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla Sun Exposure: Partial Soil Type: Moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year The French hydrangea, also known as bigleaf hydrangea, is a showstopping shrub. 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While not an extremely fast grower, snowball viburnum is very attractive with clouds of flowers that appear in May and look similar to mophead hydrangea. The flowers also make good cut flowers. In fall, the leaves turn red-orange. Snowball viburnum prefers moist, loamy soil that is well-drained but tolerates other soils. Learn More Botanical Name: Melaleuca spp. Sun Exposure: Full Soil Type: Moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11 Growth Rate: 3-6 feet per year This fast-growing shrub got its name from the shape of its colorful flowers, which grow as dense spikes or round clusters in red, pink, yellow, or white that attract hummingbirds. The size and growth habit depend on the species, some bottlebrushes are dense and compact, lending themselves to be grown as informal hedges, whereas others are sparse and open and can be pruned into a small tree. What all bottlebrush varieties have in common is their fast growth rate. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil but it is moderately salt-tolerant so it is a good choice for coastal gardens. The evergreen foliage gets easily damaged by frost. Learn More Botanical Name: Ternstroemia gymnanthera 'Sotall' Sun Exposure: Full, partial, shade Soil Type: Rich, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic (5.0-6.5) USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10 Growth Rate: 18 inches per year Cleyera Bigfoot™ is a favorite for hedges and privacy screens due to its fast-growing nature and appealing, glossy evergreen foliage. These upright growers are low-maintenance and provide year-round color. The shrub reaches a height of 15 to 20 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide. In hotter climates, they need afternoon shade and tolerate full shade. Botanical Name: Buddleia 'Blue Chip' Lo & Behold® Sun Exposure: Full Soil Type: Clay, loamy, sandy, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year Due to its invasiveness, butterfly bushes are no longer recommended. 'Blue Chip' butterfly bush, however, is an exception because it does not produce seeds. The fragrant, star-shaped flower clusters do not require deadheading and provide a pretty counterpoint to dark green leaves. Eight hours of full sun each day ensures more flower production and strong stems that don't require staking. Learn More Botanical Name: Callicarpa americana Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Loamy, clay, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (5.0-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10 Growth Rate: 13-24 inches per year This fast-growing native shrub has year-round appeal. Pale purple or pink flowers burst forth in the summer months, turning into tiny, bright purple berries in fall and winter. The berries attract a wide variety of winter birds and other wildlife to your yard throughout the season. If you're looking to up the berry production, consider planting beautyberry en masse. Full sun will increase flower and berry production. Beautyberry bushes need pruning to maintain their shape and watering during dry periods. Botanical Name: Loropetalum chinense Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Rich, loamy, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (4.0-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10 Growth Rate: 6-24 inches per year The evergreen shrub features green foliage on arching branches and spidery flowers that appear both at the top of shoots and between the shoot and leaf (known as the leaf axil) in color ranging from off-white to pink. Opt for loropetalum to bring color and texture to your garden early in the spring when other flowering shrubs haven't yet begun their show. Water when there hasn't been adequate rainfall to keep the soil slightly moist, but don't overwater because they don't like wet roots. Learn More Botanical Name: Prunus laurocerasus Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (5.5-7.5) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year Cherry laurel is a popular shrub in the South, oftentimes used for hedges. While it grows up to 20 feet tall, it can be maintained in a smaller size if needed. Spiky, white flowers appear in mid-spring but are sometimes be hidden behind the glossy and elongated foliage. Black berries appear in the fall for an interesting encore. Cherry laurel isn't super picky and will tolerate dry, poor, and alkaline soils, salt, as well as heavy pruning. It is toxic to humans. Botanical Name: Syringa vulgaris Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Sandy, clay, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (6.5-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-7 Growth Rate: 13-24 inches per year Common lilac will start off as a fast grower, tapering off as it nears maturity. You might catch a whiff of lilac before you catch sight of its fragrant, lilac blooms that appear in April and May. While it's always tempting to try lilac in warmer climates, lilac is not suited for the hot and humid conditions of the lower South; these shrubs prefer cooler summer temperatures. Full sun is best for good flower production, and well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. Botanical Name: Cornus sericea Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Clay, rich, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-6.5) USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-8 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year Ideal for the Upper South, this native dogwood shrub is the outlier in a family of otherwise slower-growing species. It's a great choice both for its resiliency and versatility whether as a true shrub or hedge. Once mature, it will reach a height of 7 to 9 feet and 10 feet wide. Red twig dogwood likes consistently moist areas so it should be watered during dry spells. Botanical Name: Thuja 'Green Giant' Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Clay, loamy, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8 Growth Rate: 3-4 feet per year These shrubs live up to their name, maturing at up to 40 to 60 feet tall and 12 to 18 feet wide. They are low maintenance due to a uniform, pyramid-shaped growth habit and need little pruning. 'Green Giant' can be shaped into a hedging or privacy screen when young. Glossy, scale-like needles remain green all winter long. Plant in a location with good drainage that gets six to eight hours of sun. Botanical Name: Spirea spp. Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Sandy, clay, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year Spirea is easy to grow because it adapts to many different soil types, doesn't require special care, and grows quickly. Give the shrub full sun, though it will also grow in some shade, and don't let the soil get soggy. Pink or white flowers emerge from blue-green or chartreuse foliage that changes color in the fall. Prune after the spring bloom and enjoy a rebloom later in the summer. Read the original article on Southern Living
