Save One Rare Variety This Summer
Sometimes scrolling through our Member Seed Exchange can be overwhelming. There are so many seeds - which should you try? If you got into seed saving because you wanted to make a difference, here's how:
It sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference for that variety because it doubles the number of people growing it and offering seeds. If every member did this one simple challenge, every single vulnerable variety in the Directory would be instantly a lot more safe.
You can also find rare seeds with our Canadian Seed Catalogue Index - a list of all the garden vegetable seeds sold in Canada. Look for a variety that's only sold by one company, buy it, save the seeds, and offer them in our Seed Exchange - and at seed swaps, and local seed libraries next year! It's an easy way to diversify the seeds that gardeners can grow, and you can help save that variety when other seed savers grow it too!
Seed Regulations Survey
As you might have learned at Seedy Saturday and Seedy Sunday events this year, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is leading a major process to update Canada's national seed regulations. The outcome will have a huge impact on farmers and our food system, and you have an opportunity this month to help shape the public response.
Seed is the foundation of our food system. For over 100 years, Canada has benefited from a robust seed regulatory system that provides trustworthy, high quality seed, and gives farmers access to the information they need to make informed decisions.
This is your chance to express your opinions with a clear message that our seed regulations must continue to work in the public interest, and in the interests of farmers.
Seed Libraries Across Canada - Part 5
Up until now, most or all of the Seed Libraries we’ve highlighted through this series have been run either by dedicated individuals, small community groups, or environmental organizations. But many, many Seed Libraries across the country operate through public library systems. And when you think about the reasons why, it makes a great deal of sense.
Libraries are where a lot of people already go for resources and information. They see a lot of foot traffic, they tend to be located in convenient locations, and they are (or should be) designed for accessibility. On top of all of this, they already have an established system for borrowing and returning items, which is the basis of how Seed Libraries operate as well.
Leaf Some Space for Pollinators This Spring!
Spring clean-up is about to begin across Canada, and gardeners are itching to get out there and prepare their gardens for another season.
But wait! There are good reasons to put off that chore just a little longer, or at least be gentle when you clean up the yard. Pollinators are just waking up from hibernation, and they still need a little time to get active after their long sleeps.
In this issue
Seed Libraries Across Canada - Part 5
Leaf Some Space for Pollinators This Spring!
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