Unkle_John
12-15-2007, 11:10 AM
Swap Seeds This Season
by Tabitha Alterman
If you're getting eager to start your garden, you're probably already
stockpiling seed catalogs and making wish lists. But before you order
a long list of seeds from the catalogs, you might want to try
acquiring seeds through fun and easy seed swaps. You can save a little
money this way, and it's a great excuse to get together with other
local gardeners. Plus you'll be joining the efforts of gardeners
worldwide to preserve plant diversity and keep many heirloom garden
plants around for generations to come.
The traditional model of a seed swap is an informal local
get-together, usually in early spring, where gardening neighbors all
bring extra seeds saved from previous seasons -- along with any
surplus seedlings they won't be able to use that year -- and trade
these valuable goods among themselves. Who had the juiciest tomatoes
last year? You'll want a few seeds from those plants. You started too
many Broccoli seedlings in your backyard greenhouse? Why not spread
the love around?
The most valuable aspect of attending a seed swap may actually be the
chance to glean local wisdom about what works -- or doesn't work -- in
your shared gardening microclimate. To find a seed swap near you,
check with local gardening clubs and food co-ops. If you decide to
organize a local seed swap this year (check out this guide (
http://www.foodnotlawns.com/seedswap.html ) on how to do that), think
about inviting an expert who can talk to your community about how
important the efforts of gardeners are in preserving our global
biodiversity.
You may also want to join an online seed exchange. For just $35, you
can become a member of Seed Savers Exchange (
http://www.seedsavers.org/membership.asp ) and immediately have access
to thousands of rare vegetable, fruit and grain seeds. They also have
a special group (also a $35 fee) for people who are interested in
exchanging flower and herb heirlooms.
Still have more seeds than you can possibly use? Consider making a
donation of seeds to the America the Beautiful Fund (
http://www.america-the-beautiful.org ). Their Operation Green Plant (
http://www.america-the-beautiful.org/free_seeds/index.php ) donates
seeds to worthy projects, such as school and community gardens.
Read More:
http://www.motherearthliving.com/issues/motherearthliving/organic_gardening/Swap-Seeds-at-Seed-Exchanges_796-1.html
If you haven't subscribed to this magazine, please get on their site and read it online, aslo get on their mailing list for great tips and ideas.
by Tabitha Alterman
If you're getting eager to start your garden, you're probably already
stockpiling seed catalogs and making wish lists. But before you order
a long list of seeds from the catalogs, you might want to try
acquiring seeds through fun and easy seed swaps. You can save a little
money this way, and it's a great excuse to get together with other
local gardeners. Plus you'll be joining the efforts of gardeners
worldwide to preserve plant diversity and keep many heirloom garden
plants around for generations to come.
The traditional model of a seed swap is an informal local
get-together, usually in early spring, where gardening neighbors all
bring extra seeds saved from previous seasons -- along with any
surplus seedlings they won't be able to use that year -- and trade
these valuable goods among themselves. Who had the juiciest tomatoes
last year? You'll want a few seeds from those plants. You started too
many Broccoli seedlings in your backyard greenhouse? Why not spread
the love around?
The most valuable aspect of attending a seed swap may actually be the
chance to glean local wisdom about what works -- or doesn't work -- in
your shared gardening microclimate. To find a seed swap near you,
check with local gardening clubs and food co-ops. If you decide to
organize a local seed swap this year (check out this guide (
http://www.foodnotlawns.com/seedswap.html ) on how to do that), think
about inviting an expert who can talk to your community about how
important the efforts of gardeners are in preserving our global
biodiversity.
You may also want to join an online seed exchange. For just $35, you
can become a member of Seed Savers Exchange (
http://www.seedsavers.org/membership.asp ) and immediately have access
to thousands of rare vegetable, fruit and grain seeds. They also have
a special group (also a $35 fee) for people who are interested in
exchanging flower and herb heirlooms.
Still have more seeds than you can possibly use? Consider making a
donation of seeds to the America the Beautiful Fund (
http://www.america-the-beautiful.org ). Their Operation Green Plant (
http://www.america-the-beautiful.org/free_seeds/index.php ) donates
seeds to worthy projects, such as school and community gardens.
Read More:
http://www.motherearthliving.com/issues/motherearthliving/organic_gardening/Swap-Seeds-at-Seed-Exchanges_796-1.html
If you haven't subscribed to this magazine, please get on their site and read it online, aslo get on their mailing list for great tips and ideas.