Seeds distributed to Alaska villages

Heidi Rader, in collaboration with the Tanana Chiefs Conference and Johnny’s Seeds, has sent out seeds to 28 Interior Alaska Tribes for 557 gardeners.

Seeds are sent in bulk directly from Johnny’s Seeds, an organic seed company. Rader sent out bags and labels for seeds and instructions for holding a seed-sharing event. She has overseen this seed distribution in the TCC region for 18 years. A survey of the Tribes showed this program is rated as very important to them.

Twenty-three varieties of seeds were sent — mostly vegetables, a few flowers and a few herbs. Varieties that are easy to grow and productive in Interior Alaska growing conditions are selected. See the chart below for varieties.