Seed Me

Saving and trading help preserve local heirloom and native plants

In the world of gardening, winter might seem like a time to pause— tools cleaned and stored and gardens resting in the bitter cold. But for seed savers and plant enthusiasts, the frigid months can also be a season of excitement, personal growth and connection with others. Trading seeds isn’t just about getting your hands on the best producing tomato variety or a hard-to-find wildflower species— though that’s certainly part of the fun. Swapping seeds is also about preserving adapted plant genetics, fostering resiliency and ensuring that the plants that thrive in North Texas continue to do so for generations to come.

ROOTED IN THE PAST, GROWING FOR THE FUTURE

Whether you’re trading heirloom vegetables or Texas native seeds, seed swaps offer more than a simple exchange of seed-filled envelopes. They’re a celebration of our connection to the land, our food and each other.

It’s no secret that North Texas throws a little of everything at our plants. Seeds exchanged at seed-swapping events or garnered at stand-alone community seed “libraries” are harvested from plants that have withstood our extreme weather, poor soil conditions and local pests and diseases, making them more likely to thrive in your garden with every season. In a world where climate change threatens agricultural stability, swapping seeds helps build a more resilient, localized gene pool. Think of it as nature’s insurance policy—and a pretty cheap one at that.

SAVING HEIRLOOM VEGETABLE SEEDS, PRESERVING FLAVOR AND DIVERSITY

There’s something magical about growing vegetables that your greatgrandparents might have grown. Heirloom vegetables (those varieties that have been passed down through generations) are often some of the most beautiful, but they have much broader value.

Most large-scale farms in the United States produce “monocultures,” huge swaths of the same genetically identical crops. Some believe this makes it easier for disease and pests to spread from plant to plant once a vulnerability is found. Preserving the diverse genetics of heirloom vegetables helps build a stronger defense. With each swap, you safeguard the future of food—one tomato, bean or squash seed at a time.

But remember that seeds lose their vitality over time. Germination rates decline each year, so proper storage is key. Clean and dry your seeds thoroughly and store them in a cool, dark place. Accurate labeling is crucial, too—trust me, you don’t want to nurture what you think is Cherokee Purple tomato only to be surprised by a patch of mystery plants. Include the species or cultivar name and the date harvested. While seeds can remain viable for two or three years, planting them the following season helps keep your garden resilient to any environmental changes.

LOCAL SEEDS BENEFIT POLLINATORS AND PEOPLE

Texas native wildflowers and perennials don’t just survive, they thrive in the wild yet wonderful Lone Star landscape. And they’re not just here for our ornamental admiration. Native plants are a lifeline for pollinators like the monarch butterfly, whose migration passes through our backyards.

Local organizations like Native Plant Society of Texas, North Texas Master Naturalists and Native Prairies Association of Texas work hard to conserve and restore native plant communities across the state. These efforts aren’t just about the plants; they’re about protecting our indigenous fauna that depend on them. Native plants provide nectar for native bees, many of which are stingless (or at least unlikely to sting)—great news for any cautious gardeners. And let’s not forget the ruby-throated hummingbirds that zip through our gardens and the native songbirds that rely on the seeds and berries of local flora.

GARDENING FOR ALL TEXANS

Seed saving—an age-old practice—also helps grow an inclusive and socially equitable gardening community. For many, the cost of buying mature plants can add up quickly. But seeds? They’re like the gift that keeps on giving. By saving your own seeds or trading them with neighbors, you can grow a lush vegetable or pollinator garden at a fraction of the cost. And because the plants grown from those seeds are often more adapted to local conditions, they’re less likely to need extra care or input.

TOMATOES: GET A HEAD START THIS WINTER

There’s nothing like the taste of a freshly picked, sun-warmed tomato—a burst of sweetness and balanced acidity that storebought varieties just can’t match. But in North Texas, harvesting a bumper crop of tomatoes can be like growing “between a rock and a hard place,” the rock being freezing weather and the hard place being hot summer temperatures which can halt production. The secret to success is nurturing your tomato seedlings indoors this winter. This method not only extends your growing season but also allows you to cultivate a stunning variety that would make any gardener jealous.

EXTENDING THE GROWING SEASON

Freezing temperatures can wipe out tomatoes in a flash, and intense summer heat and humidity can stop them from setting fruit. When you start seeds indoors in the chill of winter, you’re giving them a head start, allowing them to flower and fruit before summer’s punishing heat. Seedlings will be ready for transplanting by mid- to late March, after the average last frost in North Texas. These early transplants will thrive in the cooler spring months, giving you 4–6 weeks of fruit production before temperatures rise above 92°F—typically by late May or early June—which is usually when flowers begin to abort due to summer stressors, destroying the possibility of production. With 75 to 90 days of optimal growing conditions, this head start is crucial for a fruitful harvest. Since varieties take from 60 days to as long as 100 days to ripen, those few extra weeks can make all the
difference.

CHOOSING YOUR VARIETIES: A FLAVORFUL ADVENTURE

One of the joys of starting from seed is your wide array of choices. While garden centers offer limited cultivars to transplant, growing from seed lets you experiment with both heirlooms and hybrids. From the sweet-tart zing of a ‘Sungold’ to the fruity richness of ‘Lucid Gem,’ there’s truly a tomato for every taste. Imagine harvesting tomatoes in a rainbow of colors—yellows, greens, purples, oranges and even striped or tie-dyed varieties. Each has its own flavor, from candysweet to surprisingly savory. Bonus: Heirloom varieties (unlike hybrids) are true to type, meaning you can save seed from them year after year and get the same variety.

HOW TO START TOMATO SEEDS INDOORS

Timing is key

Start your seeds in mid- to late January, giving them roughly 6–8 weeks to grow before transplanting in mid-March.

Select Your seeds

Choose a mix of larger, fast-maturing varieties such as ‘Super Fantastic’ (about 60 days to harvest) and smaller, longer-producing types like cherry and pearshaped tomatoes. Some cultivars are perfect for slicing, while others shine in salads or sauces. Colors can range across the rainbow. Let your taste buds be your guide.

Set up your growing space

Tomatoes are light-hungry. While a sunny windowsill works, consider setting up a metal rack and some affordable LED grow lights. Fullspectrum lights will encourage strong, sturdy plants. Keep the lights 2–4 inches above the seedlings and raise them as the plants grow.

Use a timer to run the lights for 14–16 hours a day—mimicking spring’s sunlight.

Prepare your containers

Use seed trays or small containers with good drainage, filling them with a coir or peat-based seedstarting mix. These materials hold moisture well and provide a cozy environment for sprouting seeds, unlike the standard, bulky potting soil which is not ideal for seed-starting.

Plant the seeds

Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep, keeping the soil lightly misted as needed to maintain moisture. A plastic dome over the trays will help retain moisture and humidity during germination. Once the seedlings grow a few inches, remove the dome to avoid fungal problems caused by too much moisture and stagnant air. Add a heat mat (optional but beneficial) Tomatoes love warmth, and a heat mat under the trays can help raise soil temperatures to the ideal 75°F. This speeds up germination, especially if your indoor space is cool.

Water and fertilize

Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Once your seedlings develop their first set of true leaves, give them a gentle liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks. A slower-release organic fertilizer with a 3:1:2 or 4:2:3 (Nitrogen : Phosphorous : Potassium) ratio provides the right balance of nutrients for healthy growth.

A fan of fans

A small fan can mimic a natural outdoor breeze, encouraging stronger stems and reducing the risk of legginess. It’s not essential, but can give your seedlings an extra edge.

Harden off

Before transplanting, your seedlings will need time to adjust to the outdoors. About a week before fully moving them outside, place them in partial sunlight outdoors for a few hours a day, then gradually increase their exposure. Bring them in at night if temperatures drop below 50°F.

Transplant

Once the risk of frost has passed—typically mid-March—it’s time to transplant your seedlings into the garden (but track the weather forecast in case of a late freeze). Plant them deep, pruning off the lower branches and burying two-thirds of the stem to encourage a robust root system. This simple trick helps the plants withstand heat and drought.

Worth the investment

Starting your own tomato seeds takes a little time and energy, but the rewards are priceless. Grow lights, trays and heat mats may seem like splurges, but they’re investments in future harvests. Plus, growing your own lets you explore a world of unique, flavorful varieties.

JOIN THE SWAP

There will be many Seed Swaps in North Texas in January. Check with your local Master Gardeners programs and nurseries for times and locations.

Edible Dallas Fort Worth (sponsored by Seed Savers Exchange) is hosting a seed and plant swap with Rooted In. This community gathering is meant to swap heirloom vegetable seeds, Texas native wildflower seeds, heirloom bulbs, fig cuttings and more.

The event is all about celebrating the joy of growing and sharing. Bring your extra seeds, plant materials and gardening knowledge to exchange with fellow enthusiasts. To keep the swap organized, we kindly ask that all seeds and plants be properly labeled. Please, no invasive species.

WHEN

1 pm to 4 pm Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025

WHERE

Rooted In
12804 Pelzel Road
Pilot Point
rootedin.com