Worcester Community Garden joined the Heritage Seed Library (HSL) in October 2025. The HSL, run by Garden Organic, maintains the national collection of heritage and heirloom vegetables, holding more than 800 varieties of seeds, including rare varieties adapted to specific growing conditions, heirloom seed varieties saved over generations and varieties no longer available to buy.
The HSL is a vital resource to connect people with heritage and heirloom seed, keep these varieties alive and increase biodiversity. Much of our cultivated biodiversity – including vegetable seeds we grow to eat – has been in decline. Over the last century, we have lost many hundreds of local vegetable varieties, grown for generations by seed companies, families and communities. Factors adding to this decline include intensive production of a reduced number of species, industrialisation of agriculture and food processing, seed regulations and loss of open-pollinated, traditional varieties.
For 2026, we have chosen over 20 heritage seeds to grow. Each month we will share news about the heritage seeds we are growing and our partnership with the Heritage Seed Library.
Heritage Seed of the Month
March 2026
Szechuan aubergine is a warm-season annual plant that produces slender, thin-skinned purple fruits with tender, mildly sweet flesh and few seeds. Compared to globe eggplants, it’s less bitter and cooks quickly.
It thrives in full sun, fertile well-drained soil, warm temperatures (18–30°C), and consistent moisture. Fruits are best harvested young when glossy and firm. 🌱
Our Aubergine Szechuan seeds were sown under cover in mid February and germinated on March 1st. We will be growing this in Greenhouse 1.