Red Gate Farm Seed Bank
Serving the local community by growing, saving and distributing quality, local seeds.
2010 Seeds Now Available!
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What is a seed bank?
A seed bank stores seeds that are grown and saved locally. By placing collective seeds in a bank, a community protects vegetable and flower varieties that may be otherwise discontinued by larger, less interested seed sources.
Goals of the Red Gate Farm Seed Bank
To provide community access to quality, local seeds.
To preserve local, heritage and heirloom seed varieties.
To promote seed saving.
To develop and distribute seeds that are optimum for our unique New England soils and climate.
To collect the social histories of our local seeds.
Supporting the RGF Seed Bank
Red Gate Farm needs your help to keep the Seed Bank going. In particular we are seeking growers for our seeds. If you enjoy growing vegetables or flowers and would be interested in growing some of our Seed Bank seeds, please contact us! We can provide seeds, starters, technical support and even save the seeds for you.
If I grow for seed saving, can I still have yummy veggies from my garden?
Yes. Most plants produce an abundance of seeds, and so there is usually plenty of product to be harvested and eaten.
Can anyone grow seeds for the Seed Bank?
Yes. There are some requirements (listed below), and we prioritize seeds that are grown locally. However, you do not need to be a commercial or professional grower - families, school groups and others are encouraged to grow seeds for the Seed Bank.
Will the Seed Bank provide me with seeds if I'm a grower?
Yes. We are interested in getting as many different growers as possible, and want to help you help us! We will provide you with seeds and even have some starter plants available in the early growing season. Be sure to contact us for more information obtaining seeds or starts.
How do seeds enter the Seed Bank?
Anyone may contribute seeds to the bank.
Individuals who contribute seeds must be the original grower.
Seeds must be grown using organic methods and practices.
Seeds should be accompanied by a short written history.
No genetically modified or hybrid seeds are accepted.
How do seeds get distributed into the community?
The amount of seed distributed is determined by the total amount and quality of seed in the Bank.
Seeds are distributed annually to Seed Bank Growers, the RGF seed garden, and the general public.
Seed Bank Growers are given priority for seed distributions.
Seeds grown from Seed Bank seeds are labeled and distributed as "Bank Seeds."
Seeds contributed from outside sources are labeled and distributed as "Trial Seeds."
