#lobbyists

Why Save Seeds?

Over the past century, small-scale seed-saving has nearly vanished, with farming dropping from 40% of Americans in 1900 to less than 1% today. Mechanized agriculture and the rise of patented genetically modified seeds have replaced regional agriculture, with four corporations (Bayer, Corteva, ChemChina, and BASF) patenting & controlling most of the seed market. Between 1903 and 1983, the U.S. lost 93% of its seed diversity, while 75% has been lost globally, fueling a broader biodiversity collapse that threatens food security.

As climate change intensifies, the need for diverse & locally grown crops is more urgent than ever. Regions like California face extreme weather wildfires, threatening staples like corn and forcing shifts in agricultural practices. Restoring seed diversity and encouraging regional plant breeding can help adapt to these changes and protect the food supply.

What you’ve read is based on facts, but what I’m about to say is my opinion. No one should own seeds. What’s next, water? Oh wait, people own that too. Personally, I think it is morally & ethically wrong to patent & control basic resources that are essential for survival. It’s sick. Have you ever wondered why so many seedless produce options are available? Sure, they’ll say it’s due to consumer preferences, but who asked for that? Why would companies (who only care about profit) go through the trouble and expense of genetically modifying food to fit our supposed needs? They do it because they don’t want you to have seeds, save them, and grow your own food. They want you to keep paying for everything and depend on them. Did you know that there are male and female species of trees, and the female plants bear fruit, while the male plants release pollen that triggers allergies for months. Want to guess what type of trees they plant all around cities? Male. It’s rare to see a public tree with apples or oranges on it. So, not only do they deny us fruit in public spaces, but they also contribute to allergy problems and runny noses that require medication for months. Look it up, knowledge is free.

What You Can Do:

1. Shop at local farmers markets (if and when you can), because they have locally grown and seasonal produce

2. Grow your own food! If that’s too much or you don’t have the resources to start a garden, see if there is a community garden you can be a part of or at least grow herbs you regularly cook with. You can do indoor plants/herbs by the window or under a lamp that mimics sunlight.

3. Save & harvest seeds from the produce you buy

4. Barter with neighbors/friends/community members. For example, if they have chickens you could trade potatoes or cucumbers for eggs or any type of service like mowing a lawn or sewing/ repairing clothing. Research and hone skills that are very useful, get good at what you resonate with.

5. Grow your own food & herbs

6. Educate yourself on topics like what lobbyist corruptions own which food brands and what to boycott or avoid and how to grow certain types of food (they all have unique preferences for soil and water and sunlight) etc

Saving & Harvesting Seeds:

Choose healthy looking heirloom or open pollinated varieties, make sure they’re not hybrids or sickly

Let the produce fully ripen

Harvest Seeds:

*For vegetables (like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers): scoop out seeds & clean them

*For beans: let them dry on the plant & shell them

*For grains: harvest when fully ripe & thresh to remove seeds

*For herbs: let flowers dry & collect seeds

Clean the Seeds: remove any plant matter or pulp from the seeds

Dry the Seeds by laying them out to dry in a cool, dry area for about a week

Store the seeds in paper envelopes, glass jars, or cloth bags. Label with seed type & harvest date. Keep in a cool, dry, and dark place

Easiest Produce to Save Seeds From: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, lettuce, herbs

How to Grow Your Own Food:

1. Choose What to Grow

•Start with easy crops: radishes, lettuce, basil, mint, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, strawberries, beans, peas, garlic, and hot peppers

•Pick plants suited to your climate and season

2. Find the Right Location

•Select a sunny spot (most veggies need 6–8 hours of sunlight)

•Ensure the area has good drainage to prevent waterlogging

3. Prepare the Soil

•Test soil pH (ideal for most crops: 6.0–7.5)

•Add compost or organic matter to enrich nutrients… consider composting

4. Decide Between Seeds and Starters

•Seeds: Cheaper, take longer, good for root veggies like carrots

•Starter Plants: Easier, faster, ideal for tomatoes, peppers, or herbs

5. Plant at the Right Time

•Follow seed packet / plant label instructions for timing and other details

•Avoid planting too early or late in the season (based on the plant) to prevent frost damage

6. Water Regularly

•Water deeply 1–2 times per week (more in hot climates). Avoid overhead watering to reduce mold and disease; water at soil level

7. Mulch and Weed

•Add a layer of mulch (straw, wood chips) to retain moisture and prevent weeds

•Pull weeds regularly to reduce competition for nutrients

8. Feed Your Plants

•Use natural fertilizers like compost tea or fish emulsion every few weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm roots and attract pests

9. Protect From Pests

•Use companion planting (look into that)

•Install netting, row covers, or natural deterrents like neem oil if pests appear

10. Harvest at the Right Time

•Pick vegetables when they are ripe but not overgrown (check size/color guide)

•Harvest regularly to encourage more production

11. Do Your Own Research

•Test your soil and your environment to make sure it’s good for what you’re trying to do

•Look into permaculture and homesteading, try to make your garden the most efficient and sustainable it can be