January 17, 2015—Seeds are the basis of life. Every plant senses environmental cues such as rainfall, soil, insect or disease pressure and makes small genetic changes that are reflected in the next generation’s seeds. Plants that are successful produce seeds that have become localized to thrive in our diverse island microclimates.

In this workshop, we will learn how to grow our food and vegetable crops to seed for success. Join us to learn the basics: how to grow and produce your own locally-adapted, quality seed supply and why this practice matters. We will also have an opportunity to help create the first Puna Ahupua‘a Seed Collective, facilitating the availability of multiple varieties of locally-adapted, high-quality seed, while creating a model for use throughout Hawai‘i.

• Choosing seeds to start with: Hybrid, heirloom, open pollinated, choosing a seed company.
• Choosing growing methods: Organic or conventional.
• Pollination: Which plants are easy to save seed from, which are difficult? Why?
• Outcrossing: How do you maintain seed purity?
• Maintaining Genetic diversity. How many plants to save seed from? Why?
• Selection: What are you looking for? Which plants to save seed from?
• How to maintain genetic purity in papaya a seed – Demonstration.
• Proper seed cleaning (demonstration/hands-on of cleaning wet and dry seeds).
• Storage: Preparing and requirements in the tropics to maintain good germination.

Lyn Howe is the Program Coordinator for the Hawai‘i Public Seed Initiative, formed in 2011 to educate and promote seed research on all five islands. Lyn lives and works with her partner, Geoff Rauch, on Beach Road Farm in lower Puna. A seed grower and saver since childhood, she shares her seeds at seed exchanges, with neighbors, and at seed-share stations around the island.