Hudson Valley Seed Company: Cultivating Gardens, Stories, and Sustainability This Spring
The first whispers of spring are finally in the air. The ground is still a little cold, the last patches of snow are melting away, and gardeners everywhere are feeling that familiar itch to dig their hands into the soil. There is no better time than the first week of spring to talk about seeds, growth, and the magic of cultivating something from almost nothing. And there is no better place to start that conversation than with Hudson Valley Seed Company.
Tucked away in the picturesque town of Accord, New York, Hudson Valley Seed Company is not just selling seeds. They are preserving history, nurturing biodiversity, and making sure that gardens across the region and beyond are filled with plants that are as rich in story as they are in flavor and beauty.
As co-founder K Greene puts it, “Seeds are the memory keepers of our food traditions. When we grow them, we’re not just growing plants. We’re growing stories, cultures, and connections.”
But before we get lost in poetic musings, let’s dig into what makes Hudson Valley Seed Company such a unique and beloved part of the Hudson Valley landscape.
How a Library Card Started a Seed Revolution
Hudson Valley Seed Company founders K Greene and Doug Muller
Not every seed company begins in a library, but Hudson Valley Seed Company did. Back in 2004, K Greene was a librarian at the Gardiner Public Library, and like many good stories, his journey started with curiosity.
“I had just started learning about seeds and how they were disappearing,” Greene recalls. “I thought, well, libraries save stories in books—why can’t they save stories in seeds too?”
What began as a small project to let library patrons “check out” seeds and return a portion of what they grew turned into something much bigger. Greene realized that people were eager to reconnect with seed-saving traditions, but they needed access to quality, open-pollinated seeds that were meant to be grown, harvested, and shared.
So in 2008, with his partner Doug Muller, he took a leap and transformed the seed library into Hudson Valley Seed Company.
“At first, we ran it out of an old oak dresser,” Muller says with a laugh. “Then we upgraded to a renovated concession stand at an old summer camp. Now we have a full organic farm and a team dedicated to growing, preserving, and sharing seeds.”
More Than Just Seeds: The Art of Growing Stories
One of the things that set Hudson Valley Seed Company apart is their love of storytelling. Instead of packaging their seeds in plain paper envelopes, they work with artists to create original, stunning artwork for each variety they sell. These “Art Packs” are as much collector’s items as they are practical gardening tools.
“We wanted to make seed packets that were beautiful and meaningful,” Greene explains. “Each one tells the story of the seed inside—where it comes from, what it means, and why it’s worth growing.”
This dedication to history and beauty makes opening a pack of seeds feel like unwrapping a gift. You are not just buying lettuce or tomatoes. You are stepping into a lineage of farmers, gardeners, and seed savers who have passed these plants down for generations.
Seeds for a Changing Climate
Growing plants is never just about the present. It is about the future, too. Hudson Valley Seed Company understands this better than most. Their commitment to open-pollinated, non-GMO, and mostly organic seeds is not just about quality. It is about resilience.
“When you plant open-pollinated seeds, you’re creating a plant that can adapt to your environment,” Greene says. “That means stronger plants, healthier ecosystems, and a more sustainable food system.”
This focus on climate-resilient gardening is especially important as weather patterns become more unpredictable. Heirloom and regionally adapted seeds are more likely to thrive in changing conditions, making them an essential part of the fight for food security and biodiversity.
A Hub for Gardeners, Farmers, and Curious Beginners
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or someone who has never grown anything beyond a windowsill basil plant, Hudson Valley Seed Company has something for you. Their storefront in Accord is open year-round, with a greenhouse buzzing with life from April to October. They also host workshops, classes, and pop-up events designed to teach everything from seed saving to sustainable gardening techniques.
“We love seeing people come in, excited to start their gardens,” Muller says. “There’s something about this time of year—when everything is waking up again—that makes people want to plant something.”
And for those who are not local, their online store offers an incredible selection of seeds, tools, and even gardening books, ensuring that the joy of growing is accessible no matter where you are.
Looking Ahead: Sowing Seeds for the Next Generation
The work being done at Hudson Valley Seed Company is not just about today’s gardens. It is about ensuring that the seeds we plant now will be there for future generations. This is why they work closely with organizations focused on seed sovereignty, native plant restoration, and agricultural education.
One of their most meaningful collaborations is with the Native American Seed Sanctuary, where they help indigenous communities grow and preserve ancestral seeds.
“These seeds are not just plants,” Greene says. “They are tied to ceremonies, to language, to culture. If we lose them, we lose a part of our history.”
How to Get Involved This Spring
If you are feeling the call of the garden this spring, there are plenty of ways to bring a little bit of Hudson Valley Seed Company into your life. Visit their shop in Accord, browse their seed collections online, or attend one of their upcoming workshops to learn how to grow and save seeds like a pro.
And if you are new to gardening, do not be intimidated. As Greene says, “If you can grow hope, you can grow a garden.”
11 Airport Road, Accord, NY 12404
845-204-8769
Store Hours: 10 AM - 4:30 PM (Closed Tuesday & Wednesday)
Website: hudsonvalleyseed.com
Instagram: @hudsonvalleyseedco
