Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds was founded in 1998 by Jere Gettle in Mansfield, Missouri. Gettle’s passion for gardening and heirloom seeds started at a young age. At just 17 years old, he turned his passion into a business by printing and mailing his first seed catalog. What began as a modest endeavor has grown into one of the largest and most well-respected heirloom seed companies in the United States.
Mission and Values
The company’s mission is to promote and preserve agricultural and culinary heritage by offering a diverse selection of heirloom seeds. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds is dedicated to:
- Biodiversity: By offering a wide variety of heirloom seeds, they help preserve genetic diversity in the global food supply, which is crucial for resilience against pests, diseases, and changing climate conditions.
- Quality: They are committed to providing high-quality seeds that are non-GMO, untreated, and open-pollinated. Each variety is carefully selected for its unique characteristics, flavor, and historical significance.
- Education: The company places a strong emphasis on educating the public about the importance of heirloom seeds and sustainable gardening practices. They provide resources, workshops, and community events to support gardeners of all levels.
Product Range
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds offers an extensive catalog of over 1,800 varieties of seeds, including:
- Vegetables: A wide array of tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, and more, each with unique flavors, colors, and histories.
- Flowers: Heirloom flower varieties that add beauty and biodiversity to gardens, such as zinnias, marigolds, and sunflowers.
- Herbs: Culinary and medicinal herbs like basil, thyme, and echinacea, valued for their uses and traditional significance.
- Grains: Ancient grains such as quinoa, amaranth, and millet, which offer nutritional benefits and culinary versatility.
Operations and Facilities
Baker Creek’s headquarters is located on a historic 176-acre farm in Mansfield, Missouri. The farm includes:
- Seed Store: A beautifully restored 1800s-style mercantile where visitors can purchase seeds and gardening supplies.
- Heritage Gardens: Display gardens showcasing many of the heirloom varieties offered in their catalog. These gardens serve as a living museum of agricultural history.
- Trial Gardens: Extensive areas where new seed varieties are tested for viability, flavor, and performance before being added to the catalog.
- Greenhouses: Facilities for starting seedlings and growing plants year-round, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh seeds.
Events and Community Engagement
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds hosts several events throughout the year to engage with the gardening community and promote heirloom varieties. Notable events include:
- Spring Planting Festival: An annual event that attracts thousands of visitors. It features gardening workshops, heirloom seed swaps, live music, and a market with vendors offering plants, crafts, and local food.
- Heritage Day: Celebrated on the first Sunday of each month from March to October, this event offers free garden tours, demonstrations, and activities that highlight traditional gardening and farming practices.
- The National Heirloom Exposition: Held in Santa Rosa, California, this expo is one of the largest gatherings of heirloom enthusiasts in the world. It includes seed exchanges, lectures from gardening experts, and exhibits showcasing heirloom produce.
Publications and Resources
Baker Creek produces an annual seed catalog, often referred to as the “Whole Seed Catalog.” This publication is more than just a list of seeds; it is a comprehensive resource that includes:
- Detailed Descriptions: Information on the history, cultivation, and culinary uses of each seed variety.
- Gardening Tips: Practical advice for growing and caring for heirloom plants.
- Recipes: Culinary ideas that highlight the flavors and versatility of heirloom produce.
- Inspiring Stories: Features on gardeners, farmers, and seed savers who contribute to the heirloom movement.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds is involved in numerous philanthropic efforts and advocacy initiatives, including:
- Seed Donations: Providing free seeds to schools, community gardens, and non-profit organizations to support education and local food production.
- Support for Farmers: Partnering with small farmers and seed savers to help preserve rare varieties and promote sustainable agriculture.
- Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about the importance of seed diversity and the threats posed by genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and industrial agriculture.
Impact and Legacy
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds has made a significant impact on the gardening and farming community by:
- Preserving Diversity: Helping to safeguard thousands of heirloom varieties that might otherwise be lost.
- Educating the Public: Raising awareness about the importance of heirloom seeds and sustainable gardening practices.
- Building Community: Creating a network of gardeners, farmers, and food enthusiasts who are passionate about preserving agricultural heritage.
The success and growth of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds demonstrate the increasing interest in and demand for heirloom and specialty crops. By staying true to their mission and values, Baker Creek has become a leading voice in the movement to preserve our agricultural heritage and promote a more sustainable and diverse food system.