Seeds: our future food, with Adam Alexander

In this episode, host Oliver Parsons interviews Adam Alexander, known as The Seed Detective, who has dedicated his efforts to preserving rare seed varieties through his book 'The Accidental Seed Heroes'. Adam shares stories from his experiences and highlights the catastrophic consequences of growing food from a narrow pool of seed varieties.

Adam recounts his early inspirations that led him to seed saving, particularly an instance in Ukraine where he discovered unique pepper varieties that sparked his curiosity. He educates listeners on why home gardeners should care about saving seeds, including economic benefits and the creation of a personal connection to the food they produce.

The discussion touches on the relationship between seeds and their specific growing environments. Adam points out that open-pollinated traditional varieties adapt better to local conditions compared to modern cultivars, making them more resilient to climate stress, diseases, and pests. Furthermore, he mentions the diversity inherent in planting multiple varieties to help secure a harvest under various conditions.

Adam also emphasizes the importance of soil health and composting as fundamental elements for successful gardening. He encourages gardeners to grow a diverse range of crops, collect seeds from successful plants, and participate in seed swaps within their community, ultimately strengthening local food resilience against the backdrop of global agricultural challenges.