Basics of Organic Seed Production

An on-line tutorial on the basics of organic seed production produced by Pacific Northwest experts is now available. The course covers the fundamentals of seed production for onions, beets and chard, brassicas, carrots, and wet seeded crops. It also covers climatic requirements for seed crops, important diseases, and seed quality. The course is designed to be appropriate for individuals with a basic knowledge of seed saving and organic production. Those who are seeking basic seed saving information may wish to read Organic Seed Alliance’s Seed Saving Guide for Farmers and Gardeners.

The Basics of Organic Seed Production is broken into a series of modules each covering one main topic followed by additional resources. It was created by Organic Seed Alliance through a grant from Western SARE. It is based on materials from organic seed intensive workshops held as part of the 2011 Organicology conference. Modules for the course include:

• What seed crops grow in your climate?
• Onion Seed Production

• Beet and Chard Production

• Brassica Seed Production

• Carrot Seed Production

• Lettuce Seed Production
• Wet Seeded Crop Production
• Seed-borne Diseases
• Seed Quality
• Other References, Resources, and Links

The course is free and located on the national eXtension website.