Growing food is political.

In a world where most of our food is shipped over long distances it’s easy to forget that growing good food at home is within reach.  

Whether you have a backyard, community garden plot, or sunny windowsill, you can grow something delicious. It’s a satisfying way to bring more nature into your life and more flavour onto your plate. It’s also a powerful way to vote for a better food system – one in which you play a critical role in saving seed diversity.

Ready to start growing and saving seeds?

Beans are a great crop to start with. Sign up for regular bean growing and saving tips to your inbox all spring, summer and fall.

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What makes a good seed?

Good seeds are accessible to farmers and gardeners. They’re adapted to local conditions, they’re robust and they don’t require synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. They are backed by centuries of selective crossing and breeding by farmers and gardeners. Learn more about what makes a good seed.

Every region needs its own resilient supply of diverse, locally-grown seeds. It’s the first condition of food sovereignty, and the key to growing food sustainably. Saving seed diversity is an urgent issue: in the 20th century alone, 75 per cent of crop diversity has been lost.

When you plant seeds you’ve saved yourself, or seeds you purchased from an independent seed company in your area, you help preserve seed diversity. 

Find seeds

Where can I find local seeds?

You probably won’t find a diversity of locally-saved seeds in stores. You’ll have to dig a little deeper, but it’s worth it: a rainbow of colours, flavours and fascinating seed stories await.

There’s a growing movement of small but mighty seed companies across the country. Search our database to find a seed company near you or to find specific seeds by crop and variety.

Ecological Seed Finder

Seed libraries and community seed banks are inspiring places where you can find local seeds and learn seed saving. Join our network to find a seed initiative near you.

Community Seed Network

Save the date! Held annually in 120 Canadian cities, these fun-filled events bring all the seeds you need to your community. Meet some seed heroes and get inspired!

Seedy Saturday Schedule

Ready to plant, grow and save?

Check out this incredible hub of seed saving resources for beginner and expert seed savers alike, from the Community Seed Network, a project of Seed Savers Exchange and SeedChange.

Dig into the seed saving resources
Where to find local vegetable seeds in Canada

Here’s how you can find local seeds and keep seed diversity alive.

Where does your vegetable seed come from?

Just like the seeds we plant in our gardens, the vegetable seed industry in Canada is really diverse!

Learn how to plant, grow and save bean seeds!

So you have a packet of bean seeds – now what?

How to choose seeds for your garden: Open-pollinated, heirloom, hybrid and more

Getting on the gardening wagon and wondering how to choose seeds for your garden? We can help!