Finding Heirloom Vegetable Communities in the Southeast

Sue Stickland's Heirloom Vegetables is a great entry point. Here are active networks and resources for heirloom seed saving and exchange in the region:

Organizations & Networks

• Georgia Organics (770-621-4642) – Connects growers, includes seed-savers.
• Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin – Subscribers often trade heirloom seeds.
• Pass Along Southern Seeds (PASS) – UGA Anthropology Dept. (Dr. Virginia Nazarea). "Conservation through use" model: grow, keep ⅓, share ⅓, return ⅓.

Seed Sources & Gardens to Visit

• South Carolina Botanical Garden (Clemson) – Dr. David Bradshaw's collection: 'Turkey Gizzard' beans, 'Choppee' okra, 'Plumgranny' melons. Online via SC Foundation Seed Association.
• Ison's Nursery (Griffin, GA) – Heirloom fruit and vegetable starts.
• Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (VA, mail-order) – Extensive Southeast-adapted heirlooms.

Getting Started

1. Join PASS or a local seed library.
2. Grow one heirloom variety this season; save seed.
3. Attend a seed swap (often hosted by Master Gardener groups).
4. Document your varieties—names, sources, performance notes.

Heirloom gardening connects you to generations of growers. The flavor and stories are worth the extra care.