Got a need for seed?
Trade your saved heirloom seeds and pick up some planting tips at the Long Island Regional Seed Consortium‘s third annual Seed Swap at Suffolk County Community College’s Riverhead campus next month. The event is set for Saturday, Feb. 11, from noon to 4 p.m.
Admission is free, although donations will be accepted.
Expect informative talks on seed-saving and biodiversity. I went last year and learned lots about the logistics and politics of saving seeds (you can read more about it here).
Experts will be on hand to answer your gardening and seed-saving questions and the swap will include vegetable, flower and herb seeds. Tubers and bulbs can also be brought to the swap.
Seeds should be clearly labeled with their variety type and species, the year harvested or purchased, a brief description and the source. Do not bring invasive, hybrid or old seeds that will no longer germinate.
Talks won’t just be limited to seeds. Our favorite local beekeeper, Laura Klahre, will be on hand to discuss enhancing your garden with pollinators.
Those who are new to seed saving and don’t have any to share are still welcome and will likely be able to take home a limited number of seeds.
“Imagine the annual seed swap as an old-fashioned Facebook for seeds,” the LIRSC said in an email announcing the event. “Seed swaps serve so many purposes; not only are they fun, they are a way to meet other gardeners, farmers and seed savers, brush up on new techniques, ask questions, and of course get new seeds for your collection.”
The Long Island Regional Seed Consortium works to educate people on the importance of biodiversity and is the organization behind the project to save the Long Island Cheese Pumpkin. For more information, visit LIRSC.org or email [email protected].
Suffolk County Community College’s Riverhead campus is located at 121 Speonk Riverhead Road inRiverhead.
