Seed Chat with Bill McDorman

Greg Peterson and seed expert Bill McDorman dig into the urgent need for climate-resilient seeds as global conditions shift. They explore how traditional varieties falter under heat, drought, flooding, and unpredictable weather—and why locally adapted, open-pollinated seeds are becoming essential tools for regional food security. Bill outlines practical pathways for gardeners and growers to build resilience through diversity, landrace gardening, and modern microbiome research. Together they offer a grounded, hopeful roadmap for anyone looking to future-proof their garden or local food system.

Key Topics

• Climate-resilient seeds
• Open-pollinated varieties
• Local adaptation
• Landrace gardening
• Soil microbiome & mycorrhizae
• Rizophagy (Dr. James White, Rutgers)
• Elliot Coleman
• John Jeavons
• Al Gore COP30 climate update
• Heritage grains & wheat diversity
• Seed libraries & seed exchanges
• National seed infrastructure concerns
• Joseph Lofthouse & Going to Seed
• Genetic diversity & heterosis
• Key Questions Answered

Why do traditional seed varieties fail under climate chaos?

Because they were bred for stable, narrow climate ranges with controlled inputs—conditions that no longer exist. Locally adapted seeds handle stress better and evolve alongside changing weather patterns.

How can home gardeners contribute to climate adaptation?

By introducing maximum genetic diversity into their gardens—mixing varieties, saving seeds, and participating in regional seed exchanges. This creates plant populations that actively adapt to local conditions.

What is landrace gardening and why does it matter now?

Landrace gardening mixes many varieties of the same crop and lets natural selection reveal the most resilient performers. It dramatically increases adaptability and requires less space and time than traditional trialing.

How do soil organisms like mycorrhizae and bacteria affect climate resilience?

They increase nutrient uptake, boost disease resistance, and help plants tolerate extreme conditions. Emerging rizophagy research shows plants actively cultivate microbes to meet stress.

What resources should new growers explore to build resilience?

Classics like The New Organic Grower (Elliot Coleman), How to Grow More Vegetables (John Jeavons), Joseph Lofthouse’s Landrace Gardening, and foundational seed-saving guides.

Episode Highlights

• Climate resilience requires local action, not waiting for national agricultural reform.
• Al Gore’s COP30 update emphasizes the urgency of transitioning agriculture.
• Soil microbiology breakthroughs (rizophagy) are reshaping how we understand plant roots.
• Most commercial varieties were never tested across wide climates—huge opportunity remains.
• Wheat alone has 400,000 documented varieties, yet only a handful dominate U.S. production.
• Diversity—not uniformity—is the foundation of resilience.
• Landrace gardening allows growers to trial hundreds of varieties in small spaces.
• Seed sharing and regional networks may become essential if national systems weaken.

Calls to Action & Resources

• Seed Chat Live — SeedChat.org
• Going to Seed Project — https://goingtoseed.org
• Urban Farm Podcast — https://urbanfarm.org
• Landrace Gardening (Joseph Lofthouse) — https://goingtoseed.org/landrace-gardening
• Basic Seed Saving (Bill McDorman) — GreatAmericanSeedUp.org
• Soil Microbiome Research (Dr. James White/Rutgers) — Search “rizophagy James White Rutgers” on YouTube

Visit UrbanFarm.org/922 for the show notes and links on this episode!

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