AS seed savers we were distressed to read in Anne Rice's gardening article (Courier June 14) advice not to save your own seeds.

We in Sustainable Crediton Food Group regularly save seeds and hold an annual "Seed Share".

We have very successfully grown plants from saved seeds such as parsnip, tomato, spinach and various herbs and wild flowers, in addition to the pea and bean seeds mentioned as exceptions in the article.

Seed saving saves us money and enables us to give seeds away at the Seed Share. It means that we are not governed by the multinational seed companies and rules designed to lessen the variety of seeds available.

We can grow heirloom and lesser known varieties such as those preserved in the national Heritage Seed Library at Garden Organic. Our seeds are not treated with chemicals and are from plants that grow well in this area.

Seed saving is a natural process practised over generations. It is opposed by big companies that profit from the sale of seeds.

For more information and advice on how to save seeds go to the Sustainable Crediton website at http://www.sustainablecrediton.org.uk/food/grow-your-own/seed-swap.aspx">www.sustainablecrediton.org.uk/food/grow-your-own/seed-swap.aspx or contact [email protected]">[email protected] for a seed saving leaflet.

Sustainable Crediton Food Group

c/o Linda Lever

Furlongs

Long Barn

Crediton