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Here we are in that 'seedy season' again. Across the country, garden groups are coordinating their annual seed-swapping events. Perhaps you have attended a Seedy Saturday in your community to share or purchase seeds. These gatherings are a happy punch of gardening when the temperatures are still too cold for planting
If a seed exchange is something new for you, here's a little on what to expect and how to prepare.
At a seed exchange, people share seeds they have saved from their own garden. These seeds are usually free. Groups that support urban agriculture (think veggie plots in backyards and community gardens) join in with Canadian-sourced organic seeds for sale. You can come home with vegetable and flower seeds and information on cultivation.
Before you go, it's a good idea to 'learn the lingo'. These seed terms are relevant whether you attend a swap or purchase seed from a supplier.
If a seed exchange is something new for you, here's a little on what to expect and how to prepare.
At a seed exchange, people share seeds they have saved from their own garden. These seeds are usually free. Groups that support urban agriculture (think veggie plots in backyards and community gardens) join in with Canadian-sourced organic seeds for sale. You can come home with vegetable and flower seeds and information on cultivation.
Before you go, it's a good idea to 'learn the lingo'. These seed terms are relevant whether you attend a swap or purchase seed from a supplier.
Basic Seed Terminology
Heirloom and heritage ― These terms tend to be used interchangeably, says Canadian Gardening magazine, "to refer to varieties that have been grown reliably for at least half a century; some can be traced back much farther."
The best resource for learning more about heritage seeds, seed conservation and exchanges, is the non-profit Seeds of Diversity, which encourages "the cultivation of heirloom and endangered varieties of food crops" through community events, membership and online seed sharing.
Open-pollinated ― This generally refers to "seeds that will 'breed true.' When the plants of an open-pollinated variety self-pollinate, or are pollinated by another representative of the same variety, the resulting seeds will produce plants roughly identical to their parents." (Wikipedia) These varieties retain a more diverse, stronger genetic heritage. Seed catalogues and packets will usually indicate if seeds are open-pollinated.
Hybrid seed ― This refers to the process of seed production. Hybrid seeds are "produced by parent plants that have been naturally or artificially cross-fertilized to create desired features in the offspring," according to Canadian Gardening. It is through this process that new cultivated varieties (or cultivars) are established. But as you may know, the seed from hybrid plants is frequently sterile if different species are crossed. They will not grow 'true to type' if they germinate and if they do, most often the plants revert to characteristics of their "grandparents." Gardeners wanting a particular hybrid will purchase fresh seed each year.
The best resource for learning more about heritage seeds, seed conservation and exchanges, is the non-profit Seeds of Diversity, which encourages "the cultivation of heirloom and endangered varieties of food crops" through community events, membership and online seed sharing.
Open-pollinated ― This generally refers to "seeds that will 'breed true.' When the plants of an open-pollinated variety self-pollinate, or are pollinated by another representative of the same variety, the resulting seeds will produce plants roughly identical to their parents." (Wikipedia) These varieties retain a more diverse, stronger genetic heritage. Seed catalogues and packets will usually indicate if seeds are open-pollinated.
Hybrid seed ― This refers to the process of seed production. Hybrid seeds are "produced by parent plants that have been naturally or artificially cross-fertilized to create desired features in the offspring," according to Canadian Gardening. It is through this process that new cultivated varieties (or cultivars) are established. But as you may know, the seed from hybrid plants is frequently sterile if different species are crossed. They will not grow 'true to type' if they germinate and if they do, most often the plants revert to characteristics of their "grandparents." Gardeners wanting a particular hybrid will purchase fresh seed each year.
Seed Packet Templates
If you have seeds to share this year, what could be better than preparing your own seed packets? I've gathered three seed packet templates designed for personal use. Just download and print. Be warned that some assembly is required! You might want to get a seed packaging party together. Have fun as you spread a little seedy love!
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Photo credits ― All seed images from morgueFile.com
For email subscribers ― Be sure to view this post online at www.therebloomsagarden.com if you have any difficulty accessing the downloadable files.
For email subscribers ― Be sure to view this post online at www.therebloomsagarden.com if you have any difficulty accessing the downloadable files.
