In the orchards, we are pruning and collecting scion wood for bench grafting in spring. We are also planning a new orchard for varieties that we have secured from Loughgall, which we didn’t have in our collection, and also varieties which have been drawn to our attention in Ireland and have since been DNA tested as unique. We would be delighted if you have any suggestion on what name we could give this new heritage orchard. If you would like to suggest a name please email us at info@irishseedsavers.ie.

We have fulfilled all postal orders for our bare root apple trees and now turning our attention to land preparation for rootstocks. Over the Christmas period, the Brian Boru oak saplings were posted out to successful applicants to celebrate Irish Seed Savers 30th anniversary year, with at least one sapling being planted in every county in Ireland.

If you are a current supporter and would like a selection of scion wood for use in grafting your own heritage apple trees please email info@irishseedsavers.ie with your details and varieties you would like. Scion wood orders for supporters must be received by February 14th and will cost €8 Euros per bundle/variety plus postage.

Our Seed Bank is a hive of activity at this time of year. Packing seeds and processing the hundreds of orders from supporters and the general public requires a huge team effort from everyone here at Irish Seed Savers. Out in the gardens we are turning over green manures in our tunnels while keeping an eye on our overwintering vegetables. January is the perfect time to start planning your garden and that’s no exception for us here on the farm. Planning crop rotations can prove tricky when a lot of our varieties can take two years or more to produce seed.


Our seed team are busy packing and processing supporter orders.