In this blog, Heather from GTI Australia sits down with Mark Gatter, a seasoned eco-gardener and author, for an insightful interview.

Seed Saving for a thriving future: Insights from Mark Gatter, author and eco-gardener

Gardening is more than a personal pastime; it’s an act that embraces nature’s cycles, supports biodiversity and contributes to sustainable living. Among the most meaningful ways to connect with the earth is through seed saving, a practice that allows growers to conserve heirloom varieties, nurture stronger plants and reclaim some autonomy from commercial agriculture.

To explore this topic, I sat down with Mark Gatter, a seasoned eco-gardener and author of international gardening books. With decades of experience, Mark brings insight into how seed saving supports local biodiversity and why it’s particularly crucial for home growers who want healthier, more adaptable plants.

The seeds we use shape our future

“One staggering statistic that always stays with me,” Mark said, “is that only 3% of the vegetable varieties available to gardeners in 1900 are still around today. That’s an incredible loss of biodiversity.” Much of this decline stems from the shift to industrialised farming, which prioritises uniformity at the expense of the genetic diversity needed for resilience.

Mark highlights that the needs of commercial and domestic growers are often at odds. “Farmers want everything to ripen at once so they can go in, harvest the field and move on to the next crop. But home gardeners are the opposite—we want our vegetables to ripen gradually so we can enjoy fresh produce over an extended period,” he explained. Because large-scale agriculture has much more sway when it comes to seed development, the preferences of domestic growers are often sidelined.

This reliance on standardised seeds results in many plants being bred for characteristics like thick skins for shipping or resistance to specific pesticides, often at the cost of taste, nutrition and adaptability. Certified F1 hybrids, for example, dominate today’s seed market.

“For instance, compare an out-of-season tomato bought from your local supermarket to one that was home-grown. There’s a huge difference, and it’s one that most of us have already encountered.”

F1 hybrids vs. open-pollinated seeds

Many of the seeds you’ll encounter in stores are F1 hybrids, which are created by crossing two different parent plants to enhance traits like pest or drought resistance. “F1 hybrids will often give you great crops, but they come with a catch,” Mark noted. “They don’t breed true, meaning you can’t save seeds from them and get the same results the next year. That leaves growers stuck buying new seeds every season.” This dependence reduces self-sufficiency and doesn’t support biodiversity.

On the other hand, open-pollinated (OP) seeds offer a practical and sustainable alternative. These seeds are pollinated naturally by wind or insects and breed true to type, meaning the plants you grow from saved seeds will retain the same characteristics as their parents. “If you save seeds from open-pollinated varieties,” Mark added, “you’re not only breaking free from commercial systems but also creating plants better adapted to your specific garden.” 

Gardening wisdom from the Californian mountains

Mark also shared a beautiful story about his experience with seed saving when living almost self-sufficient in the Californian mountains in the 80s. He recounted being inspired by Lama Yeshe, who imparted some gardening wisdom about replanting the saved seed in your garden the following year. He said that the seeds would adapt to the local environment and produce better plants. Testing this himself, Mark found that his plants thrived with greater Vigor. Over time, he observed how the seeds adapted to the local environment and produced noticeably better plants. The underlying biological process is simple but powerful. Through selection and adaptation, plants become naturally attuned to the conditions in which they grow, optimising their performance.

The simple joys of seed saving 

For beginners looking to get started, Mark recommends starting with plants that naturally self-pollinate, such as climbing beans (but not runner beans, they cross like crazy!), peas, and tomatoes which are simple to save seeds from. “Beans and peas actually self-pollinate before the flower even opens,” he explained. “Tomatoes are also easy to manage. Just scoop out the seeds, let them dry naturally and store them. It’s that simple.” 

Mark also offers a tip for those interested in saving seeds from more challenging crops, like squash or cucumbers which can cross-pollinate easily. “To maintain purity, you either need to separate plants by distance or hand-pollinate them and keep the flowers isolated.” Sweetcorn, he adds, requires a different approach. “You need at least 20 plants to maintain a wide genetic spectrum; otherwise, each generation becomes less vigorous.”

Seed saving isn’t just practical; it’s fulfilling. “It frees you from any commercial interests,” Mark said with a smile. “Plus, it’s fun! You always end up with far more seeds than you need, which means there’s plenty to share with friends and neighbours.”

Why biodiversity is a must-have, not a nice-to-have

Biodiversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the secret sauce of resilient ecosystems. Plants bred for uniformity are inherently fragile and more vulnerable to pests, diseases and climate stresses. Open-pollinated seeds, on the other hand, maintain the genetic variety essential for adaptation. 

Take the Irish Potato Famine:  A reliance on a single crop, the potato, made the entire food system vulnerable to blight, illustrating how critical diversity is to resilience. Modern studies agree. Research published in Nature highlights how genetic variation enhances a crop’s ability to withstand environmental crises.

By saving your own seeds, you’re not just growing food; you’re nurturing the threads of life itself. You’re joining a community of growers who understand that every saved seed represents a step toward a healthier, more sustainable planet.

A final thought from Mark Gatter

Once you start saving seeds, it’s hard to stop, Mark confessed. There’s something so rewarding about seeing your plants thrive year after year. It’s a reminder that even small actions, like saving a single seed, can contribute to something much larger.

Through our choices as gardeners and growers, we have the power to nurture biodiversity, promote sustainability and reconnect with the rhythms of the earth. It’s not just about planting or harvesting; it’s about being part of the greater web of life.

Growing a more resilient tomorrow

Seed saving offers not only a way to garden smarter but also a way to participate in the vital task of restoring balance to our ecosystems. Whether you’re a new backyard grower, or a seasoned gardener, this simple yet profound act has the power to transform gardens, communities and even global food systems. 

And if you’re hesitant, just try it, you’re not only planting seeds in the soil, but you’re also planting the roots of a stronger, healthier future. Thank you Mark for sharing your seed saving wisdom with us.

References: 

The benefits of seed saving, including self-reliance and biodiversity, are discussed in this Seed Savers blog.

Insights into seed saving and biodiversity preservation are detailed in this Fiveable study guide.

Nature, “Genome evolution and diversity of wild and cultivated potatoes,” published in Nature on June 8, 2022 In Celebration of Seed.

Mark Gatter’s gardening books, “How to Grow Food in Your Polytunnel: All Year Round,” are available on Amazon.

A collection of gardening books by Mark Gatter and others can be found on Acres USA.