What We Sow: On the Personal, Ecological, and Cultural Significance of Seeds
“A fascinating discourse on seeds, how we use and abuse them, and how to forge a more sustainable relationship with the seeds we depend on.” - Douglas W. Tallamy, author of Nature’s Best Hope
As we navigate the climate crisis, a sharp decline in biodiversity, financial uncertainty, and social unrest, we must reconsider what humans need most. One hope can be found in the humblest of forms—the seed. This tiny kernel can have an immense impact, providing us with community, family, clean water and air, and sufficient food. In WHAT WE SOW, author Jennifer Jewell reveals the power of seeds in our world "for food, for medicine, for utility, for the vast interconnected web we include in the concept of biodiversity and planetary health, for beauty, and for culture.”
Deeply insightful and thoroughly engaging, Jewell explores the natural history of seeds, the loopholes in the seed supply chain for growing “organic” plants, how agribusiness has patented genomes of staple foods like corn and soy, and the efforts of activists working to regain legal access to heirloom seeds that were stolen from Indigenous peoples and people of color. As Jewell marvels at the beautiful, wild seeds she encounters on her daily walks, she shows how, “to know and care for seeds ourselves [is] one of the most proactive steps we can take to rebuilding our human food systems, our social systems, and the global ecosystems of biodiversity on which we all depend.” In WHAT WE SOW, Jewell shares personal observations over the course of a year that begins at the autumn equinox, interviews prominent scientists and seed-savers, and proves how we must work hard to preserve our future by protecting the great natural diversity of seeds.
Details:
- Hardcover
- 392 pages
We are committed to lowering our impact on the planet by using eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging materials. We also embrace the power of recycling and often give old packaging a second life; as a result, your items may arrive in a reused package.
This purchase builds habitat.
Proceeds from every purchase in the TPF store support our nonprofit programs such as Adult Education, California Native Plant Landscaper Certification, Native Plant Garden Tour, Seed Conservation and much more. Your support makes the work we do possible!
Shipping & Returns
We do not ship plants.
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We accept returns and exchanges within 14 days after receipt for eligible items which are like-new and in their original condition, unused, unwashed, and undamaged. Original shipping fees are non-refundable. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen packages.
If your order is damaged or defective upon arrival, please email store@theodorepayne.org as soon as possible to organize a replacement. We address these on a case-by-case basis but will try our best to work towards a satisfactory solution.
Exclusions: All sales are final and no returns or exchanges will be accepted on plants, seeds, bulbs, gift cards, sale items, food, etc. If you're unsure, please check the product page to verify if the item is returnable.
