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 @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">

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

#Repost @melbelle206 (@get_repost)
・・・
After corn tortilla tasting we stopped in at @organic_seed_alliance #CollardTrial2020. Last chance to select which varieties to save and isolated for seed as the plants are bolting and ready to flower. #PotLicker

<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) ・・・ After corn tortilla tasting we stopped in at @organic_seed_alliance #CollardTrial2020. Last chance to select which varieties to save and isolated for seed as the plants are bolting and ready to flower. #PotLicker" data-recalc-dims="1">

Check out @gardenandgun stories to see Ira, Southe

Check out @gardenandgun stories to see Ira, Southern Exposure, and some collards!

#Repost @gardenandgun
• • • • • •
A year of staying home has given many Southerners more time than ever to garden. Gardeners like Ira Wallace of Virginia's @southernexposureseed reconnect us with the roots that link us to plants and people through the ages—head to our Instagram Story for tips on winter gardening from Wallace. And at the link in bio, editors, contributors, and readers share seed catalog finds: the tiny kernels of history they’re planning to plant this season.

<img src="https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png?w=1080&ssl=1" alt="Check out @gardenandgun stories to see Ira, Southern Exposure, and some collards! #Repost @gardenandgun • • • • • • A year of staying home has given many Southerners more time than ever to garden. Gardeners like Ira Wallace of Virginia's @southernexposureseed reconnect us with the roots that link us to plants and people through the ages—head to our Instagram Story for tips on winter gardening from Wallace. And at the link in bio, editors, contributors, and readers share seed catalog finds: the tiny kernels of history they’re planning to plant this season." data-recalc-dims="1">

It's awesome to be working with great partners lik

It's awesome to be working with great partners like @melbelle206

Check out @blackfoodfund for more information.

#Repost @culinarybreedingnetwork (@get_repost)
・・・
.
Follow @blackfoodfund to learn more about Black food leaders in the PNW. Starting with the awesome @melbelle206 of WA who spent this season growing Rockwell beans (an heirloom dry bean that has been grown in the Whidbey, WA area since the late 1800s) for seed and participating in the national @heirloomcollards trial. 💚

Repost @blackfoodfund
・・・
Starting today, the Black Food Fund will be highlighting Black food system leaders from across the Pacific Northwest for #BlackHistoryMonth!

Thank you to everyone who has submitted nominations. First up, we are excited to feature Melony Edwards @melbelle206

Melony is a first-generation farmer whose ancestors traveled north after emancipation in the journey known as the Great Migration, for a better life away from the fields of sorrow that they had grown to know. After completing degrees in culinary arts and hospitality, and working in all facets of foodservice, Edwards began wondering, “Where does our food come from? And why are there no visible Black farmers at the local farmers market?” Edwards found that gaining access to entry-level farming training in the rural landscape was exclusive, but she was determined to learn agricultural skills outside of her urban setting.

Her journey of reclaiming farming landed her on a 20-acre mixed vegetable farm on rural Whidbey Island, WA where she immersed herself in small-scale agricultural practices. Edwards' current pursuits include acquiring seed saving knowledge and her personal passion for fiber arts. Despite the setbacks posed by various events in 2020, her business Ebony By Nature @ebony.by.nature, a Black-owned, nature-focused company is on its way to you.

<img src="https://i2.wp.com/heirloomcollards.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png?w=1080&ssl=1" alt="It's awesome to be working with great partners like @melbelle206 Check out @blackfoodfund for more information. #Repost @culinarybreedingnetwork (@get_repost) ・・・ . Follow @blackfoodfund to learn more about Black food leaders in the PNW. Starting with the awesome @melbelle206 of WA who spent this season growing Rockwell beans (an heirloom dry bean that has been grown in the Whidbey, WA area since the late 1800s) for seed and participating in the national @heirloomcollards trial. 💚 Repost @blackfoodfund ・・・ Starting today, the Black Food Fund will be highlighting Black food system leaders from across the Pacific Northwest for #BlackHistoryMonth! Thank you to everyone who has submitted nominations. First up, we are excited to feature Melony Edwards @melbelle206 Melony is a first-generation farmer whose ancestors traveled north after emancipation in the journey known as the Great Migration, for a better life away from the fields of sorrow that they had grown to know. After completing degrees in culinary arts and hospitality, and working in all facets of foodservice, Edwards began wondering, “Where does our food come from? And why are there no visible Black farmers at the local farmers market?” Edwards found that gaining access to entry-level farming training in the rural landscape was exclusive, but she was determined to learn agricultural skills outside of her urban setting. Her journey of reclaiming farming landed her on a 20-acre mixed vegetable farm on rural Whidbey Island, WA where she immersed herself in small-scale agricultural practices. Edwards' current pursuits include acquiring seed saving knowledge and her personal passion for fiber arts. Despite the setbacks posed by various events in 2020, her business Ebony By Nature @ebony.by.nature, a Black-owned, nature-focused company is on its way to you." 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" />