Thank you for helping to save heirloom seeds and create true food security for the Hudson Valley. We want to make sure that the seeds we collect and redistribute each year are healthy and will grow true to type. As participatory seed savers it is important that you follow our guidelines for saving and returning seed. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if the seed you saved should be grown the next year by other members.
For 2010, membership costs $20. For $20 you will receive one mailing of ten packs of seeds and an Art-Pack-style Membership Pack. If you choose not to return seeds—no problem! There are no penalties or fees for not returning seeds, and you will be welcomed to re-join next year with open arms.
If you do decide to save and return seeds, please fill out a Seed Return form for each variety you are returning (one form will be included with your membership--please make copies for each variety you are planning to return). Saved seeds will be accepted from September 1st until November 30th. They can be mailed or you can bring them to any of our seedy events.
Seed Credits are given for each variety successfully saved and properly returned. To receive a credit of $2 per variety, you must return at least as much seed as you received at the start of the season. Credit is given for up to five varieties. You will receive an email with your credit amount in January 2010, before you renew your membership. When you go to the website to re-join, your account will be automatically credited when you log in. Please note: credit is given only for varieties originally offered by the Hudson Valley Seed Library. If you have seed you have saved from other sources that you’d like to get into the library, we’d love to talk: please contact us and tell us about what you’ve got.
Please see the Basic Guidelines for Saving Seed for some fundamental how-to instructions.