Growing from an avocado pit
It’s easy to take seeds for granted. When you bite into an apple or slice open an avocado, the seeds are visible and bountiful. Most of the time we throw them away, or at the very least, add them to our compost pile.
In developing countries, however, this is not the case. The following organizations are working to change that.
Heifer International
The Heifer Project is best known for donating livestock in developing countries. Did you know that you can donate a Gardener’s Basket as well? The goal is to help build sustainable farms and increase self-sufficiency.
The garden basket gift features tree seedlings, rabbits, chickens and a hive of bees as part of an integrated farming approach. Training consists of animal care, fertilization and growing techniques. Benefits:
- Boosts production by providing compost and fertilizer
- Provides organic pest control as chickens get rid of bugs and worms
- Pollinates crops for a more abundant harvest
Malnutrition is a very real problem for families suffering from poverty, one that claims the lives of many children each year. When you donate a garden, you enable families to support themselves with a healthy, balanced diet.
Garden baskets make ideal gifts for gardeners. (My friend Antonina donated on my behalf last Christmas!)
Yes to Seed Fund
Yes To Inc. is a local hair and skin care company, manufacturing sustainable, food-based products and packaging. In 2013 they committed 1% of profits to the Yes to Seed Fund. Additionally, 100% of the profits for Yes to Cucumbers towelettes goes to the seed fund while supplies last. I’ve snapped up a few at our local shop this afternoon. Their mission is to plant gardens around the globe.
Seeds for Change
Seeds for change is a seed donation program. Their goal is to promote self-sufficiency and at the same time bring healthy foods to impoverished rural families in the US. They’ve started a seed donation program to encourage families to grow their own fruits and vegetables.
It’s exciting to see local, national and international organizations sowing seeds around the globe.
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”
― Robert Louis Stevenson
Gardening Nirvana 
Oh, well done Alys! It is so good to highlight the organisations and people who are working for positive change for the whole world. I am always so happy to see posts like this and would love to see many more!!
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Thank you, Pauline. That makes me so happy.
There are many people and organizations, quietly making a difference. I wish we all heard more from them.
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Yes, wonderful Alys. Thank-you for highlighting these organisations and their fabulous work. My nephew is sixteen and he gathers every seed he can from the garden and keeps them to plant again the following season – he will be so interested in this post. I think, like your generous friend, we will definitely be donating some Gardener’s Baskets for birthdays this year. xoxoxoxoxox
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I love that your teen nephew is a seed-gatherer. That’s so enlightened. I’ve been saving for a couple of years and really enjoy it. I made cards and gave cosmo seeds for Christmas one year.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post.
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I opened your post and saw that avocado seed and immediately thought of my mother!! She used to do that all the time!
Love Heifer and have been the recipient and have gifted through that organization 🙂
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Hey, Laurie,
I’m glad you’re also a fan of Heifer. I think they’re amazing.
I loved hearing that your mom also grew from avocado pits. My son loves to do it. We don’t get that many viable ones, but when we do it is so much fun.
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I wish we could grow trees from seeds but I understand it doesn’t work that way. Something else I want to learn. I have seeds I so want to plant but never knew how to save them. Ok, 2 more things I want to learn. 🙂 I am so grateful for all these organizations that are saving seeds and teaching others how to grow their own food. Happy news is the best kind. Thanks.
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Thanks, Marlene.
I believe trees need cross pollination to grow. Flowers and vegetables can be grown from seed with success. I’ve grown tomatoes, pumpkins, peas and broccoli from seeds. It’s really fun to see them sprout.
Gosh there is so much to learn, isn’t there. I never tire of it either. 😉
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Really great post Alys, there’s so many unsung hero’s that are helping to make the world a better place. So nice to highlight your favourites. We sponsor a child thru World Vision (we’ve sponsored for over the past 25 years). Our current child, Eric and his family are part of a community benefiting from World Vision being in their lives. I get updates and cards a couple of times a year. I’m happy there are dedicated souls willing to travel there and help too. Baby steps, but what we all consider a small amount is really a generous amount in their countries. You’re a good soul, but then again I already knew that 😀 xoxo
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Thank you for sponsoring a child through World Vision. You have a good heart (but I already knew that). It’s amazing how far a dollar goes in developing countries isn’t it?
Eric was my father’s name. Wow.
I appreciate your kind words and always thoughtful comments. xo
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