Nov 5, 2025
Matt Bell has worked at Johnny’s Selected Seeds in Albion, Maine, since 2018. He is currently a trial technician focusing on cucurbits, but today’s conversation dives into some of his previous work with brassicas.
Matt comes from a family with a long history of seed saving and continues that tradition by growing seed at home outside of his work at Johnny’s. He also grows vegetables for his partner’s café, Café Grazie, in Rockland, Maine.
In this episode, Matt shares how he approaches seed production with intentional goals, five-year selection plans, and the value of diversity over uniformity. We dive deep into overwintering brassicas — from digging and potting plants, pruning, and greenhouse setup, to managing cold-hardiness, rodent and aphid pressures, and drip irrigation.
Enjoy the conversation!
The
Seed Farmer Mentorship is open for registrations!
Episode links
Register for the Free 2025 Midwest Organic Seed Summit
Stay in Touch
Follow the Seed Farmer on instagram
Get my weekly seed newsletter
Order Tourne-Sol seeds (Canadian orders only)
Get my new book The Seed Farmer
https://danbrisebois.com/seedfarmerbook/
❤️ Thanks for listening!