February and March are the best months to time to buy, sell and trade local seeds.
Most farmers will have spent many a dark wintery night pouring over their farm plans, seed catalogues and planting schedules awaiting the last frost and signs that spring will soon be on the way. Perhaps you do the same thing on a smaller scale whether it’s for your backyard plot, community garden, greenhouse or apartment balcony. I’d like to hope that the last frost came and went last week and it’s time to get serious about the first plantings of the year. The middle of this month is a great time to get seeds going inside near a bright sunny window or in a greenhouse. (we have our tomatoes and leeks on a warming mat and they are looking very happy so far!!)
Why buy local seeds you may ask?
1. It is another way to support your local farmers. Seed saving is an important part of harvest allowing farmers to be self-sufficient and create another revenue stream.
2. Seeds from local plants have adapted themselves to the climate, soil conditions and ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest. They are more resistant to pest in our region.
3. You can connect with your local growers and seed savers. Ask questions, share information and seek advice from the very people who have experience growing these particular plants.
4. Put money back into our local economy and avoid the big companies who threaten to spread terminator seeds around the globe.
5. Save and share open pollinated and heirloom seeds to preserve local plant heritage.
6. Enjoy the best tasting vegetables grown from quality, organic and lovingly preserved seeds.
Where can you find local seeds?
Seedy Saturdays
Victoria
February 19th, 10am – 4pm
Victoria Conference Centre (720 Douglas Street)
Admission: $7, under 12 free
Get all the details on vendors and speakers here.
Sooke
February 26, 10am – 3pm
Sooke Community Hall, 2037 Shields Road (across from Legion)
More info!
Courtenay
Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Ave (downtown Courtenay)
March 5th, 10am – 3pm
Early bird wristbands: $6 Door: $8
Visit the site!
Gabriola Island
Seedy Saturday and Spring Fair
March 5th, 11am – 3pm
More info!
Nanaimo
(Seedy Sunday)March 6th, 10am – 3pm
Bowen Park Auditorium, 500 Bowen Road
Admission: $3
More info!
Cobble Hill
March 12th, 10am – 3pm
Cobble Hill Hall, 3550 Watson Avenue
Don’t miss guest speaker, Dan Jason of Saltspring Seeds at 1pm “How to start a community seed bank”
Email for more info!
Duncan
March 26, 10am – 3pm
Mercury Theatre, 331 Brae Road
More info!
If you can’t make it to any of these island seed events there are still local seed companies that you can connect with.
Jump back to our 12 Days of Shopping Local: Seeds! to find some useful links.
Here is a quick reference list:
Seeds of Victoria
Full Circle Seeds
Old Country Seeds
Saltspring Island Seeds
Brother Nature Organic Seeds
Stellar Seeds
Happy Seed Shopping & Planting! We’d love to hear about some of your most unique purchases or trades!
