Preserving heritage and local vegetable varieties is about much more than just nostalgia; it is a vital act of food security. These seeds are living "biological blueprints," carefully selected and passed down by generations of gardeners for their exceptional flavor, resilience, and unique characteristics. Unlike modern commercial crops bred for uniform transport and shelf-life, heritage vegetables possess a wide genetic diversity that allows them to adapt to local microclimates and changing weather patterns. By growing and saving these varieties here in Guildford, we ensure that this irreplaceable heritage isn't lost, keeping our plates diverse and our community food systems resilient for the future.
Our Airtable below lists the varieties we are currently tracking, growing, and sharing. You can see details on population sizes and traits we are selecting for to ensure high-quality, locally-adapted seed.