Seedy Saturday Recap

Seedy Saturday was this past weekend, and it was great! Although I had done most of my seed buying already, there are always a few last things I need to pick up. Like, for example, when I just assume I have enough beet and carrot seed, without actually looking.  Ooops!

Or when family members mention seed they want you to start for them - after you've done your buying for the year, of course.

So, I picked up some stevia seeds for my brother (I'll keep some for me too, just to play with), but I'm still looking for catnip seeds for Dad. Well, for Dad's cat, but you know what I mean. Anyone out there with catnip seeds?

I also picked up some curly garden cress, red garnet amaranth, Pakistan okra and true red cranberry pole beans from Rhizome Farms - things I didn't know I wanted, but you know how that goes! Well, except for the beans - I always want new bean varieties, but I had put a moratorium on buying any this year. Hrm.  Unfortunately, I didn't actually get to talk to Elva about the okra seeds, but I hope to get some more info about them. I'm intrigued :D

And speaking of my bean addiction, Kate from the USC booth gave me some Blue Ribbon bush beans, supplied by Greta's Organics. Enablers, all of them!

Linda from Tree & Twig was nice enough to bring my seed order with her, and "refunded" my shipping charges by throwing in a pack of arugula seeds. This will be the first time I've grown arugula - thanks Linda!!

I also bought some carrot and beet seeds from both Tree & Twig and Urban Harvest - I love being able to go to events like this and see all the varieties on offer!

I managed to see a couple of the talks, but I had to leave early, which was too bad. It was nice to see just how popular the event was. There were a LOT of people there - it's great to see so many people interested in both gardening and in supporting some of the fantastic small seed suppliers we have in the area!

Heads Up - Seedy Saturday is Coming Soon!

 
It's that time of the year again - time for Seedy Saturday! And really, you should go. It's a great event - a chance to hear some great speakers, and peruse the wares of local (well, at least regional) businesses and organizations, including heirloom seed suppliers.

This year, it will be held on February 9, 2013, at the Glengate Alliance Church, 6009 Valley Way, Niagara Falls, from 10-3pm. A nice central location, good parking (and the parking should be free).

Confirmed speakers: Kathy Renwald (author, journalist, tv host), Theresa Forte (garden writer), Kate Green (USC), and Elva T (Rhizome Farm). 

Confirmed exhibitors: Seeds of Diversity, Urban Harvest, Garden of Eating Niagara, Your Private Gardener, Master Gardeners of Niagara and Tree & Twig (Linda of Tree & Twig is the main force behind Seedy Saturday - I don't know where she gets all her energy?)

There will probably be more exhibitors there, and of course, there is always the main focus of the event - the seed swap. But even if you don't have your own seeds to bring, you can still attend. It's an excellent event, and it's a great chance to meet other gardeners in the area.

You can read about last year's event here, and get more information about this year's event here.

These events are held all over, so if you aren't in the Niagara area, look around for your own event (sometimes it's held on Sunday, so make sure to search for both Seedy Saturday and Seedy Sunday, plus your location!). And if you can't find one in your area - start one :)