Southern Summer Guild

This seed collection includes 11 open-pollinated varieties selected for cooperative growth: Beans: Cherokee Pole Snap Bean, Black Turtle Bean (Organic) Cover Crops: Crimson Clover, Alfalfa Flowers & Pollinators: Sunflower – All Sorts Mixture, Calendula - Pacific Beauty Mixture Greens & Brassicas: Malabar Spinach Herbs: Thai Basil – Siam Queen Melons & Watermelons: Georgia Rattlesnake Watermelon Roots & Alliums: Daikon Minowase Radish, Okra – Red Burgundy

This guild was crafted as a living ecosystem—each seed selected not in isolation, but in harmony with the rest. Guided by principles of polyculture and regenerative planting, the combination supports layered growth: tall plants create structure, vines weave through for ground coverage, and flowers draw in helpful insects. These mutually supportive roles reduce the need for synthetic inputs and invite balance. The garden becomes a place of relationship—between species, between soil and sun, and between people and their food source. Ideal for those seeking abundance through connection, resilience, intentional planting, and in the end acheiving food sovereignty.

Every seed in this collection is Heirloom, non-GMO, untreated, and open-pollinated—ideal for growers, educators, and seed savers. Many are rare or underrepresented in commercial gardening but offer exceptional value in flavor, resilience, and cultural depth. You’ll receive a blend of flowering plants, vegetables, grains, herbs, and cover crops curated to grow well together, save seed reliably, and restore both land and spirit.

Each plant in this set contributes to the system as a whole including: climbing, cover, bushy, flowering, leafy, root, sprawling

Includes seeds that are culturally important to the Cherokee; selected to honor traditional foodways and regional heritage. Based on traditional companion planting systems that support biodiversity, soil health, and cooperative growth. Encourages pollinator activity through diverse flowering plants, aiding both biodiversity and yield. Ideal for fresh eating and home cooking, with a mix of herbs, greens, and vegetables.

These seeds perform well across most U.S. regions and especially thrive in warm, humid climates like Florida. Sun, healthy soil, and a diversity of quality seed varieties is key. Use mulch to retain moisture, reduce maintenance, and support soil life. Taller plants like corn or sunflowers provide structure and natural trellising. Beans climb, fix nitrogen, and benefit from structural support. Sprawling crops like squash or melons shade the soil and retain moisture. Flowering herbs and blooms attract beneficial insects and pollinators. Cover crops like clover and alfalfa boost soil fertility and protect the ground. Observe, gain understanding, and interact. Participation is more important than perfection—your garden will grow as a living system either way. See individual growing tips per variety.