Attention Gardeners: Why You Should Be Using the Seed Savers Exchange

If you plant food for yourself or sell food at a local farmers market, you’re likely no stranger to buying seeds. But did you know that you don’t have to look to big companies like Monsanto, Syngenta, and DuPont? In fact, one of our favorite hobby farming ideas involves using a seed exchange program. Here’s what you need to know about using the Seed Savers Seed Exchange program to help your farm or garden thrive.

Benefits of the Seed Savers Exchange

Despite their name, hobby farms are more than just a hobby, they’re a way to feed your family, gain extra income, and live a happy, fulfilling life. If you’re growing any number of crops on your hobby farm, you’ll want to consider utilizing the Seed Savers Exchange. Here’s a closer look at some of the benefits of a seed exchange.

You’ll Save Money on Seeds

Whether you have a garden, a hobby farm, or a commercial operation, we’re guessing that you’re always looking for ways to help save money. One way to do so is by taking advantage of a seed exchange. Especially when they’re grown in larger quantities, seeds can be expensive, and by growing food from seeds you’ve saved or exchanged, you’ll be saving yourself money in the long run.

You’ll Have More Control Over Flavor

Have you ever found a seed that grows the tastiest tomatoes, only to have it discontinued from the seed catalog the following year? If you’re a seed saver, you won’t find yourself in this predicament. By saving your own seeds, you can make sure that the beloved cherries you use to make the homemade jam are still around for seasons to come.

You’ll Help Preserve Genetic Diversity

By sharing seeds with a seed exchange, you might even help prolong the species. While commercial seed companies only offer so much variety, seed exchanges offer unique plants that have been passed down through family lines without ever entering the mainstream. By participating in a seed exchange program, you can either preserve a plant species you love or cultivate new-to-you heirloom seeds that are in danger of disappearing.

You’ll Help Save the Bees

Bees are in decline across the world, and because they serve such important pollination purposes, it’s important to do everything we can to help preserve bee populations. As a hobby farmer, one way you can do this is through supporting local seed exchange programs. While plants are waiting to seed, they’re also providing necessary nutrients to bees, butterflies, beetles, and other insects.

Looking for hobby farm insurance to protect your livelihood? Grange Insurance Association can help! Find an independent agent near you to get started. In the meantime, check out our insurance blog where we cover everything from the top 5 farm insurance considerations to how to create a sustainable farm business.

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