Sustainable Crediton's 5th Annual Seed Share
was the best yet. The hall was packed with visitors. By the end
almost everything had been snapped up.
Visitors enjoyed the stands by Once Read books, Tiverton
Beekeepers, Devon Wildlife Trust and Orchards Live. There were
also displays by the Woodland and Hedgerow group, together with a
composting display and a wide range of information from Sustainable
Crediton.
The Woodland and Hedgerow group have formed a group called the
Woodsmen and entertained the visitors and stallholders alike with
rousing renditions of favourite songs, many with a "wood" theme.
Quite a few people were spotted joining in with the singing and
also dancing, which all made for a great atmosphere.
The delicious homemade soups and cakes were also much
appreciated while meeting up with friends old and new and while
being entertained by the Woodsmen. The homemade chutneys and jams
were also very popular.
For those that came, thank you and please save your seeds this
year so we can have an even better event next year. If you need
help with seed saving visit our website and follow the links to
some simple seed saving tips. You can also visit http://www.realseeds.co.uk/seedsavinginfo.html
on line which has lots of information about seeds saving and
growing.
Saving seed from one year to plant the next
is a long-established skill, practiced since man began purposely
growing food to feed himself. A seed swap works by people
bringing seeds they have saved and taking away other people's seeds
to use. It doesn't matter if you haven't any seeds to
bring. It is hoped that by next year you will saved some seeds
and bring them to the next seed swap. No charge, voluntary
donations only.
Today, seed swapping can:
- Help protect biodiversity and keeps the diversity of locally
adapted varieties going
- Maintain growing skills
- Get round the National List, which makes it illegal to sell
varieties not on the list.
- Seed swaps keep seed making in the garden and out of the
laboratory and resists the privatisation of plant genetic
material.
- Saving seed and seed swaps introduce you to other local
gardeners and help develop a sense of community
- Very helpfully, saving seed can also can also save you
money.
You can bring both vegetable and flower seeds. It would be
helpful if you label packets with the type, variety and date
collected e.g. Tomato Moneymaker 2008. Surplus commercial seed
packets are also acceptable.