Seeds: The Definitive Guide to Growing, History, and Lore

By Peter Loewer

It is science made simple but not simplistic — detailed, delightful and never dull.

Los Angeles Times

Much of life on earth begins and ends with seeds. From the practical concerns of seed savers and collectors to the ancient lore, history, and biology of seeds, this is a must read for anyone interested in preserving seed biodiversity. Detailed advice on buying, storing and germinating, sterilizing soil, indoor to outdoor transplanting — even building cold frames, is included. Blending science and hands-on experience, Seeds is fascinating, practical, and useful.

  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 240 pp.
  • Book dimensions: 6 x 9 in. (150 x 230 mm.)
  • Images: 48 b/w illustrations
  • ISBN-10: 0881926825
  • ISBN-13: 9780881926828

Media reviews

"An informative, easy to read, and entertaining book covering many topics relating to plant seeds."

—Lee Luckeydoo, Sida, Contributions to Botany

"Will interest anyone interested in the life of plants and the planet ... Eminently readable ... provides refreshing reading to a devoted gardener during the quiet winter months when there is little work to be done outdoors."

—Dorothea Bedigian, Plant Science Bulletin

"Gardeners with any interest at all in botanical matters will be fascinated by Loewer's tales and pictures detailing the how and why of the workings of seeds."

HortIdeas

"Peter Loewer has proven himself one of the most interesting writers to address the topic."

—Jean Starr, Munster (IN) Times

"This is a resource book that is also fun to read."

—Marianne Binetti, Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"It is science made simple but not simplistic–detailed, delightful and never dull."

—Lili Singer, Los Angeles Times

"This great work takes you through the history, anatomy, growing methods, and just about everything else you need to know on seeds."

—Dale Langford, Rocky Mountain News

"I haven't tried Loewer's techniques, but they look well thought out and his directions are comprehensive."

—Caroline McCullagh, Let's Talk Plants

"We're very pleased to see this classic back in print — and the thoroughly updated chapter listing seed sources and reference works is a great bonus!"

HortIdeas

"Reader-friendly methods for germination, stratification, collection and storage are just the tip of the iceberg ... This is a how-to interspersed with lots of interesting trivia that gives seeds the drama of a romantic spy thriller."

—Jean Starr, Munster (IN) Times

About the author

Peter Loewer

Peter Loewer is a longstanding writer of (and botanical artist for) many gardening and natural history books. His book The Wild Gardener was chosen as one of the 75 best gardening books of the 20th century by the American Horticultural Society. He is the contributing editor to Carolina Gardener magazine and a popular speaker.

Read more about Peter Loewer

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$17.95

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