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Heirloom tomatoes #923288

Asked January 03, 2026, 9:34 PM EST

Hello! I am wondering if you can tell me where I could find seeds for rare or endangered tomato varieties so that I could grow and try to keep seeds to help keep them going? I'm especially interested in the old Livingston varieties but can only find a few online. Is there any group in Ohio that focuses on this? Thanks!

Highland County Ohio

Expert Response

Hello Laura,

There are a number of heirloom seed saving organizations, and sellers in Ohio. I've provided a list of links below.

Community Food Initiatives has supported preservation of seeds important to the Appalachian region of Ohio. While they no longer sell seed they are likely to have information to share.

Ohio Valley Seed Swap is a Facebook group that runs online and in person events. I have no direct experience with this group.

Ohio Heirloom Seeds is a speciality business in Columbus. Sharing this link is not an endorsement of the business, not do I have first hand experience with them,

Nationally there are a number of organizations that save, and sell seeds for heirloom, or at risk vegetable varieties:

Sandhill Preservation Center in Iowa also works to preserve heirloom poultry breeds

Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) is the oldest, national group working to preserve seeds

Slow Food USA Ark of Taste is another possible resource for locating seed. The Cincinnati chapter of Slow Food has done seed preservation work in Ohio.


Good luck, and thanks for reaching out to Ask a Master Gardnener

Karolyn Replied January 04, 2026, 12:08 PM EST

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