The Heirloom Collard Project

Celebrating seed stories and seed saving traditions

Meet the Collards Watch Collard Week

<img src="https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Collards-Text.png?w=1080&ssl=1" alt="" title="Collards-Text" height="auto" width="auto" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Collards-Text.png?w=1433&ssl=1 1433w, https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Collards-Text.png?resize=300%2C43&ssl=1 300w, https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Collards-Text.png?resize=768%2C111&ssl=1 768w, https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Collards-Text.png?resize=1024%2C148&ssl=1 1024w, https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Collards-Text.png?resize=800%2C116&ssl=1 800w, https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Collards-Text.png?resize=400%2C58&ssl=1 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" class="wp-image-105" data-recalc-dims="1" />

The Heirloom Collard Project is a collaboration between Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, Seed Savers Exchange, Working Food, and The Utopian Seed Project. This project aims to build a coalition of seed stewards, gardeners, farmers, chefs, and seed companies working to preserve heirloom collard varieties and their culinary heritage.

Heirloom Collard Project 21 Collards - The Utopian Seed Project

<img src="https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/21-Collards_Heirloom-Collards-Project_tusp-scaled.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1" alt="Heirloom Collard Project 21 Collards - The Utopian Seed Project" title="Heirloom Collard Project 21 Collards - The Utopian Seed Project" height="auto" width="auto" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/21-Collards_Heirloom-Collards-Project_tusp-scaled.jpg?w=2560&ssl=1 2560w, https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/21-Collards_Heirloom-Collards-Project_tusp-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C180&ssl=1 300w, https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/21-Collards_Heirloom-Collards-Project_tusp-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C614&ssl=1 1024w, https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/21-Collards_Heirloom-Collards-Project_tusp-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C461&ssl=1 768w, https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/21-Collards_Heirloom-Collards-Project_tusp-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C922&ssl=1 1536w, https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/21-Collards_Heirloom-Collards-Project_tusp-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1229&ssl=1 2048w, https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/21-Collards_Heirloom-Collards-Project_tusp-scaled.jpg?resize=1080%2C648&ssl=1 1080w, https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/21-Collards_Heirloom-Collards-Project_tusp-scaled.jpg?resize=1280%2C768&ssl=1 1280w, https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/21-Collards_Heirloom-Collards-Project_tusp-scaled.jpg?resize=627%2C376&ssl=1 627w, https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/21-Collards_Heirloom-Collards-Project_tusp-scaled.jpg?resize=440%2C264&ssl=1 440w, https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/21-Collards_Heirloom-Collards-Project_tusp-scaled.jpg?w=2160&ssl=1 2160w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" class="wp-image-26331" data-recalc-dims="1" />

Collard Week

Binge Watch ALL The Presentations!

Michael Twitty, Ira Wallace, Amirah Mitchell and Ashleigh Shanti will lead presentations throughout a week of events celebrating collards!

Learn More

heirloomcollards

#Repost @melbelle206 (@get_repost) ・・・ Spend

#Repost @melbelle206 (@get_repost)
・・・
Spending time in the Collards! From the 2020 trial 3 varieties were saved for seed. Here I am in the Blue Collard varietys. The seeds will be a cross between Old Timey Blue and Tabitha Dykes. Looking forward to what may come of this.
Photo credit 📷 M.E. @m.e.thephd #HeirloomCollardProject

<img src="https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png?w=1080&ssl=1" alt="#Repost @melbelle206 (@get_repost) ・・・ Spending time in the Collards! From the 2020 trial 3 varieties were saved for seed. Here I am in the Blue Collard varietys. The seeds will be a cross between Old Timey Blue and Tabitha Dykes. Looking forward to what may come of this. Photo credit 📷 M.E. @m.e.thephd #HeirloomCollardProject" data-recalc-dims="1">

Amazing opportunity to support and develop black,

Amazing opportunity to support and develop black, indigenous and farmers of color.

#Repost @braidingseedsfellowship (@get_repost)
・・・
Apply at this page: https://www.soulfirefarm.org/food-sovereignty-education/immersion/fellowship/

<img src="https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png?w=1080&ssl=1" alt="Amazing opportunity to support and develop black, indigenous and farmers of color. #Repost @braidingseedsfellowship (@get_repost) ・・・ Apply at this page: https://www.soulfirefarm.org/food-sovereignty-education/immersion/fellowship/" data-recalc-dims="1">

#Repost @melbelle206 (@get_repost) ・・・ In 20

#Repost @melbelle206 (@get_repost)
・・・
In 2020 growers across the US participated in the #HeirloomCollardProject @heirloomcollards where they and I grew heirloom collard varieties. The PNW had 4 growers who grew out all 20 varieties! Read this article to learn more about this cooperative endeavor. Link available in my bio. #YearOfTheCollard

<img src="https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png?w=1080&ssl=1" alt="#Repost @melbelle206 (@get_repost) ・・・ In 2020 growers across the US participated in the #HeirloomCollardProject @heirloomcollards where they and I grew heirloom collard varieties. The PNW had 4 growers who grew out all 20 varieties! Read this article to learn more about this cooperative endeavor. Link available in my bio. #YearOfTheCollard" data-recalc-dims="1">

#Repost @utopianseedproject (@get_repost)
・・・
Most of the collards are at various stages of bolting. Collards have perfect flowers but are self incompatible, meaning they are obligate outcrossers - their genetics WILL get mixed up. This could be within a variety if you just have one planted, or in our case, with 21 varieties, there is a high chance of a large scale mashup! These collards have survived the winter with no protection (with some pretty cold nights - 8F low). So we're going to save the seeds of the survivors as the first step towards a WNC Landrace.

@heirloomcollards

#collards #heirloomcollardsproject #landrace #breeding #farming

<img src="https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png?w=1080&ssl=1" alt="#Repost @utopianseedproject (@get_repost) ・・・ Most of the collards are at various stages of bolting. Collards have perfect flowers but are self incompatible, meaning they are obligate outcrossers - their genetics WILL get mixed up. This could be within a variety if you just have one planted, or in our case, with 21 varieties, there is a high chance of a large scale mashup! These collards have survived the winter with no protection (with some pretty cold nights - 8F low). So we're going to save the seeds of the survivors as the first step towards a WNC Landrace. @heirloomcollards #collards #heirloomcollardsproject #landrace #breeding #farming" data-recalc-dims="1">

One of our project leaders is REALLY in love with

One of our project leaders is REALLY in love with COLLARDS 💚

#Repost @norahhum (@get_repost)
・・・
1.3 million Miss Annie Pearl Counselman heirloom collard seeds ❤️ next stop @seed_savers_exchange catalog! #heirloomcollardproject

<img src="https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png?w=1080&ssl=1" alt="One of our project leaders is REALLY in love with COLLARDS 💚 #Repost @norahhum (@get_repost) ・・・ 1.3 million Miss Annie Pearl Counselman heirloom collard seeds ❤️ next stop @seed_savers_exchange catalog! #heirloomcollardproject" data-recalc-dims="1">

#Repost @tennesseefarmtable (@get_repost)
・・・
This is Kelly Smith Trimble, reading from her book Vegetable Gardening Wisdom, a collection of seasonal advice and inspiration for edible gardeners. Look at her adorable red boots!

I took this picture in my barn as we recorded for my radio show and podcast. Kelly is an editor, writer, and gardener living in Knoxville, Tennessee. She’s currently the senior digital editorial director for HGTV, where she answers vegetable gardening questions in a social video series called Dig It, with more than a million views collectively. Sometimes her dog Rufus makes a showing. She has also been a writer and editor for Southern Living, the National Park Foundation, and Bonnie Plants. Her vegetable garden was featured in the June 2020 issue of Southern Living magazine.

Kelly is such a creative soul, and she is helping people every day grow healthier edible gardens. Visit her page to find her book and to connect with her @kellysmithtrimble

If you are looking for a special present for Mom, Kelly’s book will make a perfect Mother’s Day present. And she does not pay me a dime to brag on her or her work.

If you missed the radio broadcast of this show with Kelly letting us know about her gardening, writing, thoughts on growing, and her book, I invite you to listen to the podcast through the link in my bio.

<img src="https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png?w=1080&ssl=1" alt="#Repost @tennesseefarmtable (@get_repost) ・・・ This is Kelly Smith Trimble, reading from her book Vegetable Gardening Wisdom, a collection of seasonal advice and inspiration for edible gardeners. Look at her adorable red boots! I took this picture in my barn as we recorded for my radio show and podcast. Kelly is an editor, writer, and gardener living in Knoxville, Tennessee. She’s currently the senior digital editorial director for HGTV, where she answers vegetable gardening questions in a social video series called Dig It, with more than a million views collectively. Sometimes her dog Rufus makes a showing. She has also been a writer and editor for Southern Living, the National Park Foundation, and Bonnie Plants. Her vegetable garden was featured in the June 2020 issue of Southern Living magazine. Kelly is such a creative soul, and she is helping people every day grow healthier edible gardens. Visit her page to find her book and to connect with her @kellysmithtrimble If you are looking for a special present for Mom, Kelly’s book will make a perfect Mother’s Day present. And she does not pay me a dime to brag on her or her work. If you missed the radio broadcast of this show with Kelly letting us know about her gardening, writing, thoughts on growing, and her book, I invite you to listen to the podcast through the link in my bio." data-recalc-dims="1">

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This project is run by a collaboration of organizing partners and collard lovers. Learn more and support their organizations:

<img src="https://i0.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Tusp-logo-final-color.png?w=1080&ssl=1" alt="" title="Tusp logo final - color" height="auto" width="auto" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Tusp-logo-final-color.png?w=1920&ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Tusp-logo-final-color.png?resize=225%2C300&ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Tusp-logo-final-color.png?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Tusp-logo-final-color.png?resize=1152%2C1536&ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Tusp-logo-final-color.png?resize=1536%2C2048&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Tusp-logo-final-color.png?resize=1080%2C1440&ssl=1 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" class="wp-image-25923" data-recalc-dims="1" />

<img src="https://i1.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/southern-exposure-seed-exchange-logo.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1" alt="southern-exposure-seed-exchange-logo" title="southern-exposure-seed-exchange-logo" height="auto" width="auto" srcset="https://i1.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/southern-exposure-seed-exchange-logo.jpg?w=474&ssl=1 474w, https://i1.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/southern-exposure-seed-exchange-logo.jpg?resize=284%2C300&ssl=1 284w, https://i1.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/southern-exposure-seed-exchange-logo.jpg?resize=171%2C180&ssl=1 171w" sizes="(max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px" class="wp-image-89" data-recalc-dims="1" />

<img src="https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/6864_Seed-Savers-Exchange-logo-SMALL.png?w=1080&ssl=1" alt="seed savers exchange logo" title="6864_Seed-Savers-Exchange-logo-SMALL" height="auto" width="auto" srcset="https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/6864_Seed-Savers-Exchange-logo-SMALL.png?w=973&ssl=1 973w, https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/6864_Seed-Savers-Exchange-logo-SMALL.png?resize=300%2C105&ssl=1 300w, https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/6864_Seed-Savers-Exchange-logo-SMALL.png?resize=768%2C268&ssl=1 768w" sizes="(max-width: 973px) 100vw, 973px" class="wp-image-26213" data-recalc-dims="1" />

<img src="https://i1.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/logo.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1" alt="" title="logo" height="auto" width="auto" srcset="https://i1.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/logo.jpg?w=225&ssl=1 225w, https://i1.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/logo.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w" sizes="(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" class="wp-image-25925" data-recalc-dims="1" />

<img src="https://i1.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cbnlogo.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1" alt="" title="cbnlogo" height="auto" width="auto" class="wp-image-25924" data-recalc-dims="1" />