The True Seed Exchange Has Taken Root!

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Then take a few tips from Kent, who explains the process in simple terms: "Just let any seed that forms in a pod (such as beans, peas, okra, lettuce, and radishes," he says, "mature and dry out completely on the plant. Then shell and save 'em. For 'soft' vegetables (such as tomatoes, squash, watermelons, cantaloupes, and cucumbers), let the fruit develop past the edible stage—but not to the point where it's going bad—and then extract the seeds. Put a few in a glass with a little water, set the container in a place away from direct sun, and stir the rascals good several times a day. After 24 hours or so, the nuggets will start to ferment a little . . . which is g ood, because the process kills several potentially harmful bacterial diseases. After three days, rinse the seeds thoroughly, spread 'em on a paper towel, and let them dry completely. Then put each type in a separate envelope and store the packets in a place where mice can't get at them."

And that's all there is to it!

So c'mon, all you homegrown gardeners . . . now's the time to keep an eye on your vegetables to see which ones are the hardiest and most productive (and therefore most worth perpetuating and passing along). Let Kent know soon what kinds of seeds—or bulbs, plants, root cuttings, grains, or legumes—you'll have to swap by the end of the season (remember, this is an exchange network . . . not a source of free planting stock), and send him 50¢ to help cover the cost of printing and mailing his fall list. Along toward the end of the year, he'll send you (and all participants) a directory of folks offering their very best strains in trade for those of others.

Better yet, send Kent a buck or two (or as much more as you can afford). You can be sure that he's already invested a lot of his own time and money in order to plant the True Seed Exchange for all of us, and now it's our turn to help make sure that system continues to grow and develop.

Send your correspondence, contributions, and words of thanks and encouragement to the True Seed Exchange, Kent Whealy, c/o Charlie M. Cunningham, RR 2, Princeton, Mo. 64673.

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