Business Details
28 Years
experience
Heirloom Seeds Preservation & Education Center
Founded in 1998, our organization has dedicated over 25 years to preserving heirloom seeds and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Southern Appalachia. We specialize in collecting, growing, and distributing over 175 varieties of heirloom beans and tomatoes while educating students and farmers about traditional seed-saving techniques. Our team works across Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina to maintain biodiversity through partnerships with colleges, FFA chapters, and local communities.We host annual seed swaps and provide educational resources on crop preservation, maintaining a strong commitment to regional food sovereignty. Our expertise in heirloom crop cultivation stems from decades of hands-on experience and collaboration with generational farmers.
Services
Heirloom Seed Sales
Agricultural Education
Seed Preservation Workshops
Regional Farming Support
Online Catalog
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience preserving Appalachian heirloom seeds
- We partner with colleges and FFA chapters for agricultural education
- We maintain seed diversity across three states: NC, KY, and TN
- We host annual seed preservation workshops and community events
- We offer regionally adapted heirloom varieties unavailable elsewhere
Services
Heirloom Seed Sales
We offer over 175 heirloom bean varieties and heirloom tomatoes for sale. Our seeds are grown in Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina using traditional methods. Each packet contains carefully preserved seeds with documented family histories and growing instructions.
Agricultural Education
We train college students and FFA members in seed-saving techniques and sustainable farming practices. Our programs focus on preserving traditional agricultural knowledge while developing modern market opportunities for heirloom crops.
Seed Preservation Workshops
We conduct workshops on proper seed-saving techniques and cultural preservation. Participants learn about maintaining crop biodiversity and traditional farming methods passed down through Appalachian families for generations.
Regional Farming Support
We support local farmers through seed exchanges and market development programs. Our initiatives help Appalachian counties achieve food self-sufficiency by promoting heirloom crop cultivation and farmers' market growth.
Online Catalog
We maintain an online catalog featuring heirloom beans, tomatoes, and other crops. The platform provides detailed growing information, seed histories, and ordering options for customers nationwide.
People
Bill Best
Founder
Bill Best has preserved Appalachian heirloom seeds for over 25 years. He established the center after discovering family bean varieties' cultural significance. He continues growing and educating about traditional seed-saving methods.
Questions
What heirloom seed varieties do you offer?
We offer over 175 heirloom bean varieties and multiple heirloom tomato types including black, green, yellow, red, and bi-color tomatoes.
How are seeds shipped?
All orders ship via USPS in brown padded envelopes with tracking. Delivery typically takes 1-2 days, though spring orders may take up to 10 days during peak season.
Do you offer growing instructions?
Yes, we provide planting guidance including 12-18 inch spacing and ½ inch planting depth for beans. Our website includes detailed growing and preservation information.
Are your tomatoes determinate or indeterminate?
All our tomato varieties are indeterminate, producing fruit throughout the growing season when properly cared for.
Do you accept seed donations?
Yes, we welcome heirloom seed donations with family histories. Send samples to our Gatesville, NC address for potential inclusion in our collection.
When is the annual seed swap?
Our annual seed exchange occurs the first Saturday in November at Churchill's Historic Venue in Berea, Kentucky.