Seed Savers Exchange of Decorah is hosting a free Tomato Tasting and Seed Saving Workshop Saturday, Aug. 30.
    The Tomato Tasting will run from 1-5 p.m., offering visitors the opportunity to sample a wide variety of tomatoes and learn the basics of seed preservation. Tomato seed saving workshops are scheduled for 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Lillian Goldman Visitors Center. 
    More than 30 varieties of tomatoes of all colors and sizes will be available, including white, red, pink, purple, yellow, green and striped tomatoes.  Seed Savers also will be providing refreshments.
    The tomato seed saving workshop will explain simple techniques to preserve tomato seeds. This workshop allows gardeners to save money by preserving and enhancing their stock of seeds.
    “This popular event gives people the opportunity to experience the wide diversity of tomatoes available, as well as provide them with the knowledge to improve their own gardens.
    The workshop is a great family event in addition to promoting the importance of saving heirloom varieties as part of our gardening tradition,” said Kent Whealy, co-founder and former executive director of the Seed Savers.
    The Tomato Tasting and Seed Saving Workshop is free and people of all ages are welcome. Camping will be available that weekend for $15/site. 
    Only 6 miles from Decorah, Seed Savers Heritage Farm provides hours of outdoor recreation and education, where visitors can stroll 890 acres, complete with gardens featuring historic plants and flowers, a herd of ancient White Park Cattle and scenic trails.
    Decorah, named “one of America’s ‘Great Small Town Getaways’” by Midwest Living Magazine.
    Downtown Decorah boasts of shopping and dining, while the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, Luther College, and the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum are only a short distance away.  Decorah also offers many outdoor activities to enjoy, including biking, canoeing, and hiking along the Upper Iowa River, as well as two area golf courses.
    For more information about Seed Savers Exchange and the Decorah area, see www.decoraharea.com or www.seedsavers.org.