FOOD SECURITY: Learn about seed saving this weekend in South Okanagan
Gardeners in the South Okanagan can reap more of what they sow by learning about seed saving at the Summerland Fall Fair.
The age-old practice of seed saving seems to be going through a phase of rediscovery.
“When I go grocery shopping lately, a lot of shelves are bare, the things on shelves seem expensive,” said Caroline McKay, community librarian in Summerland. “Increased food security is about preparing myself and my family for a winter that might be a little bit challenging.”
It’s not always as easy as throwing the seeds straight into the soil, but the practice isn’t too difficult to learn, McKay said.
“Their disposition is that they want to grow," she said.
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For anyone interested in connecting with a larger network of seed savers, the Summerland library has a seed bank that’s free to use.
“Even just getting one package from a seed library and sharing them with friends – it saves everybody money,” McKay said.
The bank is supplied by seeds donated by local gardeners. Anyone with a library card can “check out” up to 10 packages of seeds each year, free of charge.
“Sometimes we get really special heirloom seeds like purple fava bean and Dakota black popcorn,” she said.
The most commonly sought-after seeds come from tomatoes and peppers. In addition to veggies there are also seeds for flowers and herbs.
“We’ve had a really positive experience with the seed library so far,” McKay says.
The seed bank is always accepting donations from generous gardeners.
Anybody interested in learning about seed saving should visit the Summerland Fall Fair this Saturday, Sept. 10. The fair happens between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Museum and Arts Centre Park, and the Seed Saving exhibition is a self-directed, drop-in event at the library until 5 p.m.
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