Seed Swap in Swaptember

Come and join us for a seed swap in September as part of Council’s Swaptember events. We will focus on Plant the Seed – Save the Seed – Plant the Seed to demonstrate the importance and value in using good seeds to provide for future plantings.

Bring in your seeds, learn how to preserve them and learn about local-specific varieties in a seed swap workshop at Moss Vale Community Gardens, led by the wonderful Jill Cockram, Garden Coordinator and the gardening team.

Saving open-pollinating seeds will save money and will also provide abundant seed compared to commercially packeted seed, in fact, sufficient seed to encourage future seed-swapping.

At this event you will learn:

• that one swap of open-pollinating seed can result in a lifetime of plants – by continuing the cycle of saving seeds then replanting
  basic seed anatomy
• why we don’t bother saving seed of F1 hybrids
• how to choose non-cross-pollinating varieties to ensure seed purity
• the purpose of seed-raising calendars for successful seed-raising and subsequently seed saving in our climate
• safe storage against vermin and for seed longevity
• how to check seed viability before planting out in season to ensure successful seed raising
• the benefits of growing and swapping seed with like-minded people for social, educational and sustainable outcomes (like the Southern Highlands Local Seed Network).

Participants will:

practice different seed cleaning techniques with seeds they have brought to swap and with seeds provided by the community garden
clean and winnow seeds to remove detritus before safely storing
packet saved seeds and share them amongst the group to take home
share information regarding cool temperate planting tips and tricks for varieties they may have saved over many seasons.

What do I bring?

Participants will need to bring either a sample of seeds for swapping that they have already cleaned or that we can clean/winnow during the workshop for sharing with others. If you don’t have any seeds don’t worry, we have some to provide. However, to ensure there is enough for everyone, where possible please bring in your own seeds.

What will be provided?

We will provide morning tea, and open-pollinating seeds for cleaning and swapping amongst participants.