Don Tipping has been at the seed starting game a long time. 

He’s farmed and stewarded seeds at Seven Seeds Farm since 1997, founded Siskiyou Seeds in 2009, and now grows over 700 open-pollinated varieties, breeding for bio-regional strength in Southwest Oregon’s variable climate.

He’s seen the industrial seed game up close: big companies sourcing globally, pushing flashy hybrids while workhorse open-pollinated lines get neglected.

His work pushes back, prioritizing adaptation to local pests, weather, and soil so your garden thrives without constant inputs.

The core truth is quiet and powerful:

• Start from seed for control over every dial (light, soil, timing)
• Source bio-regionally adapted varieties for plants that are adapted to your climate
• Prioritize workhorse varieties for a more reliable harvest
• Keep a journal, talk to neighbors, swap seeds, and don’t underestimate the power of local wisdom

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by seed starting, spent way too much money on transplants that didn’t produce, or wondered why your results vary crop by crop and season by season, this conversation will give you all the tools and information you need to get growing.