Generations of immigrants have arrived in America with something more precious than gold - the seeds in their pocket. These seeds would grow into delicious varieties of tomatoes, peppers and beans and ensure that despite whatever would happen on the road ahead, a family would not go hungry.
Over the years, many of these old heirloom seeds have become exceedingly rare and some were in danger of disappearing forever.
In the fertile farmland of northeast Iowa, just outside of Decorah, there's a farm making sure that doesn't happen. Heritage Farm, the headquarters of Seed Savers Exchange, grows nearly 1,000 rare and uncommon varieties of seeds and sells them in a store that's open to the public. Even if you're not a gardener, Heritage Farm is an incredible place to visit. Here's what you need to know.
Heritage Farm is located on a massive 890-acre parcel that has rivers and creeks, bluffs and hills.
The farm maintains many garden plots for its seed production.
The Lillian Goldman Visitors Center and Gift and Garden Store is located on the farm. It has information about the history and operation of the farm.
The center has a huge variety of seeds for sale. if you shop here, your garden will become a very interesting place.
The operation of Heritage Farm involves a lot of hands-on labor.
Bees offer the farm an important assist.
If you enjoy heirloom vegetables, this is the place to go before you plant a single tomato.
You'll enjoy fruits and vegetables that you won't find in any grocery store.
Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit and it's engaged in many efforts to preserve heirloom seeds. It operates the world's largest seed exchange, a network of 13,000 gardeners who are helping preserve 20,000 plant varieties. Learn more with a visit to Heritage Farm and get another look at Iowa's farming history with this rare and amazing collection of photos.
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